The Best Private Schools in Diamond Bar, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Diamond Bar. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school for young women located just minutes from Diamond Bar. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and extensive technology integration. Notable programs include Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school serves students from Diamond Bar and surrounding communities with a focus on leadership development and community service.
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The Oxford Academy
Oxford Preparatory Academy
The Oxford Academy is a highly selective public magnet school serving students from throughout Orange County and the greater region, including Diamond Bar residents. Consistently ranked among the top high schools in California and the nation, Oxford Academy offers an accelerated curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, comprehensive technology resources, and competitive academic teams. With a focus on preparing students for top universities, the school maintains exceptional academic standards and offers robust extracurricular programs.
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Oxford Preparatory Academy - Chino Valley
Oxford Preparatory Academy
Oxford Preparatory Academy - Chino Valley is a highly-regarded public charter school serving students from Chino Valley and surrounding areas including Diamond Bar. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, critical thinking, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, robotics, and performing arts. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with strong community involvement and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Diamond Bar, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Diamond Bar, California?
Diamond Bar itself is home to a limited number of on-campus private schools, with St. Lucy's Priory High School (an all-girls Catholic school) being a prominent local option. However, due to its location in the greater East San Gabriel Valley, many Diamond Bar families also consider highly-regarded nearby schools in adjacent cities. These include The Oxford Academy in Cypress (a selective public magnet school often considered in private school comparisons) and charter schools like Oxford Preparatory Academy in Chino Valley. Additionally, families frequently explore private institutions in surrounding areas such as Walnut, Pomona, and Claremont, which offer a wider range of religious, independent, and college-preparatory options accessible via a short commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in and around Diamond Bar, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools serving Diamond Bar families varies widely but is generally at or above the California state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the competitive academic landscape. For example, area private high schools often range from approximately $15,000 to over $25,000 annually. Most established private schools, including St. Lucy's Priory, offer need-based financial aid and sometimes merit scholarships. It's also important for California parents to investigate the California Tax Credit Scholarship program, which can provide scholarships for students attending private schools, and to inquire directly with each school about their specific endowment-funded aid, payment plans, and multi-child discounts.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Diamond Bar?
Private schools in the Diamond Bar vicinity often emphasize strong college preparatory curricula with unique specializations. St. Lucy's Priory High School, for instance, offers a distinctive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rarity in the immediate area. Schools in the broader region may feature specialized STEM academies, renowned arts programs, or competitive athletics leagues within the CIF-Southern Section. Many also emphasize technology integration, robotics teams, and partnerships with local colleges. The proximity to the Claremont Colleges can influence some schools' programs, offering enhanced academic resources and mentorship opportunities not commonly found in all suburban areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Diamond Bar area, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for private schools in this competitive region typically begins a full year in advance. Key steps generally include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing entrance exams (like the HSPT or ISEE) in the winter. Admission competitiveness varies significantly; highly selective schools like The Oxford Academy (though public) have an extremely rigorous academic testing process, while private schools like St. Lucy's consider grades, test scores, recommendations, interviews, and for some, religious affiliation. Diamond Bar parents should be proactive, as waitlists are common for sought-after spots, especially in transitional grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th.
How do the academic environments and resources of private schools serving Diamond Bar compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District?
This is a key consideration for Diamond Bar families, as the local Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in California. The choice often hinges on specific needs rather than overall quality. WVUSD schools offer a robust, standardized curriculum with high academic performance and extensive AP courses. Private school alternatives typically provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+), more individualized attention, distinct religious or value-based education (e.g., Catholic), or specialized pedagogical approaches (like IB). For some families, the private school environment offers a more tailored fit or a specific program focus that justifies the investment, even alongside excellent public options.
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