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.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Glendora, CA: A Parent's Guide to Private Education
When you begin searching for “prep schools near me” from your home in Glendora, you’re tapping into a rich and varied educational landscape right in our own foothills. This search is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding a community that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. Glendora offers a distinctive blend of college-preparatory environments, each with its own character, set against the backdrop of our beautiful community. Understanding the local options can transform an overwhelming search into a clear path forward.
For many Glendora families, the phrase “prep schools near me” often leads to conversations about single-gender education, a tradition with deep roots here. St. Lucy’s Priory High School for young women and Damien High School for young men are cornerstone institutions, both emphasizing rigorous academics within a framework of spiritual and moral development. These schools are known for fostering tight-knit communities where leadership and service are woven into the daily curriculum. Their college acceptance lists are impressive, but parents often speak just as highly of the sense of purpose and confidence their graduates carry forward. For a child who thrives in a structured, mission-driven environment, these schools represent a powerful local choice.
Yet, the definition of a preparatory school in our area extends beyond the secondary level. Heritage Oak Private School provides a compelling option for families seeking a seamless, continuous prep journey from preschool through eighth grade. This approach allows for a consistent educational philosophy during the formative years, building a strong academic and social foundation long before high school applications begin. For parents who value a smaller, nurturing environment with an eye on future readiness, Heritage Oak demonstrates that the prep school journey can start early, right here in our community.
Your search for “prep schools near me” in Glendora also invites you to consider practical, everyday factors that shape the school experience. Our city’s location means commute times can vary significantly based on your neighborhood and the school’s schedule. Visiting during a regular school day is crucial—notice the traffic flow on Foothill Boulevard or Glendora Avenue during drop-off. Engage with current parents at local spots like the Glendora Public Market; their insights about homework loads, community involvement, and the true fit of a school are invaluable. Remember, the right prep school should feel like an extension of your family, a place where your child is known and challenged in equal measure.
Ultimately, the best prep school is one where your child will be inspired to reach their fullest potential. In Glendora, you have the privilege of choosing from institutions that offer academic excellence, character building, and a supportive community close to home. Take your time, schedule tours, and ask detailed questions about curriculum, student support, and college counseling. Your diligent search for “prep schools near me” is the first step in an incredible journey for your child, right here in the foothills we are proud to call home.
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