The Best Private Schools in Duarte, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Duarte. 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
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Lucy's Priory High School is a prestigious all-girls Catholic college preparatory school located just minutes from Duarte. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a premier Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school serving the greater Los Angeles area including Duarte families. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines. Situated on a beautiful 41-acre hillside campus, FSHA features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts complex, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Boarding options are available for students in grades 9-12, and the school emphasizes global citizenship and leadership development.
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Alverno Heights Academy
Sisters of St. Francis
Alverno Heights Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving the San Gabriel Valley region including Duarte. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a robust STEM program. The 13-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Alverno emphasizes leadership development through its unique "Women in Leadership" program and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school's diverse student body benefits from small class sizes and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Duarte, California
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Duarte, California, and are there any within the city limits?
Duarte itself has a limited number of private schools within its municipal boundaries, leading many families to look at highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. The most prominent nearby options include St. Lucy's Priory High School (all-girls, Catholic, grades 9-12) in Glendora, Alverno Heights Academy (all-girls, Catholic, grades 6-12) in Sierra Madre, and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (all-girls, Catholic, boarding/day, grades 9-12) in La Cañada Flintridge. For younger grades, families often explore private elementary schools in neighboring cities like Monrovia and Arcadia. Transportation or carpool arrangements are common considerations for Duarte residents.
How does tuition for private high schools near Duarte, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top-tier private schools in the Duarte-adjacent area tends to be at or above the California private school average. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like St. Lucy's, Alverno, and Flintridge Sacred Heart ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ annually. California's relatively high cost of living is reflected in these figures. Crucially, all these schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, often through platforms like FACTS Grant & Aid. Additionally, California's Tax Credit Scholarship program (administered by organizations like ACE Scholarships) can provide further assistance to eligible families, making these schools more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools in the Duarte area that leverage Southern California's resources?
Schools in this region often feature programs that capitalize on the local academic, cultural, and industrial landscape. For example, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy offers a Global Education program with immersive travel and a partnership with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Alverno Heights Academy has a strong Visual and Performing Arts program with connections to Pasadena's arts scene. St. Lucy's Priory emphasizes STEM with a focus on biotechnology and engineering, benefiting from proximity to the region's tech and healthcare industries. Many also have unique outdoor education and sustainability initiatives tied to the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools near Duarte, CA, and when should parents start preparing?
The admissions process for sought-after schools like Alverno, St. Lucy's, and Flintridge Sacred Heart is highly structured and begins early. The cycle typically starts in the fall (September-October) for entry the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT) in January, and completing student interviews and shadow days. Notifications are usually released in March. For families in Duarte, it is strongly advised to begin research and school visits a full year in advance, ideally in the spring of 7th grade for 9th-grade entry.
For a Duarte resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Duarte Unified) with nearby private school options?
The decision often hinges on academic focus, environment, and investment. Duarte Unified offers a tuition-free public education with programs like dual-language immersion and college-prep pathways. In contrast, nearby private schools offer smaller class sizes, single-gender environments (a defining feature of the top local options), specific religious education (if desired), and often more extensive college counseling networks. For families in Duarte, the choice may also involve logistical factors: the convenience of a neighborhood public school versus commuting for a private school's specialized community. Assessing your child's learning style, your family's values, and the long-term financial commitment is essential in this comparison.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private High Schools Near Duarte, CA: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Duarte, beginning the search for “private high schools near me” can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for an environment that not only provides academic rigor but also nurtures your child’s unique talents and character, all within a reasonable distance from home. Fortunately, the Duarte area and its neighboring communities in the San Gabriel Valley are home to several exceptional private high schools, each offering distinct educational philosophies and communities. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in finding the right fit for your family.
Your search will likely lead you to consider some of the most respected institutions in the region. Right here in Duarte, you have St. Lucy’s Priory High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school for young women known for its strong sense of sisterhood and commitment to service. Just a short drive away in Sierra Madre, Alverno Heights Academy offers another excellent all-girls environment with a focus on empowering students through leadership and a robust arts program. For families considering a boarding option or a picturesque hilltop campus, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Cañada Flintridge provides a transformative all-girls education with stunning views and a global perspective. These schools represent a core part of the local private education tapestry, but your exploration shouldn’t stop there; surrounding cities offer additional coeducational and single-gender options worth visiting.
When researching “private high schools near me” from Duarte, practical considerations are key. Traffic along the 210 freeway can significantly impact commute times, so factor in the daily journey to schools in Pasadena, Arcadia, or La Cañada. Many local families find that schools within a 20-minute drive offer the best balance of accessibility and choice. It’s also wise to investigate each school’s specific affiliation and values. The Catholic tradition is strong here, influencing community life and curriculum at several top schools. However, you’ll also find independent schools with different spiritual or secular approaches. Consider what environment aligns with your family’s values and your child’s need for structure, community service, or artistic expression.
The true essence of finding the right school goes beyond a simple online search. We encourage you to move from a generic query for “private high schools near me” to immersive, firsthand experiences. Attend open houses and shadow days at St. Lucy’s, Alverno, Flintridge Sacred Heart, and others on your list. These visits allow you to feel the campus culture, observe student-teacher interactions, and ask detailed questions about college counseling, STEM programs, or athletic offerings. Talk to other Duarte parents at local parks or community centers; personal referrals are invaluable. Remember, you are not just selecting an academic institution, but a partner in your child’s adolescent development. The ideal private high school in our area will be one where your teenager feels challenged, supported, and inspired to grow, all while being part of a community that feels like an extension of your family’s home here in Duarte.
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