The Best Private Schools in Clayton, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clayton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Carondelet High School
Catholic Diocese of Oakland
Carondelet High School is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory school located just minutes from Clayton in Concord. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, with 95% of faculty holding advanced degrees. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Carondelet consistently achieves exceptional college acceptance rates with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
De La Salle High School
Christian Brothers
De La Salle High School is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school located adjacent to Carondelet High School in Concord, serving Clayton families. The school is nationally recognized for academic excellence and its renowned athletic programs. De La Salle offers 24 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in engineering and business leadership. The 25-acre campus features modern classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated STEM labs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average SAT scores well above national averages, graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities. The school emphasizes character development and leadership through its Lasallian educational tradition.
Programs:
The Athenian School
Independent School
The Athenian School is a distinguished independent college preparatory school located in Danville, serving students from Clayton and surrounding communities. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Athenian offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside its innovative curriculum. The 75-acre campus at the base of Mount Diablo provides exceptional facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. Athenian is renowned for its hands-on learning approach, including mandatory wilderness experiences and global citizenship programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and environmental stewardship.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clayton, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Clayton, CA, and are they located within the city limits?
While Clayton itself is a small residential community, it is part of a region renowned for its excellent private secondary schools. The most prominent options, which draw many Clayton families, are nearby in neighboring cities. These include Carondelet High School (all-girls) in Concord, De La Salle High School (all-boys) in Concord, and The Athenian School (co-ed) in Danvers. There are no major private high schools physically located within Clayton's city limits. For younger grades, families often look at private elementary and middle schools in surrounding Contra Costa County towns like Walnut Creek and Concord.
How does the tuition for top private high schools like Athenian, De La Salle, and Carondelet near Clayton, CA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for these prestigious Bay Area schools is significant, reflecting their programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges approximately from $52,000 to $58,000. The Athenian School, as an independent college-preparatory school, is often at the higher end of this range. All three schools have substantial financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving. It's common for 20-30% of the student body to receive some form of need-based aid. California residents should also investigate the California Credit Union School Choice Scholarship and other state-specific opportunities, though most aid comes directly from the schools. Early application for financial aid is crucial.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish The Athenian School from other private options serving Clayton, CA, families?
The Athenian School, located in nearby Danvers, is particularly noted for its distinct educational philosophy. It is a Round Square school, emphasizing experiential learning, internationalism, and character development. Unique programs include a required wilderness-based "AWE" (Athenian Wilderness Experience) for juniors, a fully functioning student-run airport and aviation program at the on-campus Danvers Airport, and a dedicated engineering and design studio. While Carondelet and De La Salle offer strong college-prep curricula and renowned athletic programs (especially De La Salle football), Athenian provides a progressive, project-based learning environment with a strong focus on global citizenship and hands-on innovation, setting it apart for families seeking this educational model.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like De La Salle and Carondelet that serve Clayton, CA?
The enrollment process for these sought-after Diocesan schools is highly structured and begins early. The timeline typically starts with open houses in the fall (September-October) for prospective 8th-grade students. Applications are due in early to mid-January. A critical component is the High School Placement Test (HSPT), usually taken on a specific Saturday in January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in mid-March, with a registration deadline in late March or early April. For Clayton families, it's important to note that while residency isn't a formal criterion, these schools draw from a wide Bay Area region, making the process competitive. Sibling and legacy alumni status are considered but do not guarantee admission.
For a family in Clayton, CA, considering the award-winning Clayton Valley Charter High School (public), what are the key decision factors when comparing it to a private school like De La Salle or Athenian?
This is a common local comparison. Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS) is a highly-rated public charter option with a strong academic and athletic record, available tuition-free to Clayton residents. Key decision factors include: **Cost** (tuition-free vs. $50k+), **Class Size** (CVCHS averages are larger than the 15-20 student classes at private schools), **Educational Approach** (CVCHS follows a standard public curriculum, while private schools offer mission-driven education like single-gender learning or progressive pedagogy), **Religious Affiliation** (Carondelet/De La Salle are Catholic; Athenian is non-sectarian), and **Program Specificity** (private schools often have more extensive arts, niche clubs, and international programs). Many Clayton families value the community feel and academic rigor of CVCHS, while others seek the specialized focus, resources, and smaller communities of the private institutions.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities