Located in Sheridan, Oregon, The Delphian School is one of the best private boarding schools in the US which also accepts day students.
Delphian offers a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes on practical learning and independent-studying.
More than 80% of the students who graduate from the Delphian School make it into their first choice colleges and obtain scores that are 25% higher than the national average on their SATs.
The Delphian School also offers a fantastic English Learning program for foreign students from all over the globe.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked OR School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 229 students
- Yearly Tuition: $32,890
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / Mar. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Delphian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1976
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
229 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
41%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Calculus AB, Calculus BC, English Language, English Literature, French Language and Culture, Macro Economics, Micro Economics, Physics B, Spanish Language
Average SAT score
1285
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15 / Mar. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$32,890
Tuition Notes
Day and boarding rates vary. Visit Delphian.org for more information on fee structures, scholarships and flexible tuition.
Summer Program Cost
$3,095
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer prices for our 3 or 6 week summer sessions range from $3095-$10323. International summer program prices are higher due to additional costs such as insurance.
% on Financial Aid
46%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$12,000
Acceptance Rate
53%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Bridgette Rappoport
Admissions Associate
Thomas Keough
Endowment Size
$33.6019 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
34 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Book Club, Chess Club, Conditioning Class, Cooking Club, Debate Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, International Club, Student Council, Way to Happiness club, Writers club, Youth for Human Rights club
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Art, Audio/Visual Class, Basketball Class, Ceramics, Choir, Digital Media, Drama, Drawing and Painting, Guitar, Jazz Choir, MakerSpace, Music, Photography & Darkroom Editing, Woodshop, Writing and Poetry
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Basketball, Intramural Soccer, Intramural Volleyball, Soccer Team, Track and Field team, Volleyball class, Volleyball Team, Yoga
Book Club, Chess Club, Conditioning Class, Cooking Club, Debate Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, International Club, Student Council, Way to Happiness club, Writers club, Youth for Human Rights club
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Art, Audio/Visual Class, Basketball Class, Ceramics, Choir, Digital Media, Drama, Drawing and Painting, Guitar, Jazz Choir, MakerSpace, Music, Photography & Darkroom Editing, Woodshop, Writing and Poetry
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Basketball, Intramural Soccer, Intramural Volleyball, Soccer Team, Track and Field team, Volleyball class, Volleyball Team, Yoga
School Notes
- Wouldn`t it be great if education was more than just studying to pass an exam? Wouldn`t it be great if your education was more aboutyouthan anything else? What would you say if we told you that at the Delphian School you are able to personalize your own scholastic program? What subjects would you pick? Which skills would you like to have and which roads would you travel?
- At The Delphian School, teachers don`t lecture in front of a blackboard while students frantically take notes. At our school, students learn at their own pace and study independently with a personalized program that is specifically designed to satisfy their specific needs and interests. All of our students are treated as the important individuals they are.
- At TheDelphian School we encourage students to associate their subjects to the way they will use that information in their everyday lives in order to succeed. Our teachers are very good at motivating students and keeping them on track with their education. All of our students receive a tremendous amount of personal attention.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Sky Dayton - Founder of EarthLink and founder and chairman of Boingo Wireless, and a technology investor/entrepreneur.
- Thad Corea - Drummer (Wild Colonials; Blue Man Group); Jaguar Recording Studio
- Arwen Dayton - Author
- Natasha Gray - Artist/sculptor
- Vivian Gray - Actress (Dread)
- Sylvan Lionni - Artist
- Melissa McPhail - Author
- David O'Donnell - Actor/producer/writer: Air Force One; NCIS; Days of Our Lives
- Eduardo Olmos - Mayor of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico
- Doug Rappoport - Lead guitarist (Edgar Winter)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Delphian School cost?
The Delphian School's tuition is approximately $32,890 for private students and $3,095 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Delphian School?
The acceptance rate of The Delphian School is 53%, which is lower than the national average of 89%. The Delphian School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Oregon with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Delphian School?
The Delphian School famous alumni include: Sky Dayton, Thad Corea, Arwen Dayton, Natasha Gray, Vivian Gray, Sylvan Lionni, Melissa McPhail, David O'Donnell, Eduardo Olmos and Doug Rappoport.
Does The Delphian School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Delphian School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Delphian School offer?
The Delphian School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is The Delphian School's ranking?
The Delphian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Delphian School?
The application deadline for The Delphian School is Feb. 15 / Mar. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 / Mar. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 2/23/2019
At Delphian you get the opportunity to understand 100% of your education and are able to think with and apply what you learn to your life. Isn't that the point of an education? Whatever you miss on a test, you actually find the misunderstanding and re-study the material to full understanding. They teach students how to study independently, spot and remove barriers to learning, and not go past misunderstandings without clearing them up. Their individualized courses and "go at your own pace" study structure sets the stage for achieving this. Among their many shining qualities such as a strong sense of community, zero bullying, friendships to last for life, a variety of extracurricular activities, sports teams and electives, and a campus on 800 acres, what sets them apart from other schools is how well they develop in students a certainty of knowledge, responsibility, social consciousness, and ability to think independently, with focus on effecting change and bettering this world.
5 8/12/2018
I graduated from The Delphian School about 30 years ago and I can tell you that thanks to the education I received at this school I was able to make it through college without any difficulty; where I graduated top of my class. The skills that I learned at Delphian have allowed me to have a successful career as a civil engineer and two masters degrees. I can`t wait for my children to be of age so I can enroll them here. If it was fantastic 30 years ago, you should see it now with all the improvements they have made to the campus and athletic facilities as well as all the technological advancements they have incorporated.
5 3/10/2018
I came to Delphian for a tour last fall and I was so impressed with the program I enrolled my daughter in January! She is loving the school and program! The staff are wonderful and really care. My daughter is doing music, art, pottery and gymnastics. I love the academics and extracurricular activities the school has to offer.
5 11/9/2017
All 3 of my children graduated from this school. I loved that they were able to move at their own pace. Also, since the school is proficiency based, the only passing grade is 100%, so there are no holes in their education. As for extracurricular activities, they were in choir, soccer, volleyball, softball, and boy scouts. Although it was hard to let them go away to a boarding school, it was the right decision for all of them and I am happy that we did it.
5 6/12/2017
Delphian was such an amazing experience. I'd say it was more than just a wonderful education. It was building lifelong friendships, with not just my fellow students but also the staff and faculty. It was learning how to believe in myself and developing a love of learning. The campus is incredible. Hundreds of acres of forest and hills, streams and little ponds. Pretty much the ideal situation for a school.
5 5/17/2016
As a parent, it's so important to me to be able to have direct access to my children's teachers and that they are willing and interested in communicating with me about my child. I get this in spades at Delphian. The teachers are wonderful and very interested in each individual child's future. I so appreciate that.
Endorse The Delphian School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.