The Best Private Schools in Highland, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Redlands Christian School
Independent Christian School
Redlands Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Highland and greater San Bernardino area. Established in 1981, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school boasts strong college acceptance rates and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Arrowhead Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Arrowhead Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located in nearby Redlands that serves students from Highland and surrounding communities. Founded in 1976, ACA provides a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses and strong college counseling. The school features comprehensive athletic programs competing in the CIF Southern Section, along with robust fine arts offerings including theater, music, and visual arts. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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Riverside Preparatory School
Oro Grande School District
Riverside Preparatory School is a highly-rated charter school serving students from Highland and the greater Inland Empire region. While technically a public charter, it operates with the autonomy and academic focus of a private institution. Founded in 2005, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education. The school features dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities with modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. The school is particularly noted for its strong academic outcomes and college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland, California
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland, California, and what are their educational approaches?
Highland, CA, is served by several notable private schools, though many are located in neighboring communities. Top options include Arrowhead Christian Academy in Redlands (a college-preparatory Christian school), Redlands Christian School (a non-denominational Christian school offering preschool through 8th grade), and Riverside Preparatory School in Oro Grande (a tuition-free public charter with a private school model, focusing on college prep and character). Highland itself has smaller private and parochial options. The educational approaches range from faith-based integration to rigorous college-prep, with many emphasizing smaller class sizes and community values distinct to the Inland Empire.
How does tuition for private schools in the Highland, CA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for K-12 private schools in the Highland and surrounding San Bernardino County area is generally below the state average for California, though it varies significantly. Annual tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to $15,000 for day schools, with many faith-based schools at the lower end of that spectrum. California's high cost of living is a factor, but the Inland Empire is relatively more affordable than coastal cities. Most schools, like Arrowhead Christian Academy and Redlands Christian School, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes multi-child discounts. It's also important to inquire about mandatory fees beyond tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Highland residents?
Private schools accessible from Highland often leverage their size to offer specialized programs. For example, Arrowhead Christian Academy provides strong arts and athletics alongside AP courses. Many schools emphasize STEM initiatives and outdoor education, taking advantage of the proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains. A distinctive feature of some area schools is their focus on character and leadership development within a faith-based framework. Additionally, some schools offer unique partnerships with local colleges for dual enrollment, giving Highland students a head start on college credits—a valuable opportunity in the competitive California university system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Highland, CA, region?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Highland area often begins in the winter for the following fall. Key steps usually include: attending an open house (typically held between October and February), submitting an application by January-February deadlines, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and completing a family interview and/or student assessment. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines if spaces remain. Due to limited seats, especially in popular schools like Arrowhead Christian, starting the process early is crucial. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority.
For a family in Highland, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools (like Highland-based schools in the San Bernardino City Unified School District) to private school options?
Key considerations include class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. public's 25-30+), curriculum flexibility (private schools can offer religious education or specific pedagogical approaches), and resource allocation. Highland's public schools provide diverse programs and are tuition-free, but private schools may offer more individualized attention and perceived safer environments. Transportation is a factor, as most private schools do not provide bus service from Highland. Ultimately, the decision hinges on priorities: if a family values a specific religious foundation, a particular academic intensity, or a close-knit community, a private school in the region may be worth the investment.
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