Photo Courtesy of Northwest Academy
Along with the public school system, there are roughly 125 private schools in Portland. An estimated 14 percent of students attend private schools in Portland. One of the most highly acclaimed is the Oregon Episcopal School in southwest Portland. Notably, Oregon Episcopal has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the United States.
Just under half (about 44 percent) of the private schools are religiously affiliated. Moreover, overall acceptance rate sits averages 70 percent. Families particularly like the low student-to-teacher ratio at these schools (averaging 11:1) which is far below the rates found in the public school system. In addition, having the option to align faith with education is an added bonus.
Public or Private Schools in Portland
Whereas public schools accept every child that lives within it’s district. Private schools in Portland attract students for all over the city. Public schools are tasked with teaching everyone. For example, students without involved parents, homeless students and those who might be performing below grade level. Also, attending a public school in Portland is free. Private schools have a process in which a student applies and pays tuition to attend. Comparing a private and public schools is like comparing apples to oranges. What’s important to keep in mind is, what is best for the student. As long as the student excels, learns and is happy, they are in the right environment.
The average tuition in Portland for is just under $9000 per year for elementary schools and $12400 for high school students. These numbers are about on pace with national averages.
You can see a list of Portland-area private school options here.
