The Best Private Schools in Belmont, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Belmont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Matthew's Episcopal Day School
Independent Episcopal School
Located in nearby San Mateo, St. Matthew's Episcopal Day School serves families throughout the Peninsula including Belmont. This highly-rated independent school offers a comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on character development and academic foundation. The school features innovative STEAM programs, Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, and small class sizes with individualized attention. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces.
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Phillips Brooks School
Independent Private School
Phillips Brooks School in nearby Menlo Park is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Belmont and surrounding communities. The school offers a progressive, project-based learning approach from preschool through 5th grade. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and environmental stewardship. The campus features modern learning spaces, dedicated art and music rooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor play areas. The school is known for its strong community feel and excellent teacher-student ratios.
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Notre Dame High School
Catholic Private School
Notre Dame High School is a prestigious all-girls Catholic college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service, with extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, debate, and championship athletic teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Belmont, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Belmont, CA, and how do they differ?
Belmont, CA, offers a range of private school options, primarily centered on religious-affiliated and independent institutions. Notable examples include Notre Dame High School (Catholic, co-ed college preparatory), St. Matthew's Episcopal Day School (Episcopal, K-8), and Phillips Brooks School (independent, non-sectarian, preschool-5th grade). The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, and grade spans. For instance, Notre Dame focuses on a rigorous college-prep curriculum within a faith-based community, while Phillips Brooks emphasizes progressive, child-centered learning. This variety allows Belmont parents to choose based on specific values, academic approach, and desired school culture.
How does tuition for private schools in Belmont compare to the broader San Francisco Bay Area, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools in Belmont is generally high, reflecting the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, but can be slightly more moderate than in adjacent cities like San Francisco or Palo Alto. For the 2023-2024 academic year, K-8 tuition often ranges from $25,000 to $35,000, while high school can exceed $40,000. Most Belmont private schools, including those listed, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's common for schools to use tools like the Clarity Application, and many have significant endowment funds dedicated to aid. California also has programs like the California Credit Union School-Business Partnership, but most aid is distributed directly by the schools.
What are the enrollment timelines and key deadlines for applying to private schools in Belmont, CA?
The enrollment process for Belmont private schools typically follows the Bay Area's common independent school timeline. Key deadlines usually fall between December and February for the following academic year. For example, application deadlines are often in early January, with assessments and interviews scheduled through February. Admission decisions and contracts are typically released in mid-March. It is crucial to start the process early—often a full year in advance—by attending fall open houses. Schools like Phillips Brooks and St. Matthew's may have waiting pools for certain grades, so early application is advised. Always check individual school websites, as dates can vary slightly.
Given Belmont's location, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do local private schools offer that leverage the surrounding environment?
Private schools in Belmont uniquely leverage the Peninsula's location and resources. Many integrate environmental science and outdoor education using nearby spaces like the Belmont Creek watershed or Edgewood Park. Schools often have partnerships with Silicon Valley tech companies for STEM initiatives, robotics, and coding programs. Furthermore, proximity to San Francisco allows for rich arts partnerships, with frequent field trips to museums and performances. Notre Dame High School, for instance, offers extensive internship opportunities in nearby biotech and tech firms. This blend of natural environment and technological hub access creates a distinctive educational experience not found in all regions.
For families considering both, what are the primary factors distinguishing Belmont's public school district (Belmont-Redwood Shores) from its private school options?
The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District is highly rated, which makes the private vs. public decision nuanced. Key distinctions include class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. public's 25-30), specialized curricula (e.g., religious education, progressive pedagogies), and more extensive resources in arts and niche programs. Private schools may offer more flexibility in curriculum pacing and project-based learning. Conversely, the public district provides strong programs without tuition and fosters deep community ties within neighborhood schools. The choice often hinges on a family's desire for a specific educational philosophy, religious component, or smaller, more personalized environment versus the excellent, tuition-free, and diverse public system.
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