The Best Private Schools in Colton, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Colton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Redlands Adventist Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Redlands Adventist Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the greater Inland Empire region including Colton. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school offers comprehensive college preparatory programs from preschool through 12th grade. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. Known for strong academic outcomes and character development, the school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum integrates technology with traditional academics, offering Advanced Placement courses and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Loma Linda Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Loma Linda Academy is a prestigious K-12 private school with a century-long tradition of academic excellence serving Colton and surrounding communities. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, with particular strength in health sciences reflecting its location near major medical centers. The 40-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes whole-person education with strong values integration and consistently achieves high college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
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Arrowhead Christian Academy
Non-denominational Christian
Arrowhead Christian Academy is a respected college preparatory school serving families throughout the Inland Empire, including Colton. The school offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, featuring advanced science and technology facilities. The comprehensive arts program includes theater, music, and visual arts, while the athletic department competes in CIF Southern Section. Known for its supportive community and personalized learning environment, ACA maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Colton, California
Are there any private schools physically located within the city limits of Colton, California, or do families typically look to neighboring cities?
There are very few, if any, traditional private K-12 schools with campuses physically located within Colton's city boundaries. Families in Colton most commonly look to highly-regarded private institutions in adjacent communities. The top options, as you noted, include Redlands Adventist Academy and Loma Linda Academy in Loma Linda, and Arrowhead Christian Academy in Redlands. This means commuting is a standard consideration for Colton families seeking private education, with most schools being a 10-20 minute drive away.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Colton, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Colton generally ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 per year for K-8, and can be higher for high school. This is somewhat below the average for major California metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco but is a significant household expense. Importantly, all the major schools in the area offer need-based financial aid, and many have sibling discounts. California also has tax-advantaged savings options like the ScholarShare 529 plan that can be used for K-12 private tuition. It's essential to apply for financial aid early, as funds can be limited.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools serving Colton, California families?
The schools in the surrounding areas offer distinct specializations. Loma Linda Academy and Redlands Adventist Academy provide robust science and health sciences programs, reflecting the influence of the nearby Loma Linda University medical center. Arrowhead Christian Academy offers a strong college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on Christian worldview integration and competitive athletics. Many of these schools also feature distinctive programs like agricultural science, music conservatories, and mission trip opportunities that are less commonly found in the local Colton Unified public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Colton, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the Inland Empire region is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, like Arrowhead Christian Academy, open applications for the following academic year in the fall (October-November), with priority deadlines often in January or February. Because these schools draw from a wide area including Colton, popular grades (especially kindergarten, 6th, and 9th) frequently have waitlists. The process almost always includes a campus tour, submission of academic records, student assessment or shadow day, and a family interview. Starting your research a full year in advance is strongly advised for Colton parents.
For a family living in Colton, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute logistics**: accepting daily drives to Redlands or Loma Linda. Second is **educational approach**: Colton's private options offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and specific curricular focuses not available in the larger public system. Third is **community**: private schools may offer a different social environment. Finally, **cost** is a major practical consideration, weighing private tuition against the "free" public option, though some families in Colton may qualify for inter-district transfers to public schools in other districts as an alternative. Visiting both local Colton Unified schools and the private options is crucial for comparison.
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