The Best Private Schools in Fillmore, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fillmore. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Bonaventure High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Bonaventure High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout Ventura County, including Fillmore. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through community service requirements.
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Villanova Preparatory School
Order of Saint Augustine
Villanova Preparatory School is an Augustinian Catholic boarding and day school serving students from Fillmore and throughout the region. As one of the few schools in the area offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Villanova provides a globally-recognized curriculum that prepares students for top universities. The 120-acre campus features historic Spanish-style architecture, modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and boarding accommodations. The school emphasizes holistic education with strong arts programs, competitive sports, and community service opportunities. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and academic support.
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St. Sebastian School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Sebastian School provides exceptional Catholic elementary education for students from Fillmore and surrounding communities. Serving grades TK-8, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum integrated with faith formation and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and modern technology integration throughout the curriculum. Programs include STEM enrichment, Spanish language instruction from early grades, music education, and competitive sports. The safe, nurturing environment emphasizes academic excellence while developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fillmore, California
What are the primary private school options available for families in Fillmore, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Fillmore, CA, offers a few well-regarded private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. St. Sebastian School is a private Catholic school serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families often look to St. Bonaventure High School in nearby Ventura (about a 20-minute drive), which serves grades 9-12, and Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai (approximately a 30-minute drive), a private Catholic college-prep boarding and day school for grades 9-12. This means most Fillmore families seeking a continuous private, faith-based education from elementary through high school will need to plan for commuting to neighboring communities.
How does the tuition for private schools in and around Fillmore, CA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition varies significantly between the local elementary school and the regional high schools. St. Sebastian School in Fillmore has a more accessible tuition, often ranging between $6,000-$8,000 annually for parishioners. The high schools are a larger investment; St. Bonaventure and Villanova Preparatory School tuitions typically range from $15,000 to $25,000+ per year for day students. All these schools offer financial aid programs, often based on demonstrated need through applications like FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, and some families may utilize the state's various scholarship grant organizations for further assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Fillmore students?
The private schools accessible to Fillmore families emphasize college preparatory curricula with distinct features. Villanova Preparatory School, as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offers the prestigious IB Diploma Programme, a rare offering in the region. St. Bonaventure High School is known for its strong athletics program (competing in the Channel League) and robust visual/performing arts. St. Sebastian School provides a foundational Catholic education with dedicated STEM and religion classes. Given Fillmore's agricultural heritage, these schools often incorporate environmental science and community service projects that connect to the local context of the Santa Clara River Valley.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Sebastian in Fillmore?
For St. Sebastian School in Fillmore, the enrollment process for the upcoming academic year typically begins in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, providing previous school records, and often a student assessment or classroom visit. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students, active parishioners of St. Sebastian Church, and then new families. For the high schools (St. Bonaventure and Villanova), the process often starts even earlier, with open houses in the fall, entrance exams (like the HSPT) in January, and admission decisions communicated by March. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly, as spaces, especially in the smaller St. Sebastian, can be limited.
For families in Fillmore, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The key considerations for Fillmore families include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and commute. Fillmore Unified School District provides a tuition-free education with programs like dual-language immersion. Private options like St. Sebastian offer smaller class sizes, a specific faith-based values integration, and a seamless pathway to private high schools. Choosing a private high school like St. Bonaventure or Villanova involves a significant commute, which impacts family logistics and student time. Academically, the private schools focus on a college-prep track with high matriculation rates, while public schools offer a broader range of vocational and elective pathways. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much a family values religious education, individualized attention, and is willing to invest financially and logistically for that environment.
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