The Best Private Schools in Tualatin, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tualatin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Childpeace Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Childpeace Montessori is a premier Montessori school serving the Tualatin area from its Portland campus, with many families commuting from Washington County. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 months through 14 years, with AMI-trained teachers and a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school is noted for its beautiful, purpose-built environments, including specialized classrooms, gardens, and common areas designed to support independent learning. Childpeace maintains strong academic outcomes, with graduates consistently excelling in secondary education. The community emphasizes peace education, environmental stewardship, and parent involvement, with extensive extracurricular options in music, sports, and community service.
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The Arbor School of Arts & Education
Independent
The Arbor School is a highly-regarded independent private school located directly in Tualatin, known for its innovative arts-integrated education model. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning that fosters critical thinking and creativity. With small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio, Arbor provides personalized attention and a nurturing environment. The campus features modern classrooms, art studios, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. Academic excellence is demonstrated through strong standardized test scores and graduates who successfully transition to top high schools. Extracurricular offerings include robotics, music, drama, and environmental clubs, supported by dedicated faculty with advanced degrees.
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The International School of Portland
Independent
The International School of Portland is a top-rated independent school that serves Tualatin families seeking a global education. The school offers full language immersion programs in Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese from preschool through 5th grade, combined with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Students develop bilingualism and multicultural competence through an inquiry-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration. Facilities include state-of-the-art language labs, science rooms, performance spaces, and outdoor play areas. The school boasts exceptional teacher qualifications, with native-speaking instructors and low student-teacher ratios. Extracurricular activities include cultural clubs, sports, and international exchange programs, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tualatin, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available within Tualatin, Oregon, and do they serve all grade levels?
Within Tualatin city limits, a leading option is The Arbor School of Arts & Education, which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on integrated arts and project-based learning. For families in Tualatin, the broader metro area offers several highly-regarded schools a short drive away, such as Childpeace Montessori School (age 2 through 8th grade) in Portland and The International School of Portland (Pre-K through 5th grade). It's important to note that Tualatin itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, so many families consider schools in adjacent communities like Lake Oswego, Tigard, and Portland, which are accessible via major highways like I-5 and 217.
How does tuition for private schools in the Tualatin, Oregon area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Tualatin area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $12,000 to $25,000+ annually. Oregon offers specific financial aid opportunities that Tualatin families can utilize. The most notable is the "Opportunity Grant" tax credit program, which provides scholarships for students from middle-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and some participate in the "Children's Scholarship Fund Portland," which serves the wider metro area. Early inquiry about financial aid deadlines, which often precede admission deadlines, is crucial.
What unique academic or programmatic specializations can I find in private schools serving Tualatin, OR families?
Private schools accessible to Tualatin residents offer distinct specializations. The Arbor School, located in Tualatin, uniquely emphasizes arts integration across its entire curriculum. For language immersion, The International School of Portland offers full immersion programs in Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese—a rare find in the region. Childpeace Montessori provides an authentic, urban Montessori education through middle school. Furthermore, the proximity to the Silicon Forest tech corridor influences several area private schools to have robust STEM and robotics programs, often partnering with local companies for real-world learning experiences not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Tualatin, Oregon region?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Portland metro area, including those popular with Tualatin families, often begins 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (usually held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following fall, and participating in student assessments or classroom visits. Many schools have financial aid application deadlines in early winter. Due to limited seats, especially in primary grades, early planning is essential. Unlike the Tualatin public school district, which assigns based on residence, private school admission is selective and not guaranteed by geography.
For a family living in Tualatin, what are the practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the area?
Tualatin is served by the highly-rated Tigard-Tualatin School District, so the decision often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and program offerings. Key considerations include: **Transportation**—Tualatin public schools provide busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which can mean a significant commute to Portland or Lake Oswego. **Class Size**: Tualatin public elementary classes average 25-30 students, whereas private schools often have 15-20. **Special Programs**: Public schools offer robust special education and extracurriculars, while private schools may offer unique models like Montessori, International Baccalaureate, or language immersion. **Community**: Attending a Tualatin public school strengthens neighborhood ties, while a private school community is drawn from across the metro region.
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