Private Schools in Alta, California

Forest Lake Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Alta and greater Nevada County area. Located just 15 minutes from Alta in Auburn, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning provides an innovative educational approach for students in the Alta and Auburn region. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through expeditions and real-world projects. Serving grades 6-12, the academy combines rigorous academics with character development and community engagement. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, outdoor education programs, and personalized learning plans. The school is known for its strong teacher-student relationships and commitment to developing critical thinking skills through project-based learning methodologies.

Lyman Gilmore Middle School offers a specialized private/charter program that serves students from Alta and the surrounding Nevada County area. Located in nearby Grass Valley, the school provides an advanced academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, technology integration, and project-based learning. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and dedicated arts spaces. The program is particularly noted for its rigorous academic standards, comprehensive extracurricular offerings, and strong parent satisfaction ratings. The school serves grades 6-8 with a focus on preparing students for competitive high school programs.