The Best Private Schools in Clarksburg, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarksburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jesuit High School
Jesuit Schools Network
Jesuit High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Sacramento area, including Clarksburg. Founded by the Society of Jesus, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive extracurricular program. The 33-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character formation through its Ignatian identity and requires 120 hours of Christian service. Graduates consistently attend top universities nationwide.
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St. Francis Catholic High School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis Catholic High School is an all-girls college preparatory school serving students from throughout the Sacramento region, including Clarksburg families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 19 AP courses and specialized academies in STEM and leadership. The campus features modern science laboratories, dedicated arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school community emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and leadership development.
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Davis Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Davis Waldorf School offers a unique educational approach serving families throughout Yolo County, including Clarksburg. The school provides developmentally-appropriate education from early childhood through high school, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The curriculum integrates arts, music, and movement throughout all academic subjects. The 4-acre campus includes classrooms, gardens, and play areas designed to support the Waldorf philosophy. The school focuses on educating the whole child—head, heart, and hands—while preparing students for college and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarksburg, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Clarksburg, California?
While Clarksburg itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to nearby cities within the Sacramento metropolitan area for private school options. Notable schools within a reasonable commute include Jesuit High School (Carmichael) and St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento), both prestigious college-preparatory institutions. For alternative education, the Davis Waldorf School (Davis) is also a popular choice. There are very few, if any, private school campuses physically located within Clarksburg's boundaries, so transportation and commute times to these surrounding cities are a key consideration for local parents.
How does the tuition for top private high schools near Clarksburg, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for schools like Jesuit High School and St. Francis Catholic High School is generally above the California private school average, often ranging from approximately $18,000 to $22,000+ per year for the 2023-2024 academic year. California's higher cost of living is reflected in these figures. Importantly, these schools and others in the Diocese of Sacramento offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as a significant percentage of students receive some form of assistance. California also has tax-advantaged 529 savings plans that can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Clarksburg offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the greater Sacramento area capitalize on the region's assets. Jesuit High School features a renowned Engineering and Design Institute and extensive community service programs tied to local Sacramento non-profits. St. Francis Catholic High School offers strong STEM pathways and athletics, with many teams competing in top-tier California leagues. The Davis Waldorf School integrates agricultural and environmental science into its curriculum, a natural fit for the agricultural landscape of the Clarksburg and Yolo County region. Furthermore, proximity to state government in Sacramento allows for unique civics and internship opportunities at some schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools serving Clarksburg, CA, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Jesuit and St. Francis, the admissions cycle for Fall entry typically opens in August/September, with entrance exams (HSPT) held in December or January. Application deadlines are usually in early January. The Davis Waldorf School may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early inquiry. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Clarksburg families must plan at least a year in advance. Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), taking the entrance exam, submitting applications, and participating in student interviews or shadow days by early spring for a decision in March.
For a family in rural Clarksburg, what are the key considerations when choosing between local public schools in the Washington Unified School District and a private school in Sacramento or Davis?
The decision hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and program specificity. Clarksburg's public schools are small, community-centered, and avoid a lengthy commute. Choosing a private school like Jesuit, St. Francis, or Davis Waldorf involves a daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and student time. Parents must weigh this against the specific offerings: a potentially wider array of AP/advanced courses, specialized religious or Waldorf education, and different extracurricular opportunities. For college-bound students, the track record and counseling resources of the larger private schools are a significant draw. It's advisable to thoroughly visit both the local public school and the private options to assess culture and fit.
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