The Best Private Schools in Silverton, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Silverton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Catholic School
St. Paul Catholic Parish
St. Paul Catholic School provides faith-based education for students in preschool through 8th grade and serves families throughout the Willamette Valley, including Silverton. The school maintains strong academic standards with a focus on foundational skills, character development, and Catholic values. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by music, art, and technology integration. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and playground areas designed for different age groups.
Programs:
Blanchet Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Salem
Blanchet Catholic School serves students in grades 6-12 and is one of the top-rated private schools in the Salem metropolitan area, serving families from Silverton and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Blanchet provides personalized attention and strong community values. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
St. Mary's Public Academy
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Public Academy in nearby Mount Angel serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from Silverton and the surrounding agricultural communities. The school offers a well-rounded education with strong emphasis on core academic subjects, Catholic faith formation, and community service. Programs include comprehensive literacy instruction, mathematics, science labs, Spanish language introduction, and a distinguished music program. The school features recently updated facilities including smart classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Known for its tight-knit community and dedicated teachers, St. Mary's provides a nurturing environment with individualized attention.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Silverton, Oregon
What are the main private school options available for families in Silverton, Oregon, and what grade levels do they serve?
Silverton, Oregon, offers a few key private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. Blanchet Catholic School in nearby Salem serves grades 6-12 and is a common choice for Silverton families seeking a secondary education. Within Silverton itself, St. Paul Catholic School provides a Pre-K through 8th grade education. It's important to note that "St. Mary's Public Academy" appears to be a misnomer, as St. Mary's in Mt. Angel is a public school. For Silverton residents, exploring options in neighboring communities like Salem, Mt. Angel, and Woodburn is often necessary, especially for high school. Transportation considerations are key, as most private schools in the area do not provide district busing.
How does tuition at private schools in the Silverton, Oregon, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Silverton area varies. For the 2024-2025 year, St. Paul Catholic School in Silverton has tuition around $5,500-$6,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Blanchet Catholic School's tuition is approximately $13,000-$14,000. A critical financial consideration specific to Oregon is the "Opportunity Grant" tax credit program. Donations to organizations like the Archdiocese of Portland's Fulcrum Foundation, which provides need-based scholarships for Catholic schools, can be eligible for a 100% state tax credit, effectively reducing a donor's state tax liability dollar-for-dollar. This unique program can significantly increase scholarship availability for qualifying families in Silverton.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Silverton, Oregon, students?
Private schools serving Silverton often leverage their specific missions for unique programs. Blanchet Catholic School offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with notable STEM initiatives, arts programs, and a wide range of sports competing in the 3A classification. St. Paul Catholic School integrates faith-based learning with core academics and may offer specialized programs in music or community service rooted in the local Silverton community. A distinctive aspect for families in this region is the proximity to agricultural and environmental resources; some schools incorporate Oregon's natural landscape into science curricula or offer agricultural science electives not always found in standard public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Paul or Blanchet for a family living in Silverton?
For Silverton families, planning ahead is essential. St. Paul Catholic School (Pre-K-8) typically begins its priority registration for existing families and parishioners in January, with open enrollment for new families shortly after. Blanchet Catholic School (6-12) often has its application window open from October through January for the following fall, with placement exams held in early winter. Both schools usually require application forms, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Given the limited seats, especially in Blanchet's incoming 6th and 9th grades, applying early in the cycle is strongly advised. Unlike public schools, there are no geographic boundaries, but admission is selective.
For a family considering both, what are some key differences between Silverton's public schools (Silverton School District) and its private school options?
The key differences lie in scale, mission, and program specificity. Silverton Public Schools (e.g., Silverton High School) are larger, offer a broader array of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and extensive extracurricular activities, including larger athletic programs. Private options like St. Paul and Blanchet offer smaller class sizes, a values-based education rooted in Catholic tradition, and a consistent college-prep focus from middle school through high school. Financially, public schools are free, while private schools require tuition. For Silverton residents, a practical difference is transportation; the public district provides busing, while private schools typically require family-arranged transportation, which is a significant consideration given the rural nature of parts of the Silverton area.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities