The Best Private Schools in Sherwood, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sherwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving students from age 3 through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Sherwood, OES offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship, ethical leadership, and academic excellence with extensive AP course offerings, championship athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The 59-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Valley Catholic School
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries
Valley Catholic School provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong academic reputation serving the greater Portland metro area, including Sherwood families. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college-preparatory courses, with particular strengths in STEM education, visual and performing arts, and character development. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Valley Catholic maintains small class sizes and has a track record of graduates attending top colleges and universities.
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St. Anthony Catholic School
Archdiocese of Portland
St. Anthony Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located for Sherwood families seeking a faith-based education with strong academics. The school offers a balanced curriculum emphasizing core subjects, STEM education, Spanish language instruction, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, music room, art studio, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment, with graduates typically continuing to top private high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sherwood, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Sherwood, Oregon, and are they located within the city limits?
While Sherwood itself is primarily served by its highly-rated public school district, most private school options are located in nearby communities. The top-regarded schools that Sherwood families commonly consider include Oregon Episcopal School (in the Southwest Hills of Portland), Valley Catholic School (in Beaverton), and St. Anthony Catholic School (in Tigard). There are very few, if any, traditional K-12 private school campuses physically located within Sherwood's city boundaries. Therefore, parents should be prepared for a commute to neighboring Washington County or Portland for most private school options, which is a key logistical consideration for Sherwood residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Sherwood, Oregon, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools serving Sherwood families is generally at or above the Oregon state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $12,000-$15,000 at the elementary level (like St. Anthony) to over $30,000 for upper grades at Oregon Episcopal School. Importantly, all major schools offer robust financial aid programs. Valley Catholic and Oregon Episcopal, for example, have significant need-based grant allocations. Oregon also offers the "Opportunity Grant" for lower-income families, and some schools participate in state tax credit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Sherwood, Oregon, offer that might not be available in the public district?
Private schools in the greater Sherwood area provide specialized programs that can be a draw for families. Oregon Episcopal School (OES) features a distinctive global studies curriculum, extensive outdoor and environmental programs utilizing its 59-acre campus, and a renowned robotics program. Valley Catholic School offers a unique continuum of education from Pre-K through 12th grade on one campus, along with specialized programs in music and the arts tied to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon heritage, and strong STEM pathways. St. Anthony provides a focused, faith-based elementary education with character formation. These schools often have smaller class sizes and different pedagogical approaches (like OES's experiential learning) compared to Sherwood's public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Sherwood, Oregon, and when should Sherwood parents start planning?
The admission process for the top-tier private schools serving the Sherwood area is highly structured and begins very early. The key timeline is a full year in advance. For a fall 2025 start, the process typically opens in August/September 2024. Key steps include: attending open houses (fall), submitting applications (often by January 2025), student visits/testing (winter), and admission decisions released in March 2025. Given the competitive nature of schools like OES and Valley Catholic, Sherwood parents are advised to start researching and visiting schools 18-24 months in advance, especially for middle or high school entry points. Waiting lists are common, so adhering to deadlines is critical.
For a family living in Sherwood, what are the major considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Sherwood Public School District and a private school requiring a commute?
This decision hinges on several Sherwood-specific factors. First, evaluate the commute: driving to Beaverton, Tigard, or Portland during rush hour adds significant daily time. Second, consider educational philosophy: Sherwood Public Schools offer excellent, comprehensive programs with modern facilities, while private options offer specific religious affiliations (Valley Catholic, St. Anthony) or progressive, independent curricula (OES). Third, assess cost versus value: paying substantial tuition versus no cost for top-rated public schools. Fourth, consider social connections: attending a local public school keeps children in community networks, while a private school creates a separate social circle. Many Sherwood families choose public schools, but those seeking a particular mission-based education or smaller settings often find the commute worthwhile.
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