The Best Private Schools in Ontario, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ontario. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverstone International School
Independent
Riverstone International School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from Ontario and the broader Treasure Valley region. As Idaho's only International Baccalaureate World School offering all three IB programs, it provides exceptional academic rigor with global perspectives. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and extensive outdoor education programs that leverage the region's natural environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Foothills School of Arts and Sciences
Independent
The Foothills School of Arts and Sciences is a progressive independent school known for its innovative, project-based approach to education. Serving students from Ontario and surrounding communities, the school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum integrates strong STEM components with comprehensive arts education, supported by specialized facilities including science labs, makerspaces, and performance areas. Teacher quality is exceptional, with faculty trained in progressive educational methods. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of Baker
Holy Family Catholic School is Ontario's premier local private school option, serving the community for over six decades. As part of the Diocese of Baker Catholic school system, it provides a faith-based education while maintaining strong academic standards across all grade levels. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a safe, values-oriented learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, a chapel, library, and playground areas. The curriculum balances core academic subjects with religious education, music, art, and physical education, creating well-rounded students prepared for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ontario, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ontario, Oregon, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Ontario, Oregon, offers a few distinct private school choices, each with a unique approach. **Riverstone International School** (located in nearby Boise, ID, and serving many Ontario-area families) is a prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) World School focusing on global citizenship and rigorous inquiry-based learning. Within Ontario city limits, **Holy Family Catholic School** provides a faith-based, traditional K-8 education infused with Catholic values. **The Foothills School of Arts and Sciences** (also in Boise) is known for its progressive, project-based curriculum emphasizing the arts and sciences. For Ontario residents, it's important to note that some top-tier options involve a commute to the Boise metro area, making transportation a key local consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Ontario, Oregon, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Ontario area varies significantly based on the school and grade level. Holy Family Catholic School, as a local parish school, typically has the most accessible tuition, often ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. The schools in the Boise area, like Riverstone and Foothills, have higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000 per year. Oregon does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial aid is primarily offered directly by the individual schools through need-based grants and occasional merit scholarships. Parents should inquire directly about financial aid applications and deadlines, which often align with enrollment timelines.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Ontario, OR, families that might not be available in public schools?
Private schools serving Ontario families provide several specialized programs. The most distinctive is the **International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme** at Riverstone International School, a globally recognized curriculum that is a major draw for college-preparatory families. Holy Family Catholic School offers integrated religious education and sacramental preparation. Schools like The Foothills School emphasize innovative STEM/STEAM labs and deep arts integration from an early age. For Ontario families interested in agriculture or equestrian pursuits—relevant to the local Malheur County economy—some regional private schools may offer related clubs or land-based learning, though specific offerings should be verified directly with each institution.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in and around Ontario, Oregon?
The process and timeline differ between the local Ontario school and the larger Boise-area schools. For **Holy Family Catholic School in Ontario**, enrollment often opens in early spring for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parish members. The process usually involves an application, records transfer, and a family meeting. For the competitive Boise-area schools like **Riverstone and Foothills**, the process is more formalized and begins much earlier—often a full year in advance. Applications typically open in September/October, with deadlines in January or February for the next academic year. These schools usually require student assessments, interviews, and teacher recommendations. Ontario families must plan for these earlier deadlines and potential travel for visit days.
For parents in Ontario, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Ontario-specific factors. The **Ontario School District** provides a comprehensive, tuition-free education with diverse extracurriculars, including strong agricultural and CTE programs relevant to the local community. Choosing a private school like Holy Family offers smaller class sizes, a specific religious environment, and a consistent K-8 pathway. Opting for a Boise-area private school involves a significant daily commute (45+ minutes each way), which impacts family logistics and costs, but provides access to world-class programs like the IB or highly progressive pedagogies. Parents should consider their child's need for a specific educational approach, the value of a faith-based foundation, their tolerance for commute time, and the family's financial capacity for tuition and transportation.