The Best Private Schools in Arcadia, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arcadia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chandler School
Chandler School
Chandler School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. Located in Pasadena, the school serves many families from Arcadia and surrounding communities. Chandler is renowned for its balanced approach to education, combining academic rigor with character development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and foreign languages. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic fields. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Chandler provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for success in top secondary schools. The school maintains strong parent involvement and high satisfaction ratings.
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Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a prestigious Catholic, all-girls boarding and day school serving grades 9-12. Located just minutes from Arcadia, FSHA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, students receive personalized attention and support. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Extensive extracurricular programs include championship athletics, visual arts, theater, and community service opportunities.
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Mayfield Senior School
Mayfield Senior School
Mayfield Senior School is an independent Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12, conveniently located in nearby Pasadena and serving Arcadia families. The school follows the Holy Child educational philosophy emphasizing intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and social responsibility. Mayfield offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 AP courses and maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern science laboratories, art studios, chapel, and athletic facilities. Students consistently achieve exceptional academic results with graduates attending Ivy League and other prestigious universities. The school community is known for its supportive environment and strong parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arcadia, California
What are the primary types of private schools available within or near Arcadia, California, and how do they differ?
Arcadia and its immediate neighboring cities in the San Gabriel Valley offer a diverse range of private school options. These include prestigious all-girls Catholic high schools like Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, which offer rigorous college-prep curricula within a faith-based community. There are also highly regarded co-educational independent schools like Chandler School in Pasadena, serving grades K-8 with a strong emphasis on character and academic foundation. Additionally, the area has secular college-preparatory schools, parochial elementary schools, and specialized institutions. The key differences lie in educational philosophy (e.g., religious vs. secular), single-gender vs. co-ed environments, grade levels served, and specific programmatic strengths, such as arts or STEM.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Arcadia, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for top private schools in the Arcadia/Pasadena corridor is generally at or above the California state average for private education, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses in the region. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for schools like Chandler, Flintridge Sacred Heart, and Mayfield often ranges from approximately $30,000 to $45,000 annually for upper grades. Most established schools have robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving. These are primarily need-based, requiring applications through systems like the School and Student Service (SSS). It's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admission, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships, though they are less common.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Arcadia, California area?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in this region is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a Fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall of the preceding year with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in early to mid-January. The process usually includes a completed application, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or HSPT), and a mandatory student interview and/or visit day. For high schools like Flintridge Sacred Heart and Mayfield, placement exams are a key component. Notification dates are commonly in mid-March, with a family decision deadline in early April. It is highly advised to start research and visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Arcadia-area private schools leverage their Southern California location?
Private schools in the Arcadia region uniquely capitalize on their Southern California setting. Academically, many integrate environmental science and sustainability studies, utilizing the local foothills and proximity to the Angeles National Forest for fieldwork. Schools often have strong connections with Caltech, JPL, and the universities in the Claremont Consortium, providing guest lecturers, mentorship programs, and advanced research opportunities for students. Extracurricularly, programs frequently include outdoor education trips to mountain or coastal sites, robust visual and performing arts programs that connect with Los Angeles museums and theaters, and athletic competitions within the CIF Southern Section. This access enriches the standard curriculum with unparalleled real-world and cultural resources.
For families residing in Arcadia, what are the key considerations when comparing the high-performing Arcadia Unified public schools with local private school options?
This is a central consideration for Arcadia families, as the Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in California. The decision often hinges on several factors. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+ in public), more individualized attention, and often a specific educational or religious mission. They may also provide more flexibility in curriculum design and specialized programs. In contrast, AUSD offers a world-class public education at no direct tuition cost, with exceptional STEM programs, extensive AP offerings, and renowned music and athletic programs. Many families consider private options for a different environment before high school or seek a single-gender education, which AUSD does not provide. The choice frequently comes down to personal values, desired community, and the specific needs of the child.
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