The Best Private Schools in Crockett, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crockett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The College Preparatory School
Independent
This highly selective independent school serves students from throughout the Bay Area, including Crockett families seeking elite college preparation. Consistently ranked among the top private schools in California, College Prep offers an intellectually rigorous curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features advanced science laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. Located approximately 20 miles from Crockett, the school provides transportation options and serves a diverse student body with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
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De La Salle High School
Christian Brothers
De La Salle is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school for young men serving the greater Contra Costa County area, including Crockett families. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Features include state-of-the-art STEM facilities, comprehensive athletic programs (notably football), and extensive extracurricular offerings. The 25-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science and technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, leadership, and character development.
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Alhambra High School
Martinez Unified School District (Private program offerings)
While technically a public school, Alhambra High School serves the Crockett community and offers private-level academic programs through its specialized academies and extensive AP course offerings. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, award-winning visual and performing arts department, and competitive athletics. Located just 5 miles from Crockett, it provides college preparatory curriculum with strong teacher-student ratios in specialized programs. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crockett, California
Are there any private schools actually located within Crockett, CA, or do families typically commute to nearby cities?
Crockett itself is a small, unincorporated community, so there are no major private school campuses located directly within its boundaries. Families in Crockett typically commute to private schools in the broader Contra Costa County area. The schools you mentioned—Alhambra High School (in Martinez), De La Salle High School (in Concord), and The College Preparatory School (in Oakland)—are all located in neighboring cities, accessible via the I-80 corridor or the Carquinez Bridge. This means transportation planning is a key consideration for Crockett parents.
What are the transportation options for Crockett students attending private schools in Concord, Oakland, or Martinez?
Given Crockett's location, most families rely on private carpooling or independent driving for high school students. Some private schools, like De La Salle, may offer limited bus service from central Contra Costa County hubs, but direct service from Crockett is uncommon. Parents should inquire directly with each school about their transportation programs. The commute involves crossing the Carquinez Bridge to reach Concord/Oakland or taking local roads to Martinez, so factoring in bridge tolls and potential traffic on I-80 is an important part of the daily logistics.
How does the tuition at top Bay Area private schools compare to the median household income in Crockett, CA?
Tuition at schools like The College Preparatory School or De La Salle often exceeds $50,000 annually, which is a significant investment compared to Crockett's median household income (approximately $90,000-$100,000). This disparity makes financial aid and scholarship programs critically important. Most of these top-tier schools have robust need-based financial aid programs. California parents should also investigate the California Tax Credit Scholarship program and school-specific endowments. It is essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission to understand the true net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at these nearby private schools might appeal to a student from a community like Crockett?
Schools in this region often leverage the broader Bay Area's resources. For a student from a smaller town like Crockett, programs like marine biology or environmental science (capitalizing on the Carquinez Strait and Delta), engineering partnerships with local tech firms, or robust visual and performing arts programs can be particularly appealing. De La Salle's renowned athletics and leadership programs, or College Prep's intense academic focus, offer different pathways. These programs provide exposure and opportunities that may differ significantly from the local public school offerings in the John Swett Unified School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for Crockett families applying to these competitive Bay Area private schools?
The timeline is highly structured and requires early planning. For fall admission, the process typically begins in the summer or early fall (August-September) a full year prior with open houses and inquiry forms. Standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) should be completed by December. Application deadlines for schools like College Prep and De La Salle are usually in early to mid-January. Interviews and shadow visits occur in the winter, with admission decisions released in March. Crockett families must start this process early, as securing spots and planning for the commute are crucial subsequent steps.
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