The Best Private Schools in Compton, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Compton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Bosco High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. John Bosco High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school renowned for its academic excellence and championship athletic programs. The school features state-of-the-art STEM facilities, including engineering labs and robotics programs, along with comprehensive college counseling that achieves 100% college acceptance. The campus includes modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms. Bosco maintains strong partnerships with local universities and offers dual enrollment opportunities.
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St. Anthony High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Anthony High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Compton and Long Beach area with a 100% college acceptance rate. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, extensive athletic programs including championship football and basketball teams, and comprehensive arts education. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
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Junipero Serra High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Junipero Serra High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the South Bay and Compton areas with a diverse student population. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 18 AP courses, extensive arts programs, and career technical education pathways. Facilities include modern science and computer labs, performing arts theater, and athletic complex. Serra emphasizes community service and leadership development while maintaining a strong academic tradition with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Compton, California
What are the main private high school options serving families in Compton, California, and are they located within the city limits?
The most prominent private high schools serving the Compton community are Catholic, all-boys institutions, though they are located in neighboring cities. St. Anthony High School is in Long Beach, St. John Bosco High School is in Bellflower, and Junipero Serra High School is in Gardena. While not within Compton's boundaries, these schools actively draw students from Compton and provide transportation options. There are fewer private elementary and middle schools directly in Compton, making these high schools key destinations for families seeking a private, faith-based education after primary years.
How does tuition at private schools serving Compton, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at schools like St. John Bosco or St. Anthony High School generally ranges from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 per year, which is competitive with or slightly below the California private school average, especially for college-preparatory institutions. Critically, these schools offer substantial financial aid and scholarship programs specifically aimed at making education accessible for families from diverse economic backgrounds, including those in Compton. The Catholic Education Foundation and other diocesan programs, along with need-based aid from the schools themselves, are widely utilized. It is essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Compton offer that address local interests and career pathways?
Private schools in the area have developed robust programs that resonate with local student interests and regional economic opportunities. For example, St. John Bosco High School features a renowned Engineering and Design Technology program, aligning with Southern California's tech and manufacturing sectors. Many schools also emphasize strong visual and performing arts programs. Furthermore, their college preparatory curricula are specifically designed with high college acceptance rates as a cornerstone, providing crucial guidance for first-generation college-bound students, which is a significant focus for families in the Compton area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Compton, and are there specific requirements for transfer students?
The enrollment process for schools like Junipero Serra or St. Anthony typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with application deadlines between January and February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores (like the HSPT), teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For students transferring from Compton Unified School District public schools, these private high schools have admissions counselors experienced in evaluating transcripts from the district and supporting the transition. It's highly advised to attend open houses, often held in the fall, to understand the specific community and fit.
For a family in Compton, what are the primary considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision often hinges on several factors unique to the Compton context. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, a specific college-prep or faith-based focus, and often perceived safer campuses, but require commuting and tuition. Compton Unified School District public schools provide proximity, no tuition, and some specialized magnet programs. Key considerations include: the value of the private school's college counseling network, the ability to access financial aid, the student's readiness for a potentially more rigorous homework load, and the family's capacity for transportation. Many families view the investment in private education as a strategic pathway to university opportunities.
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