The Best Private Schools in Brentwood, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brentwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Athenian School
Independent School
The Athenian School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school located in nearby Danville that serves students from Brentwood and surrounding communities. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Athenian offers a globally-recognized curriculum with exceptional college preparation. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art science centers, arts facilities, athletic complexes, and outdoor education spaces. Notable programs include mandatory wilderness experiences, robotics, aviation, and extensive community service opportunities. The school maintains a diverse student body and emphasizes experiential learning. With a 100% college matriculation rate to selective institutions, Athenian is consistently ranked among the top private schools in the Bay Area.
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Heritage High School (Private)
Heritage Schools
Heritage High School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving grades K-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Academically, Heritage emphasizes STEM education alongside comprehensive arts programs, with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous AP courses. Extracurriculars include competitive sports teams, robotics, drama productions, and community service opportunities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong sense of community.
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Cornerstone Christian School
Independent Christian School
Cornerstone Christian School provides a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its rigorous academic program that integrates faith and learning across all subjects. Facilities include dedicated science labs, art studios, and modern classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, classical literature, and hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong focus on character development. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including music programs, competitive sports, and various clubs. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic standards and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brentwood, California
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Brentwood, California?
Brentwood, CA, offers a focused selection of private schools, primarily centered around religious and college-preparatory models. The most prominent options include religiously affiliated schools like Cornerstone Christian School, which provides a faith-based K-12 education. For secular, rigorous college prep, The Athenian School (though located in nearby Danville, it draws many Brentwood families) is a highly regarded day and boarding school. Heritage High School (Private) represents a private alternative within the community. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Brentwood's private school landscape is more intimate, emphasizing close-knit communities and specific educational philosophies rather than a vast array of specialized academies.
How does tuition for private schools in the Brentwood, CA, area compare to the broader San Francisco Bay Area, and what financial aid options are typical?
While still significant, tuition for private schools in the Brentwood area is generally lower than that of schools in the core Bay Area cities like San Francisco, Palo Alto, or Marin. For example, local religious schools may have annual tuition in the $10,000-$15,000 range, whereas a prestigious college-prep school like The Athenian School is comparable to Bay Area norms, often exceeding $50,000. Most private schools in and serving Brentwood offer need-based financial aid, and many Christian schools have sliding scales or sibling discounts. California does not have state-funded voucher programs for private schools, so aid is primarily institution-based. It's crucial to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Brentwood area emphasize?
Private schools in the Brentwood area often leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Cornerstone Christian School integrates biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer ministry opportunities. The Athenian School is renowned for its unique experiential programs, including a required wilderness survival trip, robotics, and a dedicated arts center, which are atypical for most East Contra Costa public schools. Local private schools often have robust athletics and arts to compete with larger public schools, and many emphasize outdoor and environmental education, taking advantage of Brentwood's semi-rural setting and proximity to open spaces.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Brentwood, California families?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. For the most competitive schools like The Athenian School, the process begins a full year in advance, with applications due in January for the following fall. Open houses and tours typically occur in the fall (September-November). Brentwood-area private schools often have key deadlines between January and March. Most require standardized testing (like the ISEE), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but popular grades fill quickly. Given Brentwood's growth, it's advisable to contact schools directly as some may have waiting lists for specific entry grades.
For Brentwood residents, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Liberty Union High School District / Brentwood Union School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on academic rigor, class size, and educational philosophy. Brentwood's public schools are large and offer diverse programs, but private options provide much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+). Parents seeking a specific religious foundation or a secular, intense college-prep environment (like Athenian's International Baccalaureate and AP mix) look to private schools. Conversely, public schools offer extensive extracurriculars, newer facilities funded by local bonds, and no tuition. Transportation is a key factor; private schools rarely provide buses, so commuting to Danville or within Brentwood is the family's responsibility. Many families also consider the cultural and social environment, with private schools offering a more curated community.
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