The Best Private Schools in Crestline, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crestline. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Arrowhead Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lake Arrowhead Christian School serves the entire San Bernardino Mountain communities including Crestline, offering a comprehensive K-12 education with strong Christian values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong parent satisfaction ratings and a track record of graduates attending competitive universities.
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Valley Preparatory School
Independent Private School
Valley Preparatory School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families throughout the region including Crestline. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and character development. Features include state-of-the-art technology labs, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a well-developed STEM curriculum. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent track record of preparing students for top high schools. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty and supportive community environment.
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The Grove School
Independent School
The Grove School offers a unique educational experience with its project-based learning approach, serving students from throughout the Inland Empire including Crestline families. The school features a diverse curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, personalized attention is guaranteed. The campus includes modern science laboratories, art studios, performance spaces, and outdoor learning environments. The school has consistently high parent satisfaction and prepares students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crestline, California
What are the main private school options available for families living in Crestline, California, and are they located in town or do they require commuting?
Crestline itself, being a smaller mountain community in the San Bernardino National Forest, has limited on-site private schools. The most commonly considered options are in nearby areas. These include Lake Arrowhead Christian School (in Lake Arrowhead, a short commute), which offers a faith-based K-8 education. The Grove School (in Redlands) and Valley Preparatory School (also in Redlands) are highly regarded independent schools but involve a more significant commute down the mountain. For Crestline residents, the decision often involves weighing the community feel of a local public school against the specific programs of private schools in the surrounding valleys, factoring in daily travel on mountain roads.
How does tuition for private schools in the Crestline, CA, area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Crestline families varies. Lake Arrowhead Christian School typically has a lower tuition range reflective of its smaller size and church affiliation. Schools like The Grove School and Valley Preparatory School in Redlands have tuition rates that are competitive with top California private schools, often ranging significantly higher. California does not have state-funded voucher programs for private education, but most of these schools offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. Crestline parents should inquire directly about aid and consider the additional costs of commuting (fuel, vehicle maintenance) when evaluating the total financial commitment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Crestline offer that leverage the local mountain environment?
Several schools incorporate the unique San Bernardino Mountain setting into their programs. Lake Arrowhead Christian School may utilize local trails for outdoor science and PE. While The Grove School and Valley Preparatory School are in Redlands, their emphasis on experiential learning can include field trips to mountain ecosystems for biology or environmental science. Some schools also have outdoor education or retreat programs that take advantage of nearby camp facilities. This connection to nature is a distinctive benefit for Crestline families seeking an education that extends beyond the traditional classroom, promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor activity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Crestline, California, families?
The timeline is crucial due to limited spaces. Most private schools in the area, especially the more competitive ones in Redlands, follow an annual cycle. Applications for the following fall typically open in September or October, with deadlines between January and March. The process often includes a parent tour, student assessment or visit, and submission of records and recommendations. For Crestline residents, it's vital to start early—often a full year in advance—to navigate application requirements, arrange visits down the mountain, and explore transportation logistics. Rolling admissions may be available at some schools if spots remain.
For a family in Crestline, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring community?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public school, part of the Rim of the World Unified School District, offers the convenience of a very short commute and deep community integration. Choosing a private school like those in Lake Arrowhead or Redlands involves a daily commute on State Route 18 or 330, which can be challenging in winter weather. Parents must weigh this against perceived benefits such as smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montessori at The Grove School), or more robust arts/STEM programs. The unique mountain lifestyle of Crestline means evaluating whether a school's culture and schedule align with family life in a close-knit, rural community versus a larger town.
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