The Best Private Schools in Cerritos, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cerritos. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Valley Christian Schools
Valley Christian Schools System
Valley Christian Schools is a comprehensive private Christian school system serving students from preschool through high school. Located in Cerritos, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The high school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with AP courses, honors programs, and specialized academies in STEM and arts. Extracurricular activities include competitive athletics, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college admissions to top universities.
Programs:
St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Located in nearby Downey, this Catholic college preparatory high school serves students from Cerritos and surrounding communities. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and specialized pathways in STEM, business, and arts. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. As part of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic schools system, the school integrates faith formation with academic excellence. The school has strong college counseling and maintains partnerships with local universities for dual enrollment opportunities.
Programs:
St. Anthony High School
St. Anthony High School
St. Anthony High School in Long Beach is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Cerritos and the greater Long Beach area. The school offers both traditional college prep curriculum and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes academic rigor while maintaining a supportive community environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school has a strong athletic tradition and offers extensive extracurricular programs. Despite being located in Long Beach, it actively serves families from Cerritos and has transportation options available.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cerritos, California
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Cerritos, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cerritos itself is home to a few notable private schools, with several more in the immediate surrounding cities of Los Angeles County. Within Cerritos, Valley Christian Schools is a major K-12 system. Nearby, you have St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy (9-12) in Downey and St. Anthony High School (9-12) in Long Beach, both of which draw many students from Cerritos. The area also offers various parochial elementary schools and independent academies. For Cerritos residents, this means a mix of local and commutable options, with a strong presence of faith-based and college-preparatory institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cerritos, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Cerritos area is generally at or above the California private school average due to its location in high-cost Los Angeles County. For example, area high schools often range from $10,000 to $18,000 annually. Most schools, including Valley Christian and the Catholic diocesan schools, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. California parents should also investigate the state's tax-advantaged **ScholarShare 529 plan**, which can now be used for K-12 private tuition, and look for school-specific scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving Cerritos students?
Schools in this region emphasize college preparation and specialized tracks. Valley Christian Schools offers distinctive programs like a dedicated STEM academy and extensive visual/performing arts. St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy features a strong Biomedical Science pathway and a partnership with local universities. St. Anthony High School is renowned for its engineering and robotics programs, often competing at national levels. For Cerritos families, this means access to schools with resources that rival top public magnets, often with the added benefits of smaller class sizes and faith-based values, if desired.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Cerritos, California area?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, most schools (like St. Pius X and St. Anthony) open applications in August or September, with deadlines between December and February. The process almost always includes a submitted application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT), and a family/student interview. Cerritos parents should note that many feeder elementary schools (including local parochial schools) have priority consideration agreements with specific high schools, so planning in middle school is essential. Open houses are typically held in the fall.
How do the outcomes and environment of private schools serving Cerritos compare to the highly-rated ABC Unified School District public schools?
This is a key consideration for Cerritos families, as the local ABC Unified public schools (like Whitney High) are consistently top-ranked. The choice often comes down to educational approach and environment. Private schools offer smaller, more intimate campuses with often mandatory extracurricular involvement and a values-based foundation (Christian or Catholic). The public schools provide exceptional academic rigor, particularly at the magnet level, with no tuition cost. Many Cerritos families view it as a choice between a tailored, community-focused private experience and a world-class, diverse public education, with both pathways leading to excellent college matriculation.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities