The Best Private Schools in Claremont, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Claremont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools is a prestigious independent boarding and day school offering a rigorous college preparatory education. Known for its exceptional academic programs, the school features the renowned Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, the only accredited paleontology museum on a secondary school campus in the United States. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, Webb provides personalized attention and maintains a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art science facilities, athletic centers, and arts spaces. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and emphasizes character development through its honor code and community service programs.
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Claremont McKenna College Children's School
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College Children's School is a highly regarded private school serving preschool through kindergarten students. Operating under the educational philosophy of Claremont McKenna College, the school emphasizes progressive, child-centered education with a focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development. The program features experienced faculty with advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintains low student-teacher ratios. The campus includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and access to college resources. The school is particularly noted for its inclusive community, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and strong parent involvement programs that create a nurturing educational foundation for young learners.
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Damien High School
Diocese of San Bernardino
Damien High School is a highly respected Catholic college preparatory school serving Claremont and the surrounding communities. As an all-boys institution with a coeducational summer program, Damien offers a comprehensive academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses. The school features modern STEM laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities including a recently renovated stadium. With a commitment to developing "men of service," the school integrates faith formation with academic excellence and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. The school maintains strong college placement records and features a dedicated college counseling program that guides students through the university application process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Claremont, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Claremont, CA, and how do they differ?
Claremont offers a distinctive mix of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and age groups. The most prominent types include prestigious independent boarding/day schools like The Webb Schools (grades 9-12), which is actually a consortium of two single-gender schools (Webb School of California for boys and Vivian Webb School for girls) on one campus with a renowned museum. For younger children, there are institutions like the Claremont McKenna College Children's School, a laboratory school with a progressive, play-based approach for infants through kindergarten, affiliated with the college's psychology department. Damien High School provides an all-boys, Catholic college-preparatory environment. This variety allows parents in Claremont to choose between secular, religious, single-gender, and co-educational models, all within a city known for its "Colleges and Schools" identity.
How does the tuition for private schools in Claremont, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Claremont's top private schools is generally at or above the California private school average, reflecting their high reputation and resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at The Webb Schools is approximately $48,000, while Damien High School's tuition is around $18,000, illustrating the range. California's lack of voucher programs means families rely on institutional aid. Nearly all Claremont private schools offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. The Webb Schools, for instance, award millions in aid annually, with a significant percentage of students receiving support. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like Clarity or the School and Student Service (SSS). Some schools also offer payment plans to manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Claremont's private schools?
Claremont's private schools leverage the city's academic ecosystem for unique programs. The Webb Schools are nationally recognized for their Alf Museum of Paleontology, the only accredited museum of paleontology on a secondary school campus in the U.S., offering a formal paleontology track. Their "Webb 101" program includes a two-week immersive project. Damien High School emphasizes STEM through its Spartan Innovation Center and strong athletic traditions. The Claremont McKenna College Children's School utilizes its lab school status to implement cutting-edge, research-informed early childhood curricula. Furthermore, proximity to The Claremont Colleges (the 7Cs) allows for advanced research opportunities, guest lectures, and facility use for high school students, a significant advantage not found in many other communities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like The Webb Schools and Damien High School in Claremont?
The enrollment process for Claremont's competitive private high schools begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, the key timeline is: Spring/Summer (Year Prior): Attend open houses and information sessions. **September-January:** Complete and submit applications (often via the Gateway to Prep Schools platform for schools like Webb or individual portals for others). This includes essays, recommendations, and transcripts. **January-February:** Standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE) should be completed, and student interviews and campus visits are scheduled. **March:** Admission decisions and financial aid awards are released. **April:** Families submit enrollment contracts and deposits. It's highly advised to start the process early, especially for boarding/day schools like Webb, which draw applicants nationally and internationally, making spaces highly competitive.
For families considering both options, how do the academic environments of Claremont's top private schools compare to the highly-rated Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) public schools?
This is a key consideration in Claremont, as CUSD schools (like Claremont High School) are consistently ranked among the best public schools in California. The choice often comes down to educational approach, class size, and specific programs. Private schools like Webb and Damien offer much smaller average class sizes (10-15 students vs. 25-30+ in public), allowing for highly personalized attention. They also provide more specialized tracks (e.g., paleontology, specific religious education) and often have more resources for college counseling. Public schools offer a broader socioeconomic diversity and a wide array of AP courses and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. For many Claremont families, the decision hinges on whether they seek a niche, intensive college-prep environment with a distinct mission (private) or a excellent, comprehensive, and diverse public education within their neighborhood.
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