The Best Private Schools in Elk Grove, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elk Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Elk Grove families for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade, with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, STEM programs, and extensive arts education. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community atmosphere. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Jesuit High School
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Jesuit High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Sacramento region, including many Elk Grove families. As a Jesuit institution, it emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM Academy, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 27-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Jesuit consistently ranks among the top private high schools in Northern California.
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Stratford School - Elk Grove
Stratford School
Stratford School's Elk Grove campus serves families in the southern Sacramento area with a rigorous, accelerated academic program from preschool through middle school. The school emphasizes STEM education, critical thinking, and project-based learning. Unique features include daily Mandarin language instruction, comprehensive arts education, and advanced mathematics curriculum. The modern campus features specialized science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the academic rigor and preparation for competitive high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elk Grove, California
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Elk Grove, California?
Elk Grove offers a diverse range of private school models to fit different educational philosophies. Your core options include faith-based institutions like St. Mary's School (Catholic, K-8) and Jesuit High School (Catholic, all-boys, 9-12), which integrate religious education with college-prep academics. For a secular, rigorous academic focus, schools like Stratford School - Elk Grove provide a structured, accelerated curriculum from preschool through middle school. Additionally, the broader Sacramento area accessible from Elk Grove includes independent college-preparatory schools, Montessori programs, and specialized learning environments. This variety allows Elk Grove parents to choose based on curriculum, values, and teaching approach.
How does the tuition for private schools in Elk Grove, CA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in Elk Grove's private schools is generally competitive within the Northern California region but varies significantly by grade level and institution. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition (e.g., St. Mary's) often ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 annually, while high school tuition (e.g., Jesuit High) can exceed $20,000. California's unique financial aid landscape includes the California K-12 Tuition Grant Program for qualifying families, and most Elk Grove private schools have their own need-based aid and merit scholarship programs. Importantly, many Sacramento-area private schools participate in similar aid platforms, so it's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school's process (like FACTS) by their early deadlines, often in January or February.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Elk Grove area?
Elk Grove's private schools offer distinct specializations that leverage both local and regional resources. Jesuit High School is renowned for its extensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, robust engineering and robotics programs, and dominant athletic teams competing in the Delta League. Stratford School - Elk Grove emphasizes STEM, Mandarin language instruction, and a strong arts program from an early age. St. Mary's School often features strong foundational academics with faith formation and community service projects. Furthermore, Elk Grove's proximity to Sacramento provides students unique access to state government internships, university partnerships, and cultural institutions, which many local private schools actively incorporate into their programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Elk Grove, and are there key local deadlines?
The enrollment process for Elk Grove private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, most schools open applications in September or October of the prior year. Key deadlines for priority consideration are typically between December and February. For instance, Jesuit High School's application deadline is often in early January, with placement tests scheduled shortly after. Stratford School and St. Mary's also have winter deadlines. The process usually involves a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and an entrance assessment. Due to competitive seats, especially in popular grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, families are strongly advised to attend fall open houses and submit applications well before the deadline.
For families considering the choice, how do the academic environments of Elk Grove's top private schools compare to the highly-rated public school district?
Choosing between Elk Grove's acclaimed public schools (like the Elk Grove Unified School District) and its private options often comes down to educational approach and individual student needs. The public district offers large, comprehensive programs with diverse electives, extensive sports, and nationally recognized programs, all at no tuition cost. In contrast, private schools like Jesuit, Stratford, and St. Mary's provide smaller class sizes (often 15-25 students), a specific value-based or accelerated curricular focus, and a consistent educational philosophy from kindergarten through high school. Private schools may offer more tailored attention and a distinct community culture, which can be a deciding factor for families seeking an alternative to the larger public school environment, even within a district known for its quality.
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