The Best Private Schools in Fullerton, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fullerton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Juliana School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Juliana School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Fullerton families for nearly seven decades. The school offers a comprehensive education from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and offers extensive extracurricular programs including music, art, sports, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Mary's School is another excellent Catholic private school option in Fullerton with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes character development alongside strong academic preparation. The curriculum includes advanced technology integration with 1:1 iPad program in upper grades, comprehensive Spanish language instruction, and robust music and arts programs. The school features well-maintained facilities including a library, computer lab, and playground areas. Parents frequently mention the school's strong community bonds, experienced faculty, and effective preparation for high school.
Programs:
Fairmont Private Schools - Anaheim Hills Campus
Fairmont Private Schools
While located in nearby Anaheim Hills, Fairmont Private Schools serves many Fullerton families and is considered one of the top private school options in North Orange County. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Fairmont offers Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and specialized STEM pathways. The school is known for its academic rigor, diverse student body, and impressive college acceptance records to top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fullerton, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Fullerton, CA, and how do they differ?
Fullerton, CA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as faith-based, independent preparatory, and specialized academies. Faith-based schools, like St. Juliana School (Catholic, K-8) and St. Mary's School (Catholic, K-8), integrate religious education with a standard academic curriculum. Independent preparatory schools, such as the nearby Fairmont Private Schools (with a campus in Anaheim Hills serving many Fullerton families), offer a rigorous, college-prep focus with advanced programs like International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP). There are also smaller, specialized institutions focusing on arts, STEM, or specific educational philosophies. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious component, curriculum structure, and campus culture.
How does tuition for private schools in Fullerton, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for K-8 private schools in Fullerton, such as St. Juliana or St. Mary's, often ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 per year, which is generally at or slightly below the California state average for similar schools. High school tuition, like at Fairmont Private Schools, can range from $20,000 to $30,000+, aligning with competitive preparatory schools statewide. Most Fullerton-area private schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for affiliated families at Catholic schools, and merit-based scholarships. California's tax-advantaged 529 savings plans can also be used for K-12 private tuition, and many schools offer monthly payment plans to ease the financial burden for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Fullerton area that leverage local resources?
Private schools in the Fullerton area often leverage proximity to local institutions like California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and the Fullerton Arboretum. Partnerships with CSUF can provide high school students with dual enrollment opportunities for college credit. Schools may also feature specialized programs in performing arts, benefiting from Fullerton's vibrant theater community, or robust STEM labs with a focus on engineering, reflecting Orange County's tech industry. For example, Fairmont Private Schools offer extensive advanced science and international programs. Furthermore, many schools incorporate local ecology and history studies at sites like the Fullerton Arboretum or the Leo Fender Museum into their curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fullerton, CA, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Fullerton private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses from September to January, and application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Admission decisions are often communicated in March. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for some grades, an entrance assessment. Competitiveness varies; popular Catholic schools like St. Juliana may have waiting lists, especially for kindergarten, and prioritize parish members. Highly regarded preparatory schools like Fairmont are selective, emphasizing academic readiness and personal character. It's crucial to start the process early and attend open houses to understand each school's specific requirements.
For a family considering both, what are key distinctions between the Fullerton School District public schools and private school options in the city?
Key distinctions include class size, curriculum flexibility, and educational focus. Fullerton School District public schools offer diverse, tuition-free education with state-mandated curricula and programs for gifted students (GATE) and special needs. Private schools in Fullerton typically feature smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), allowing for more individualized attention. They have the autonomy to offer specialized curricula, such as accelerated math tracks, intensive foreign language immersion, or integrated faith-based education. Private schools may also have more extensive extracurricular offerings and require parental involvement through volunteer hours or fundraising. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, specific academic rigor, and desired campus culture versus the community-based, no-cost public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities