The Best Private Schools in El Toro, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in El Toro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
St. Margaret's Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private school serving South Orange County, including El Toro. Founded in 1979, this PK-12 institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic results. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and championship athletic programs. The school consistently achieves top college placement rates and maintains a strong community atmosphere.
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Fairmont Private Schools - Anaheim Hills Campus
Fairmont Private Schools
Fairmont Private Schools has been serving Orange County families since 1953 and is a popular choice for El Toro residents. The Anaheim Hills campus offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. The school features advanced STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Fairmont is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate program and consistently high college acceptance rates. The campus includes modern classrooms, science facilities, and athletic complexes, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
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Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Diocese of Orange
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving South Orange County, including El Toro families. Established in 1987, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 25 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM opportunities. The 45-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and outstanding athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and offers numerous extracurricular activities including championship sports teams, robotics, and community service programs. SMCHS maintains strong college placement records and a supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in El Toro, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in El Toro, California?
While El Toro itself is a community within Lake Forest, CA, it is served by several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding Orange County area. Top options include St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, known for its rigorous K-12 program; Fairmont Private Schools' Anaheim Hills Campus, offering a strong preparatory curriculum; and Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, a prominent diocesan college-prep school. Many El Toro families also consider other Orange County independents and faith-based schools, benefiting from the region's dense concentration of private education options, though most require a commute.
How does the tuition for private schools near El Toro, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools in the El Toro/Orange County area is generally at or above the high California state average due to the region's cost of living and school reputations. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000 - $40,000+ for day schools at the high school level. Most schools, including St. Margaret's, Fairmont, and Santa Margarita Catholic High, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 private school tuition, which is an important consideration for El Toro families planning finances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from El Toro that leverage the Southern California environment?
Private schools in the El Toro area often integrate the unique resources of Orange County and Southern California into their programs. For example, St. Margaret's Episcopal School has a renowned engineering and technology program that partners with local tech firms. Many schools have strong marine biology and environmental science courses utilizing the nearby Pacific coastline. Santa Margarita Catholic High School features a specialized Aerospace & Engineering Academy with ties to industry. Furthermore, extensive arts programs frequently include partnerships with local museums, theaters, and the film industry, providing exceptional internship and learning opportunities not easily replicated elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the El Toro, California area?
The enrollment process for top private schools near El Toro is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the application cycle typically opens in August or September, with deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications, student testing (like the ISEE or HSPT), interviews, and student visit days. For schools like St. Margaret's and Santa Margarita Catholic High, applying by the priority deadline is crucial due to limited space. Siblings and legacy applicants often receive early consideration. Families in El Toro are advised to start research and tours at least 12-18 months in advance.
For an El Toro resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Saddleback Valley Unified public school district to area private schools?
El Toro is served by the well-regarded Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD), making the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (SVUSD schools average 25-30+ students, while privates often have 15-20), **Curriculum Flexibility** (private schools offer specialized tracks, religious education, or progressive pedagogies not available in public), **Transportation** (SVUSD provides busing; private schools usually require parent carpooling or paid bus services for the commute), and **Extracurricular Depth** (large public high schools like Trabuco Hills offer extensive sports, but privates may offer more specialized arts or clubs). Many El Toro families choose private schools for a specific educational philosophy or religious foundation, accepting the commute and tuition for that fit.
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