The Best Private Schools in Bell, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
St. Mary's Academy is a premier all-girls Catholic high school located in Inglewood that serves students from Bell and throughout Los Angeles County. As a college preparatory institution, the academy offers a rigorous academic program with outstanding STEM opportunities, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive arts education. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its high college acceptance rates, strong mentorship programs, and commitment to developing young women leaders. With transportation options available, many Bell families choose St. Mary's for its exceptional academic reputation and holistic approach to education.
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St. Raymond Catholic School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Raymond Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located just minutes from Bell in the Florence-Graham area. Serving students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade, the school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum including STEM education, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive arts programs. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and community service opportunities.
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St. Matthias Catholic School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Located in nearby Huntington Park, St. Matthias Catholic School has been serving the greater Bell area for decades with exceptional private education. The school offers transitional kindergarten through 8th grade with a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking and character development. Facilities include modern science labs, computer labs, and a well-stocked library. The school is known for its strong mathematics curriculum, comprehensive literacy program, and technology integration across all grade levels. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to individual student attention, strong test scores, and vibrant parent-teacher community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bell, California
What are the main private school options available within the city of Bell, California, and what are their educational approaches?
Within the city limits of Bell, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions, reflecting the community's strong Catholic tradition. The top schools include St. Raymond Catholic School (PreK-8), St. Matthias Catholic School (K-8), and St. Mary's Academy (all-girls, 9-12). These schools offer a values-based education grounded in Catholic teachings, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor, discipline, and community service. For families seeking a secular private education, options are limited within Bell itself, requiring exploration of neighboring cities like Huntington Park, Downey, or South Gate, which may offer independent or other religious-affiliated schools.
How does tuition at Bell's private Catholic schools compare to the broader Los Angeles County area, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Bell's Catholic schools is generally more accessible than at many private institutions in more affluent parts of Los Angeles County. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at St. Raymond or St. Matthias typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 annually, which is often less than half the cost of many independent schools in West LA. All schools actively offer financial assistance through parish subsidies, need-based scholarships, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' "FACTS" grant program. Many families also utilize the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations that receive a state tax credit, making private education more feasible for middle-income families in Bell.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Bell's private schools offer that address the needs of the local community?
Understanding the predominantly Spanish-speaking community in Bell, the local Catholic schools integrate robust bilingual and English Language Development (ELD) support programs to ensure student success. St. Raymond and St. Matthias offer dedicated Spanish language classes and culturally relevant curriculum. Furthermore, given Bell's urban setting, these schools emphasize STEM initiatives and after-school programs to provide safe, enriching environments. St. Mary's Academy, as a college-preparatory high school, offers advanced placement courses and partnerships with local colleges. A notable focus across these schools is on community leadership and service, connecting classroom learning to local outreach in Bell and Southeast LA.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bell, and are there preferences for parish members or local residents?
The enrollment process for Bell's Catholic schools typically begins in January for the following academic year, with open houses held in the fall. Priority is universally given to: 1) siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) active, registered parishioners of the affiliated church (e.g., St. Raymond Parish), and 3) families residing within the city of Bell. After these groups, applications open to the general public. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and often a family interview. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in kindergarten, applying early within the priority period is crucial for Bell residents.
For a family in Bell, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between the local public school district and a private Catholic school?
The decision hinges on several Bell-specific factors. The Bell Unified School District faces challenges common to underfunded urban districts, including larger class sizes. Private Catholic schools in Bell offer smaller class sizes (often 20:1 or lower), structured environments, and consistent religious education. Academically, private schools often post higher standardized test scores and have high high-school placement rates. However, public schools are tuition-free and may offer more diverse elective programs at the secondary level. For Bell families, the choice often centers on the value placed on a faith-based environment, personalized attention, and perceived school safety, balanced against the financial commitment of tuition, even with available aid.
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