The Best Private Schools in Azusa, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Azusa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stratford School - Glendora
Stratford School
Stratford School's Glendora campus serves families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Azusa, with its rigorous academic program focused on preparing students for competitive high schools and colleges. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art technology integration. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and extensive foreign language options. The campus offers modern facilities including dedicated science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities serving students from preschool through middle school.
Programs:
Damien High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Damien High School is a prominent all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Azusa and throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and robust athletic programs. Their 23-acre campus features modern science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Student-teacher ratio of 17:1 ensures personalized attention and academic support.
Programs:
Heritage Oak Private School
Heritage Oak Private Education
Heritage Oak Private School provides a comprehensive educational program serving families from Azusa and the surrounding communities. The school emphasizes academic excellence through individualized learning plans and advanced curriculum pathways. Features include dedicated science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive arts programs. The campus offers modern facilities with recent upgrades including STEM labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and academic support from preschool through eighth grade.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Azusa, California
What are the primary private school options for families living in Azusa, California, and are there any located directly within the city limits?
While Azusa itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the immediate surrounding cities. Notable options include Stratford School in Glendora (pre-K through 8th), the all-boys Damien High School in La Verne (9-12), and Heritage Oak Private School in Yorba Linda (K-8), though the latter is a longer commute. For younger children, local parochial options like St. Frances of Rome School may be available. Most Azusa residents considering private education should plan for a commute within the San Gabriel Valley, making school transportation plans a key local consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Azusa, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Azusa corridor varies widely. For example, elementary programs like Stratford School may range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000 annually, while Damien High School's tuition is around $20,000 per year. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the average for California's major metropolitan areas. Most established schools offer need-based financial aid, and California's tax-advantaged 529 savings plans can now be used for K-12 private tuition. Additionally, some schools participate in state programs like the California Tax Credit Scholarship, which can provide assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Azusa that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in the region often leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. For instance, Damien High School features a renowned STEM Academy and extensive athletic facilities. Stratford School emphasizes a progressive, technology-integrated curriculum starting in preschool, with dedicated science labs and Mandarin or Spanish language programs. Many area private schools also offer distinctive arts integration, smaller class sizes for personalized learning, and robust character education programs—advantages that parents in Azusa seek to complement the more standardized curriculum of the Azusa Unified School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Azusa, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The private school enrollment cycle in the San Gabriel Valley is highly structured and requires early planning. For the fall semester, application deadlines for sought-after schools like Stratford or Damien often fall between January and February, with assessments and interviews scheduled shortly after. Notification dates are typically in March. It is strongly advised that Azusa parents begin researching schools and attending open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Many schools have waitlists, especially for entry grades like kindergarten and 9th grade, so prompt application is crucial.
For an Azusa resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Azusa Unified public schools and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. Azusa Unified offers a no-tuition, neighborhood-based education with specific award-winning programs. Choosing a private school typically involves a significant financial investment and a daily commute to cities like Glendora or La Verne. In return, parents often seek smaller class sizes, a specific religious or pedagogical approach (like Montessori or college-prep), or more consistent access to advanced coursework and resources. The commute time on the 210 freeway is a practical daily consideration. Many families also value the defined community and alumni networks that schools like Damien High provide, which can extend beyond the Azusa area.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities