The Best Private Schools in Greenwood, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenwood. 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 nationally recognized all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the Sacramento region including Greenwood. The school follows the Ignatian educational tradition emphasizing academic excellence, moral development, and service to others. Jesuit offers a rigorous curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, outstanding STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The 51-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology centers, performing arts theater, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community and exceptional college placement record.
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Oak Ridge High School
El Dorado Union High School District
Oak Ridge High School is a highly acclaimed public high school serving the broader region including Greenwood. Known for its rigorous academic programs and exceptional college preparation, the school offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and outstanding visual and performing arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on academic excellence and student development, Oak Ridge consistently ranks among the top schools in Northern California.
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St. Francis High School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young women, serving students from Greenwood and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, and faith formation. Features include advanced STEM programs, extensive fine arts offerings, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular activities. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. St. Francis maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenwood, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Greenwood, California, and how do they differ?
Greenwood, CA, offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily centered around religious and college-preparatory models. The notable schools like Jesuit High School and St. Francis High School are Catholic, co-educational and single-sex respectively, offering rigorous academics within a faith-based framework. Oak Ridge High School represents a secular, independent college-preparatory option. The private school landscape in Greenwood is characterized by smaller class sizes and a strong focus on college admission, but the choice often comes down to whether a family seeks a religious component or a purely academic environment. There is a notable absence of large independent school networks, making each institution a distinct community.
How does tuition for private high schools in Greenwood, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for top private high schools in Greenwood, such as Jesuit, St. Francis, and Oak Ridge, is generally at or above the California private school average, which often ranges from $15,000 to $25,000+ annually for high school. Given their reputations and programs, families should budget for the higher end of that spectrum. Importantly, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary, which is a key state-specific financial consideration. All these schools typically offer need-based financial aid and sometimes merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds can be limited, and to inquire directly with each school about their specific endowment and grant programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Greenwood's private schools?
Private schools in Greenwood differentiate themselves with specialized programs. Jesuit High School is renowned for its robust service-learning and immersion programs aligned with its Catholic, Jesuit ethos. St. Francis High School, as an all-girls school, often emphasizes STEM initiatives and leadership programs designed to empower young women. Oak Ridge High School, as a secular prep school, might offer distinctive advanced placement (AP) or honors tracks, specialized arts conservatories, or competitive science research programs. A common thread in Greenwood is a strong emphasis on college counseling, with dedicated advisors helping students navigate applications to competitive University of California (UC) and private institutions nationwide.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Greenwood, California?
The enrollment process for Greenwood's sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade admission, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-October), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT or ISEE), and participating in interviews and student shadow days. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. Given the limited seats and competitive nature, especially at schools like Jesuit and St. Francis, it is critical for Greenwood families to mark these dates on their calendars a full year in advance and ensure all materials, including teacher recommendations, are submitted promptly.
For a family moving to Greenwood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and the private school options?
Choosing between Greenwood's public and private schools involves weighing several local factors. Greenwood's public schools are often well-funded and high-performing, which can make the decision more nuanced. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific religious or pedagogical philosophies (e.g., Jesuit education) not available in the public system. **Class Size:** Private schools guarantee smaller classes for more individualized attention. **Resources:** While public schools have taxpayer funding, private schools may offer more specialized facilities, extracurriculars, and college counseling due to tuition and donations. **Community:** Private schools often foster a tight-knit, self-selected community. The decision may come down to whether a family values a particular mission-based education enough to invest in tuition, or if the excellent, tuition-free public option meets their child's needs.
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