The Best Private Schools in Aliso Viejo, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aliso Viejo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Aliso Viejo and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for preparing students well for high school with a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced math, science, and language arts.
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Crean Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Located just minutes from Aliso Viejo in Irvine, Crean Lutheran High School is a premier college-preparatory school serving South Orange County. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and nationally recognized arts programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong Christian foundation, the school emphasizes academic rigor, spiritual growth, and service learning. Graduates consistently gain admission to top universities nationwide.
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Fairmont Private Schools - Anaheim Hills Campus
Fairmont Private Schools
Fairmont Private Schools' Anaheim Hills Campus serves families throughout Orange County, including Aliso Viejo, with a reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive student development. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing multiple pathways to college readiness. Features include extensive athletic facilities, cutting-edge technology integration, and robust arts programs. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Fairmont prepares students for top-tier colleges while fostering leadership skills and global citizenship through its established educational framework.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aliso Viejo, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Aliso Viejo, California?
While Aliso Viejo itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly consider several highly-regarded schools in the immediate surrounding area of South Orange County. These include St. Mary's School (a Catholic K-8 in Aliso Viejo), Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, and the Fairmont Private Schools network, with the nearest campus in Anaheim Hills. Many Aliso Viejo residents also look at other prestigious Orange County institutions in cities like Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano. Transportation or carpooling is a common consideration due to this geographic spread.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Aliso Viejo area compare to the California state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in the Aliso Viejo and South Orange County area is generally at or above the California state average for private schools, reflecting the region's higher cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect K-8 tuition to range from approximately $12,000 to $25,000 annually, while high school tuition can range from $20,000 to $30,000+. Most schools, including Crean Lutheran and Fairmont, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 private school tuition, which is a significant state-specific benefit for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving Aliso Viejo students?
Private schools in this region often leverage their proximity to Orange County's tech and business sectors. Many, like Crean Lutheran and Fairmont, have strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) pathways, robotics teams, and partnerships with local industries. Furthermore, given the coastal and environmental consciousness of California, several schools feature prominent marine biology, environmental science, and outdoor education programs. Arts programs are also robust, with many schools offering extensive theater, music, and visual arts opportunities that align with Southern California's creative culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Aliso Viejo area, and how competitive is it?
The admissions process for top private schools in this region is highly competitive and begins early. The standard timeline involves starting applications in the fall (September-October), one year prior to desired entry. Key steps include open houses (often in the fall), submission of applications with deadlines typically between January and February, student assessments/interviews, and notification dates in March. For popular schools like St. Mary's, Crean Lutheran, and Fairmont, waitlists are common. Siblings of current students and members of affiliated religious communities often receive priority, so planning well in advance is crucial for Aliso Viejo families.
For families in Aliso Viejo, what are the key considerations when comparing the high-performing public schools (Capistrano Unified School District) to local private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Aliso Viejo's public schools, like Aliso Niguel High School, are consistently high-ranking, offering a rigorous, tuition-free education with extensive AP courses and extracurriculars. The primary draws of local private schools are smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, a specific values-based or religious education (e.g., Lutheran or Catholic), and sometimes more specialized academic tracks or flexibility. The trade-off is significant tuition cost versus the tax-funded public system. Many families choose private for the formative middle school years or for a specific high school environment that aligns with their child's needs.
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