Top Private Schools in Portland Oregon - June 2026

USA / Oregon / Portland
Discover the top-rated private schools in Portland, Oregon, known for academic excellence and nurturing environments. Explore the best institutions offering premium K-12 education for your children.
1

Catlin Gabel School

USA, Portland
4.9

A premier independent, coeducational college preparatory school.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1911
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-503-297-1894
  • Email: admissions@catlin.edu

About the Company

Catlin Gabel is renowned for its progressive educational philosophy and strong focus on experiential learning. With a sprawling campus, it offers rigorous academics and vibrant arts programs that prepare students for top-tier universities worldwide.

Pros

  • Exceptional academic rigor
  • Strong arts program

Cons

  • High tuition costs
  • Competitive admissions
2

Oregon Episcopal School

USA, Portland
4.8

An inquiry-based school fostering academic and personal excellence.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1869
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-503-246-7771
  • Email: admit@oes.edu

About the Company

Oregon Episcopal School encourages students to push the boundaries of their potential through inquiry-based education. The school's unique landscape and dedication to community service help shape well-rounded, socially conscious individuals.

Pros

  • Stunning forest campus
  • Inquiry-based curriculum

Cons

  • Remote location
  • Heavy workload
3

Jesuit High School

USA, Portland
4.7

A Catholic, college-preparatory school focused on service and leadership.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1956
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-292-2663
  • Email: info@jesuitportland.org

About the Company

Jesuit High School combines high academic standards with the tradition of faith and service. Known for its strong athletic department and community-oriented atmosphere, it produces graduates prepared for both leadership and compassionate engagement.

Pros

  • Strong athletic program
  • Excellent college placement

Cons

  • Large class sizes
  • Religious curriculum focus
4

The International School

USA, Portland
4.6

An IB world school providing immersive language education.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1990
  • Employees: 50-150
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-226-2496
  • Email: admissions@intlschool.org

About the Company

Specializing in immersion education, The International School offers a global perspective through IB-certified programs. Students gain fluency in multiple languages while developing deep intercultural competencies from an early age.

Pros

  • Multilingual environment
  • IB curriculum

Cons

  • Limited facility space
  • High language intensity
5

Portland Lutheran School

USA, Portland
4.5

A Christ-centered community offering academic excellence for all grades.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1904
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +1-503-256-3960
  • Email: office@portlandlutheran.org

About the Company

Portland Lutheran School provides a supportive and value-driven environment for students. It balances strong core academics with spiritual growth, ensuring students leave prepared for higher education and professional life.

Pros

  • Supportive community
  • Affordable tuition

Cons

  • Smaller facility
  • Limited elective variety
6

St. Mary's Academy

USA, Portland
4.8

Portland's only all-girls college preparatory high school.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1859
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-228-8306
  • Email: admissions@smapdx.org

About the Company

St. Mary's Academy empowers young women through a rigorous curriculum focused on leadership and STEM. The all-girls environment fosters confidence and prepares students for success in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Pros

  • Women-focused empowerment
  • Strong STEM programs

Cons

  • Limited social interaction
  • Strict dress code
7

French International School of Oregon

USA, Portland
4.7

Providing a bilingual and bicultural education for diverse learners.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1979
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-292-7776
  • Email: info@faispdx.org

About the Company

This school delivers a challenging curriculum fully authorized by the French Ministry of Education and the IB. It promotes critical thinking and global citizenship through a unique dual-language approach.

Pros

  • Bilingual proficiency
  • IB diploma track

Cons

  • Highly selective
  • High parental involvement
8

Portland Waldorf School

USA, Portland
4.5

Holistic education focusing on arts, academics, and practical skills.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1982
  • Employees: 50-150
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-654-2200
  • Email: info@portlandwaldorf.org

About the Company

Portland Waldorf School offers a unique pedagogy that emphasizes imagination, social-emotional development, and hand-work alongside core subjects. It is ideal for families looking for an alternative to traditional, test-driven education.

