The Best Private Schools in La Canada Flintridge, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Canada Flintridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Polytechnic School
Independent K-12 School
Polytechnic School is one of Southern California's most prestigious independent schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from La Canada Flintridge in Pasadena, Poly offers an exceptional academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development, Poly graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide. The school maintains a diverse community and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Westridge School
Independent Girls' School
Westridge School is a highly-regarded independent school for girls in grades 4-12, located in nearby Pasadena and serving many families from La Canada Flintridge. The school offers a challenging academic program specifically designed to empower young women, with exceptional STEM programs, leadership development, and arts education. Facilities include modern science laboratories, innovation spaces, athletic fields, and performing arts centers. Westridge emphasizes global citizenship and community engagement, with students regularly achieving recognition in academic competitions and gaining admission to selective colleges and universities.
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St. Francis High School
Private Catholic College Preparatory
St. Francis High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young men with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development through its Holy Cross tradition and offers robust extracurricular programs including championship athletics, robotics, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Canada Flintridge, California
What are the primary private school options available within La Cañada Flintridge, and do they serve all grade levels?
La Cañada Flintridge is home to several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note their specific grade ranges. Within the city, St. Francis High School is a prominent all-boys Catholic school serving grades 9-12. Just outside the city borders but heavily attended by La Cañada Flintridge residents are Polytechnic School (Poly) in Pasadena (K-12) and Westridge School for girls in Pasadena (4-12). For younger grades, local private options include St. Bede the Venerable School (a Catholic K-8) and several well-regarded preschools. Many families also consider schools in neighboring Pasadena, Glendale, and the San Gabriel Valley, making the private school landscape for La Cañada Flintridge residents regional in nature.
How does the tuition for private schools in the La Cañada Flintridge area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for top-tier private schools in the La Cañada Flintridge/Pasadena corridor is among the highest in California. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Poly, Westridge, and St. Francis often exceeds $45,000. This is significantly above the estimated California private high school average of approximately $25,000. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is common for these schools to award millions in aid annually, with many families receiving substantial grants that make attendance possible. Prospective families should always apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions, as deadlines are strict.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at La Cañada Flintridge's surrounding private schools?
The private schools serving La Cañada Flintridge students are known for exceptional and specialized programs. St. Francis High School has a renowned engineering and robotics program, along with championship-level athletics. Polytechnic School emphasizes a deep, interdisciplinary curriculum with renowned arts and advanced science research opportunities, often culminating in prestigious student publications and competitions. Westridge School is a leader in STEM education for girls, with a dedicated Institute for Technology and Innovation, and also boasts a strong social justice and global studies curriculum. All three schools offer extensive outdoor education and travel programs, leveraging California's diverse geography and global connections.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools in the La Cañada Flintridge area?
The admissions process for schools like Poly, Westridge, and St. Francis is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired entry year, with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January. The process almost always includes a standardized test (like the ISEE or HSPT for St. Francis), school records, teacher recommendations, student essays, and a mandatory interview or student visit day. For kindergarten entry at schools like Poly, the process is exceptionally competitive, with notifications sent in March. Families in La Cañada Flintridge are advised to plan meticulously and often apply to multiple schools.
Given the excellent reputation of La Cañada Flintridge Unified public schools, why do local families still choose private options?
La Cañada Flintridge Unified School District (LCFUSD) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in California, making the choice between public and private a significant local consideration. Families often opt for private schools for specific reasons: a desire for single-gender education (St. Francis or Westridge), a more progressive or alternative pedagogical approach, smaller average class sizes, specialized programs in arts or technology not as deeply funded in public schools, or a specific religious foundation. The private school pathway also provides continuity from elementary through high school without transitions between distinct campuses, which appeals to some. It's a highly personal decision often based on individual student needs and family educational philosophy, rather than a reflection on the quality of the outstanding local public schools.
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