Best Private Schools in Portland, OR 2026 Relocation Guide
For families making the decision to relocate to Portland, school choice often plays a defining role when deciding where to live. Portland’s private school landscape is diverse, offering everything from nationally ranked college-prep programs to language immersion, arts-integrated learning, and faith-based education. About 14% of Portland students attend private schools, a reflection of how many families value smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and educational philosophies tailored to individual learners.
If you are planning a 2026 move to Portland, Oregon, understanding Portland’s private school options early can make the relocation process smoother and help you narrow neighborhoods with confidence.
Why Do Portland’s Private Schools Stand Out?
Portland’s private schools mirror the city itself: thoughtful, diverse, and value-driven. Many different families from all walks of life are drawn to private education here for the personalized attention, flexible teaching models, and strong emphasis on whole-child development. In Portland, tuition runs higher than the Oregon state average, especially at the high-school level, where college prep programs, advanced coursework, and extracurricular offerings are common. For families, that cost reflects access to resources and learning environments that align closely with their long-term goals.
Top College-Prep Private Schools in Portland
The following schools are cited by relocating families for their academic rigor, reputation, and consistent college placement outcomes.
1. Catlin Gabel School
Considered one of Portland, Oregon’s top private schools, Catlin Gabel serves students from preschool through grade twelve. The progressive approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement, making it particularly appealing to families seeking a balance between academic challenge and personal growth.
2. Oregon Episcopal School
Known locally as OES, this school offers a robust academic program alongside strong athletics and extracurriculars. It often earns recognition not just within Oregon, but nationally, for its comprehensive college-preparatory environment.
3. Jesuit High School
Jesuit is widely respected for blending academic rigor with leadership development, as well as services. Families drawn to faith-based education often appreciate the school’s strong community culture and well-rounded student experience.
4. Central Catholic High School
Central Catholic High School has a long-standing history in Portland, emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, and service. It is a common choice for families seeking a more structured college-prep environment rooted in tradition.
5. St. Mary’s Academy
St. Mary’s Academy is an all-girls school that focuses on academic confidence, leadership, and empowerment within a supportive learning community. It’s often highlighted by families prioritizing mentorship and student voice.
Elementary & Specialty-Focused Private Schools
Not all families are looking for a full K-12 path right away, and Portland offers standout private schools with more distinctive educational approaches, especially at the elementary and middle-school levels.
1. International School of Portland
An IB World School, ISP, provides full language immersion starting in preschool. It is a strong choice for globally minded families or for those seeking early bilingual education.
2. Portland Waldorf School
Rooted in Waldorf philosophy, this school emphasizes creativity, rhythm, and experiential learning. The arts-integrated curriculum appeals to families who are looking for a more holistic educational approach through middle school.
3. French International School of Oregon
This school provides French-language instruction from preschool through grade 8, fostering bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding from an early age.
4. Bridges Middle School
There are programs like Bridges that offer supportive, small-group environments designed for students with diverse learning profiles, an important option for families seeking highly individualized attention for their children.
“When families move to Portland, private school choice often drives the neighborhood conversation. Commute times, traffic patterns, and daily routines start to matter a lot once you’ve narrowed your school list. Families who research schools early tend to feel more confident and less rushed when it’s time to choose a home.” –Dave Van Nus, Oregon Principal Real Estate Broker
Are There Faith-Based Private School Options?
Almost half of Portland’s private schools have a religious affiliation, offering families a wide range of faith-based educational environments. Catholic, Christian, Lutheran, and Jewish day schools are all represented, with many that combine strong academics with community service and values-driven learning. For families who want to prioritize education and faith, Portland provides more choice than many similarly sized cities.
Take Tuition, Financial Aid, and Planning into Consideration
Private school tuition in Portland will vary significantly by grade level and program, with high school typically being the most expensive. That said, many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and need-based tuition assistance, which can make private education more accessible than families might expect. Understanding these options early, alongside housing costs, can help families plan a move that feels financially sustainable long-term.
How Do I Choose the Right School When I Relocate?
With more than 125 private schools serving preschool through high school in the Portland area, families have no shortage of options. The key is narrowing the field based on learning styles, values, and daily logistics. Campus visits, conversations with admissions teams, and honest assessments of your child’s needs go a long way. Whether your priority is academics, language immersion, faith-based education, or creative learning, Portland’s private school landscape offers meaningful choices heading into 2026.
Ready to Move to Portland, OR and Find the Best School Fit for Your Children?
For families relocating to Portland, private schools are more than an educational decision; they are a lifestyle one. School choice often shapes neighborhood selection, daily routines, and long-term satisfaction with a move. By researching early and understanding how private education fits into Portland’s broader living landscape, families can relocate with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of direction. Trust the real estate professionals at Keller Williams Realty to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many beautiful, thriving urban Portland, OR, neighborhoods today.