Pros

  • Holistic approach
  • Creative curriculum

Cons

  • Different from standard grading
  • Long commute for some
9

Delphian School

USA, Portland
4.6

An independent co-educational school with a focus on study skills.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1976
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-503-843-3521
  • Email: info@delphian.org

About the Company

The Delphian School emphasizes self-paced learning and a focus on essential study skills. Its rigorous, individualized approach allows students to master complex concepts while preparing for a dynamic, global environment.

Pros

  • Individualized pacing
  • Strong study methodology

Cons

  • Isolated campus
  • Specific educational philosophy
10

Central Catholic High School

USA, Portland
4.7

An urban, faith-based school known for inclusivity and academic vigor.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1939
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-235-3138
  • Email: admissions@centralcatholic.org

About the Company

Located in the heart of Portland, Central Catholic High School offers a diverse environment rooted in Catholic traditions. It is recognized for its strong community programs and comprehensive college-preparatory coursework.

Pros

  • Inclusive community
  • Central location

Cons

  • High tuition
  • Urban traffic issues
11

Northwest Academy

USA, Portland
4.6

An arts-focused school for creative and critical thinkers.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1997
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-223-3367
  • Email: admissions@nwacademy.org

About the Company

Northwest Academy blends a strong academic college-prep curriculum with intensive performing and visual arts programs. The school fosters a culture of creativity where students are encouraged to express themselves and challenge norms.

Pros

  • Exceptional arts
  • Small classes

Cons

  • Limited sports
  • Narrow specialization
12

Oak Hill School

USA, Portland
4.5

A focus on personalized instruction in a small-group setting.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1968
  • Employees: 20-50
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-297-3501
  • Email: office@oakhillschool.net

About the Company

Oak Hill School excels in providing a nurturing environment where students receive individualized attention. It prides itself on low student-to-teacher ratios and a curriculum designed to foster lifelong curiosity.

Pros

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized care

Cons

  • Limited extracurriculars
  • Smaller campus footprint
13

St. Ignatius School

USA, Portland
4.5

Catholic education emphasizing service and moral leadership.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1908
  • Employees: 30-70
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +1-503-774-5533
  • Email: office@stignatiuspdx.org

About the Company

St. Ignatius provides a traditional academic grounding with a strong emphasis on character building. Through service projects and faith integration, students become engaged citizens ready to contribute positively to the broader community.

Pros

  • Strong community bonds
  • Values-based education

Cons

  • Older facilities
  • Traditional teaching methods
14

Cedarwood Waldorf School

USA, Portland
4.5

Urban Waldorf education in the heart of the Lair Hill neighborhood.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1997
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +1-503-245-1477
  • Email: admissions@cedarwoodschool.org

About the Company

Cedarwood Waldorf School provides a balanced, child-centered approach that integrates academics with artistic and practical pursuits. Its urban location offers unique opportunities for community engagement and nature-based exploration.

Pros

  • Holistic pedagogy
  • Engaged community

Cons

  • Urban space limitations
  • Unique grading system
15

De La Salle North Catholic High School

USA, Portland
4.6

A college-prep school with a unique corporate work-study program.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2001
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $
  • Phone: +1-503-285-9385
  • Email: info@dlsnc.org

About the Company

This school is distinguished by its corporate work-study program, giving students professional experience alongside their academic studies. It focuses on accessibility and career-readiness for all students regardless of background.

Pros

  • Work-study experience
  • Inclusive mission

Cons

  • Rigorous schedule
  • Limited extracurriculars

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What are the benefits of choosing private schools in Portland? Private schools in Portland offer smaller class sizes, specialized curriculum, and a strong sense of community.

How do I apply to private schools in Portland? Most schools require an application, academic transcripts, and an interview process during the fall for the following academic year.

Are there religious private schools in Portland? Yes, Portland hosts various faith-based private schools alongside secular independent institutions.

What is the average tuition for private schools in Portland? Tuition varies widely depending on the institution, ranging from moderate to premium prices.

Do private schools in Portland offer scholarships? Many private schools offer financial aid and merit-based scholarships for qualified students.

When is the best time to start the enrollment process? It is recommended to begin exploring and applying at least one year in advance of the desired enrollment date.