St. Matthew Catholic School

St. Matthew Catholic School is the best Catholic school in Hillsboro! St. Matthew is a micro-school, meaning there are less than 150 students enrolled, who implement the best practice of multiage classrooms.
Multiage classrooms put learning at the center, both socially and academically.
The older students in the class help teach the younger students by modeling more sophisticated, complex problem solving and critical thinking.
This also allows students to organically learn about leadership, mentoring and collaboration.
The younger children can seek guidance from older students rather than having to rely solely on assistance from an adult.
This not only enriches their learning experience, it also allows them to develop independence and to feel secure in their capabilities.
Multiage classrooms cultivate a child-led learning environment where students can develop a lifelong love of learning.
St. Matthew Catholic School teachers provide a rigorous, high-quality education to their students, as well as serve as moral role models, provide meaningful communication, and build trusting relationships to meet the needs of all the students they serve. Students and staff at St. Matthew Catholic School put their faith into action through service learning opportunities in the school, parish, and community.
St. Matthew students experience an education that forms the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and physically.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 83 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $7,377
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Matthew Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1914

Student Body

Total Students
83 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
60%
State avg.: 25%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
White or Navy Blue Polo or Dress shirt/ Khaki or Navy Blue Bottoms

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Rate shown is the qualified Catholic tuition rate. The Non-Catholic rate for the school year is $10,393/student . Qualifying Catholic families with more than one student also receive additional discounts. Financial Aid is available by applying through FACTS.
% on Financial Aid
55%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Kristin Jost, Principal
Admissions Associate
Karla Cardenas

School Notes

  • St. Matthew Catholic School is the best Catholic school in Hillsboro! St. Matthew is a micro-school, meaning there are less than 150 students enrolled, who implement the best practice of multiage classrooms. Multiage classrooms put learning at the center, both socially and academically. The older students in the class help teach the younger students by modeling more sophisticated, complex problem solving and critical thinking. This also allows students to organically learn about leadership, mentoring and collaboration. The younger children can seek guidance from older students rather than having to rely solely on assistance from an adult. This not only enriches their learning experience, it also allows them to develop independence and to feel secure in their capabilities. Multiage classrooms cultivate a child-led learning environment where students can develop a lifelong love of learning. St. Matthew Catholic School teachers provide a rigorous, high-quality education to their students, as well as serve as moral role models, provide meaningful communication, and build trusting relationships to meet the needs of all the students they serve. Students and staff at St. Matthew Catholic School put their faith into action through service learning opportunities in the school, parish, and community. St. Matthew students experience an education that forms the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and physically.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Matthew Catholic School cost?
St. Matthew Catholic School's tuition is approximately $7,377 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Matthew Catholic School?
The acceptance rate of St. Matthew Catholic School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 89%.
What is St. Matthew Catholic School's ranking?
St. Matthew Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Matthew Catholic School?
The application deadline for St. Matthew Catholic School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
Our son has been at St. Matthew's for two years now, and we think it is a great school! The teachers and staff are excellent, and the small class sizes and individual attention really help the students thrive and get the lessons that are right for their level. The students are tested three times a year using the standardized STAR test, which has been really helpful for us as parents to understand where our child is at and have metrics for how he is improving. We are very impressed with the quality of the education, and we love the school community - all the students know each other, and it really feels like a family. Students attend Mass weekly, and each day starts with morning prayer. Highly recommend it as a caring and safe environment with high-quality academics.
- Posted by
5  
St. Matthew is a wonderful school and we are so happy we discovered it. Our daughter is in 4th grade and has gone to both public elementary and another Catholic school in the area. St. Matthew is the best one she has gone to. The academics are strong and the students are diverse, but what really sets the school apart is the culture. Here you find a loving, caring environment for your child that is truly conducive to learning. The prevalence of native Spanish speakers has my daughter learning Spanish faster than before. They teach to the whole child. Kids here are respectful. My daughter enjoys the lack of bullies and social cliques. She is enjoying the best music and religion teachers she has ever had. Due to the smaller school size she gets to participate in Mass often and feels like she is valued as a person instead of just being a number. The parish community is just as genuine and caring as the school and the priests are a reflection of that.
- Posted by
5  
St. Matthew Catholic School has provided what I have been unable to get for my children in my local public school for the past several years - an education. It has been a breath of fresh air to see teachers and staff united around the goal of providing children with the opportunities an education offers. I believe my child will have a solid foundation in math, English, science, and social studies before entering high school. She will also have the benefit of classes in Spanish as a second language, and the development of healthy learning habits and character. As a reference, my alternative in Hillsboro Public Schools was an elementary school (one of the top 2 in the district) that no longer gave spelling tests "because children can use spell checkers." It did not require children to learn their math facts, and the district shared a document with its teachers from the Oregon Department of Education explaining math that teaches right answers is racist. Our public middle school math teacher explained to parents that correct answers are not important in algebra. Homework was forbidden because "it is contrary to equity." So instructional days are sacrificed to reinforcement days, and no alternative to the habits and life skills taught by appropriate amounts of homework was offered - responsibility, delayed gratification, and reinforcement of lessons. Proficiency in math and English is no longer required to earn a high school diploma, and the current superintendent leads the charge to remove all honors classes from the district's middle and high schools. I needed a place where my child could receive an education, and all the opportunities in life offered by an education. I'm so grateful St. Matthew is an option.
- Posted by
5  
My first two children went through public school and I can totally see a BIG difference. Enrolling my two younger children at St. Matthew Catholic School has been the best decision we could have made for them. Our children are thriving in all educational domains. They feel a sense of community and belonging. My children talk highly about their teachers. All the staff are amazing! For me knowing that my children feel happy at their school is very important, they love their school, friends, and teachers. My husband and I are very satisfied with the education our two children are receiving at St. Matthew Catholic School in Hillsboro. I highly recommend St. Matthew Catholic School!
- Posted by
5  
For me as a parent, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, to transfer my daughter to San Matthew. She has acquired empathy with the community and feels in a safe and calm environment. She has acquired a lot of spiritual tranquility, and I consider this to be the best thing we can do with our teenagers in this time of stress and hurry. spiritual peace is considered to be the best gift for them.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 83 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $7,377
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington County, OR is $9,376 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington County, OR is 89% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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