The Best Private Schools in Farmington, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Stockton
Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Farmington and throughout the Central Valley. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development through its Catholic identity while providing comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, robotics, and arts programs.
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The Weber Institute
Stockton Unified School District (Magnet Program)
The Weber Institute is a highly specialized magnet high school that serves students from Farmington and throughout San Joaquin County with innovative career-focused education. While technically a public magnet school, it functions as a selective private-style institution with competitive admissions. The school partners with local industries and colleges to provide hands-on learning in high-demand fields. Facilities include professional-grade media labs, engineering workshops, and healthcare simulation centers. The institute emphasizes real-world skills alongside rigorous academic preparation.
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St. Mary's High School
Diocese of Stockton
St. Mary's High School is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in the region, serving Farmington area families with its comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts theater, and extensive athletic complexes. St. Mary's maintains strong college placement records and offers over 50 clubs and organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, California
What are the primary private school options available for families in Farmington, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Farmington, CA, is a small community, so most private school options are found in nearby Stockton and the broader San Joaquin County. The schools you mentioned—Central Catholic High School and St. Mary's High School in Stockton—are popular choices for Farmington residents, but both are 9-12 grade institutions. The Weber Institute is a public magnet school, not a private school. For younger students, families in Farmington often consider private elementary and middle schools in Stockton, such as St. Mary's High School's affiliated elementary programs or other faith-based academies. This means commuting is a standard consideration for Farmington families seeking private education.
How does tuition at private high schools like Central Catholic or St. Mary's in Stockton compare for Farmington, CA residents, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private high schools in the Stockton area serving Farmington families typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per year. As California residents, Farmington families may be eligible for state-supported programs like the California Tax Credit Scholarship program, which can provide need-based assistance. Both Central Catholic and St. Mary's High Schools offer substantial financial aid and scholarship programs funded by their diocesan foundations and endowments. It's crucial for Farmington parents to apply for financial aid early, as these funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, often requiring submission of forms like the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Farmington, CA, offer that leverage the region's characteristics?
Private schools in the Stockton area accessible to Farmington students often design programs around the region's agricultural and logistical economy. For example, Central Catholic High School emphasizes a strong college-prep curriculum with agri-business and environmental science electives that connect to San Joaquin Valley's core industries. St. Mary's High School offers renowned programs in music, arts, and competitive athletics that compete at the state level. Additionally, their community service requirements often partner with local Central Valley non-profits, giving students a grounded, regional perspective. Neither school is a boarding school, so all programs are day-based, requiring daily transportation from Farmington.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Stockton for families living in Farmington?
The enrollment process for schools like Central Catholic and St. Mary's High School begins almost a full year in advance. Prospective Farmington families should attend open houses in the fall (September-October), with application deadlines typically in January for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often taking a placement exam (like the HSPT). Admissions decisions are usually communicated in March. Given Farmington's location, attending shadow days for your child can require planning for the commute to Stockton. We recommend contacting the admissions office by early fall of your child's 8th-grade year to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For a family in Farmington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Stockton?
The decision often centers on commute, curriculum focus, and community. Farmington is part of the small Farmington Elementary School District and then the larger Oakdale Joint Unified School District for high school, which involves a bus ride to Oakdale. Choosing a private school in Stockton means a longer daily commute (approximately 30+ minutes) but access to a specific religious or value-based education, smaller class sizes, and often more robust college counseling. The private school choice also involves a significant financial investment versus the no-tuition public option. Parents should consider their child's readiness for a longer school day with travel and whether the specialized programs (e.g., faith formation, specific arts or sports) align with their educational priorities enough to offset the logistical and cost differences.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Pre-K Schools in Farmington, CA | A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Farmington, California, beginning the search for early education can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re not just looking for a daycare; you’re seeking a foundational experience that will nurture your child’s curiosity, social skills, and love for learning. When you type “private pre k schools near me” into your search bar, you’re expressing a desire for something more personalized and intentional for your young learner. In our close-knit San Joaquin County community, this search is deeply connected to finding a setting that aligns with your family’s values and provides a warm, secure start to your child’s educational journey.
While Farmington itself is a smaller community, your search for quality private pre-kindergarten options naturally extends into the surrounding areas, including Stockton, Lodi, and Modesto. This regional perspective is important for Farmington families. Many excellent private pre-k programs are affiliated with the broader educational institutions you may already be familiar with. For instance, the esteemed Central Catholic High School in Modesto and St. Mary’s High School in Stockton are part of larger parish or diocesan systems that often include feeder preschools. Investigating these networks can be a strategic first step. A call to their admissions offices can often provide referrals or information about affiliated early childhood centers that prioritize a seamless educational pathway.
The search for “private pre k schools near me” in our area also involves considering the unique blend of rural charm and agricultural heritage that defines Farmington. Some of the most enriching programs incorporate elements of this local context into their curriculum. Look for schools that might offer garden-based learning, nature exploration, or community-focused projects that help children connect to their environment. This local flavor adds a layer of authenticity and connection that large, generic programs cannot replicate. When visiting potential schools, ask how they create a sense of community and whether their activities reflect the world their students live in.
Practical logistics are a key part of the decision for Farmington parents. Given that your ideal pre-k might be a short drive away in a neighboring city, evaluating commute times, carpool possibilities, and the school’s schedule is crucial. Many families find that a slightly longer drive is worthwhile for a program that feels like the perfect fit. Furthermore, the investment in private pre-k is about more than academics; it’s about the whole environment. Pay close attention to teacher-student interactions, the safety and stimulation of the physical space, and the school’s philosophy on play-based versus structured learning. Trust your instincts during tours—you know your child best.
Ultimately, your quest for the right private pre-k is the first step in a long-term educational partnership. The habits, confidence, and joy for learning fostered in these early years set a powerful trajectory. By looking beyond just the phrase “private pre k schools near me” and focusing on the values, community connections, and developmental approach of each program, you can find a wonderful starting point for your child’s story right here in the heart of California’s Central Valley.
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