The Best Private Schools in Fairfield, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Diocese of Sacramento Catholic Schools
Holy Spirit Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a strong academic foundation with a faith-based curriculum, featuring dedicated teachers and small class sizes. The campus includes modern classrooms, a science lab, library, and playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and comprehensive academic preparation for high school. The school offers a balanced program including technology integration, arts education, and extracurricular activities.
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Vacaville Christian Schools
Vacaville Christian Schools
Vacaville Christian Schools serves families throughout Solano County, including Fairfield, with a comprehensive PreK-12 Christian education program. The school features a 40-acre campus with modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic fields, and technology resources. The academic program emphasizes college preparation with honors and Advanced Placement courses, along with strong STEM and arts programs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, caring faculty, and well-rounded student development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics and fine arts programs.
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St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School
Diocese of Sacramento Catholic Schools
St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School serves the broader Fairfield area with a comprehensive college-preparatory program. The school features a 25-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The curriculum includes 18 Advanced Placement courses, a robust STEM program, and extensive extracurricular offerings. Parents highlight the school's strong academic reputation, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement record. The school maintains a diverse student body with a focus on character development and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfield, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Fairfield, California, and what distinguishes them?
Fairfield, CA, offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily faith-based and independent Christian institutions. The notable schools include Holy Spirit Elementary School (K-8 Catholic), St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School (9-12), and Vacaville Christian Schools (PreK-12, interdenominational). A key distinction is that while Holy Spirit and St. Patrick-St. Vincent are part of the Diocese of Sacramento, Vacaville Christian is a larger, independent campus. Fairfield itself has limited private school options, so many families also consider schools in neighboring Vacaville, Benicia, or Napa, which expands the range to include Montessori and other independent models. This makes commuting a common consideration for Fairfield parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fairfield, CA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Fairfield-area private schools is generally below the average for California's major metropolitan areas but aligns with Solano County costs. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary tuition (e.g., Holy Spirit) ranges from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually, while high school (e.g., St. Patrick-St. Vincent) can range from $12,000 to $17,000. Vacaville Christian Schools operate on a variable tuition model based on grade level. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic schools often have parish subsidies for active members. Importantly, California's SB 98 allows for tax-credit scholarships through programs like the ACE Scholarship, which can provide significant assistance to eligible families in Fairfield.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Fairfield offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Fairfield area often integrate the region's agricultural, scientific, and military presence into their programs. For instance, St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School has strong STEM pathways and leverages proximity to Travis Air Force Base and the UC Davis research community for partnerships and internships. Vacaville Christian Schools offer extensive agricultural science and FFA programs, connecting to Solano County's farming industry. Additionally, many schools emphasize performing arts and athletics, with St. Patrick-St. Vincent competing in the competitive Tri-County Athletic League. These local ties provide unique hands-on learning and future networking opportunities not always available in the public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fairfield, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Fairfield-area private schools typically begins in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year. Most schools host open houses from October through February. Application deadlines are often in early spring (February/March), with acceptance notifications sent by April. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular elementary grades at schools like Holy Spirit, waitlists are common. Sibling and parish member (for Catholic schools) priority is a significant factor. It's highly recommended for Fairfield parents to begin inquiries at least a year in advance, as late applications may only be considered if spaces remain after the initial round.
For a family in Fairfield, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school, especially regarding class size and college preparation?
The key considerations for Fairfield families include class size, specialized focus, and college preparatory resources. Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) public schools have larger average class sizes (often 25-30+ students), while private schools like those in the area maintain ratios closer to 15:1 to 20:1. Academically, private schools often have a more standardized, college-prep-focused curriculum across all grades, with mandatory religion classes in faith-based schools. For college prep, private high schools like St. Patrick-St. Vincent and Vacaville Christian boast near-100% college acceptance rates and often provide more personalized counseling. However, this comes at a significant financial cost, whereas FSUSD offers specialized magnet programs (e.g., the Public Safety Academy) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at no tuition. The decision often hinges on a family's values, budget, and their child's need for a structured, faith-based environment versus a diverse, tuition-free public option.
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