The Best Private Schools in Glendora, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glendora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Heritage Oak Private School
Merryhill Schools
Heritage Oak Private School is a highly-rated private institution serving families throughout the region with a comprehensive preschool through 8th grade program. The school features an advanced academic curriculum with specialized science labs, robust foreign language program starting in preschool, and extensive arts education. The campus includes modern classrooms, dedicated science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong academic foundation and individualized learning approach, Heritage Oak prepares students for success in competitive high schools with small class sizes and experienced faculty.
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St. Lucy's Priory High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Lucy's Priory High School is a prestigious all-girls Catholic college preparatory school founded by the Benedictine Sisters. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate, featuring Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive visual and performing arts programs. The 13-acre campus includes modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, the school emphasizes leadership development and personalized attention with small class sizes.
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Damien High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Damien High School is a highly-regarded all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the San Gabriel Valley region, including Glendora families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 26 AP courses, specialized STEM academy, competitive athletics program, and extensive extracurricular activities. The 22-acre campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, performing arts center, and modern athletic facilities. With a strong focus on character development and academic achievement, Damien maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and offers personalized college counseling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glendora, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Glendora, CA, and how do they differ?
Glendora offers a distinct mix of private school options catering to different educational philosophies. You'll find prestigious single-gender Catholic secondary schools like St. Lucy's Priory High School (all-girls) and Damien High School (all-boys), both with strong college preparatory traditions. For coeducational K-8 education, Heritage Oak Private School provides a structured, accelerated curriculum. Additionally, the broader San Gabriel Valley area accessible to Glendora residents includes independent, non-denominational, and other faith-based schools. This means parents in Glendora can choose based on gender environment, religious affiliation, and academic approach without necessarily having to look to Los Angeles proper.
How does the tuition for private schools in Glendora, CA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for Glendora's top private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the average for California private schools, partly due to the suburban location. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000 to $20,000+ for day schools, with high schools often at the higher end. California's rising cost of living is a factor, but these schools are committed to accessibility. Most, including St. Lucy's, Damien, and Heritage Oak, offer robust need-based financial aid programs and merit scholarships. Additionally, California does not have a state-sponsored voucher program, but families can utilize the state's 529 College Savings Plan for K-12 tuition expenses, and many schools offer flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Glendora's private schools?
Glendora's private schools leverage their size and mission to offer specialized programs. Damien High School is renowned for its Engineering and Biomedical Science academies, part of the Project Lead The Way network. St. Lucy's Priory High School emphasizes leadership and STEM for young women, with a renowned Robotics team that competes nationally. Heritage Oak Private School focuses on foundational excellence with a classical curriculum and character education. A unique local advantage is the proximity to the Angeles National Forest and nearby colleges, which schools use for environmental science programs and dual-enrollment opportunities, respectively. These programs provide a tailored experience that differs significantly from the standard public school curriculum in the Glendora Unified School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Glendora, CA?
The enrollment process for Glendora private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, especially the sought-after ones like Heritage Oak (K-8) and the high schools, open applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Fall open houses and tours, 2) Submission of applications by January/February deadlines, 3) Student assessments and interviews (often in winter), and 4) Admission decisions released in March. For high schools, the HSPT (High School Placement Test) is a common requirement. Due to competitive entry, especially for kindergarten and 9th grade, it's crucial for Glendora parents to start the process at least a year in advance. Sibling and parish (for Catholic schools) preferences can affect timelines.
How do the campus environments and community feel of Glendora private schools compare to the local public schools?
Glendora's private schools offer distinctly different environments from the public schools, largely defined by smaller size and specific mission. While Glendora Unified public schools are well-regarded and serve a broader community, private schools like St. Lucy's, Damien, and Heritage Oak provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a more uniform disciplinary and dress code environment (often with uniforms), and a close-knit community feel centered on shared values. The private school campuses, particularly the historic St. Lucy's priory setting and Damien's sprawling grounds, offer self-contained environments. This fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging, which many parents seek. The trade-off is a narrower socioeconomic and geographic diversity compared to the neighborhood-based public school system in Glendora.
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