The Best Private Schools in Folsom, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Folsom. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jesuit High School
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Jesuit High School is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Folsom and throughout the Sacramento region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 28 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and outstanding athletic facilities. Jesuit emphasizes character formation through its Ignatian tradition and provides comprehensive college counseling with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes.
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St. John the Evangelist School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. John the Evangelist School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Folsom and the greater Sacramento area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, choir, and community service programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has consistently high academic achievement scores.
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St. Francis High School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis High School is an acclaimed all-girls Catholic college preparatory school that serves Folsom students and the broader Sacramento community. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong academic programs, including 24 AP courses, outstanding visual and performing arts departments, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern science laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and recently renovated athletic complexes. St. Francis emphasizes leadership development and community service while maintaining a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Folsom, California
What are the main types of private school options available within Folsom, California, and do I need to commute to Sacramento for more choices?
Folsom offers a limited number of standalone private schools, with St. John the Evangelist School (K-8) being a prominent local option. For high school, families often look to nearby Sacramento, where prestigious institutions like Jesuit High School (all-boys) and St. Francis High School (all-girls) are located, typically a 20-30 minute commute. Folsom also has several charter schools, which are public but can feel private. For a wider array of private, faith-based, or independent schools, looking toward the broader Sacramento metro area is common for Folsom residents.
How does tuition for Folsom-area private schools compare to the California state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools serving Folsom families is generally at or above the California average due to the region's higher cost of living. For example, area high schools like Jesuit or St. Francis have tuition exceeding $20,000 annually. Most established schools, including St. John the Evangelist, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in the California Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship program, which can provide additional tuition assistance. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools accessible to Folsom students that leverage the local environment?
Yes, several schools offer programs that connect to Folsom's historical and natural setting. Some integrate California Gold Rush and Folsom Lake history into their social studies curricula. Furthermore, schools like Jesuit High School have strong engineering and robotics programs that sometimes partner with local tech companies in Folsom's growing business sector. Outdoor education and environmental science programs are also common, taking advantage of the proximity to the American River Parkway and Sierra Nevada foothills.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. John the Evangelist or the Sacramento-based high schools that Folsom families consider?
The timeline is critical and early. For primary schools like St. John the Evangelist, applications often open in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with deadlines in early winter. For the competitive Sacramento high schools (Jesuit, St. Francis), the process usually begins with an entrance exam (HSPT) in the fall of 8th grade, followed by application deadlines in December or January. Sibling and parish (for Catholic schools) preferences are significant, so connecting with the admissions office a full year in advance is highly recommended for Folsom parents.
How do the academic environments and outcomes of private schools serving Folsom compare to the highly-rated Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) public schools?
This is a key consideration. FCUSD public schools, like Folsom High, are consistently top-rated in California, offering rigorous academics (including extensive AP programs) and extracurriculars. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and environment. Private options typically offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if faith-based), and a different community structure. The Sacramento-based private high schools boast nearly 100% college acceptance rates and often have different athletic and arts league affiliations. The decision is less about academic quality and more about the best fit for a child's learning style and family values.
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