The Best Private Schools in La Verne, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Verne. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lucy's Priory High School
Benedictine Sisters
Located in nearby Glendora, St. Lucy's Priory High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from La Verne and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and excellent college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Damien High School
Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino
Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school with a strong academic reputation serving the La Verne area. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and leadership training alongside academic excellence, with a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.
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Western Christian Schools
Western Christian Schools
Western Christian Schools operates campuses in Claremont and Upland, serving families throughout the San Gabriel Valley including La Verne. The school offers both traditional college preparatory tracks and International Baccalaureate programs. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview, with strong programs in STEM, arts, and athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Western Christian is known for its strong sense of community and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Verne, California
What are the primary private school options available for families in La Verne, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
La Verne is home to several well-regarded private institutions, each with distinct characteristics. Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12. St. Lucy's Priory High School is its all-girls counterpart, also a Catholic college-prep school for grades 9-12. Western Christian Schools offers a co-educational, interdenominational Christian education from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade on its La Verne campus. Additionally, families often consider nearby Claremont colleges' laboratory schools and other private academies in the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, expanding options for younger grades.
How does tuition for private schools in La Verne, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at La Verne's private schools is generally competitive with or slightly above the California private school average, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges approximately from $12,000 to $18,000 annually. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide significant assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Schools like Damien and St. Lucy's also have endowed scholarship funds for specific talents or circumstances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in La Verne that leverage the local Southern California environment?
La Verne private schools integrate the region's strengths into their programs. Damien High School features a robust Engineering and Technology Institute with partnerships in the local tech industry. St. Lucy's Priory emphasizes leadership and STEM, with a focus on preparing young women for fields prominent in California's economy. Western Christian Schools often incorporates environmental and outdoor education, taking advantage of proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains. All schools offer strong visual/performing arts programs, and many have competitive athletics leagues within the CIF Southern Section, allowing for local rivalries and high-level competition.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in La Verne, and how competitive is admission?
The admission process for La Verne's private high schools is structured and typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT) in January, and completing interviews or shadow days. Admission is competitive, particularly at Damien and St. Lucy's, which draw applicants from across the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire. Strong academic records, teacher recommendations, and personal essays are critical. Decisions are usually released in March. For Western Christian, the process may be more rolling but still benefits from early application.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the defining characteristics of the private school environment in La Verne, California?
Private schools in La Verne offer smaller class sizes (often 15-25 students) and a focused educational philosophy—college-prep Catholic, all-girls empowerment, or interdenominational Christian—compared to the larger, comprehensive Bonita Unified School District public schools. The private school environment often features a more uniform curriculum aligned with their mission, mandatory community service, and distinct dress codes or uniforms. A key differentiator is the emphasis on specific values and character formation. While Bonita Unified's public schools are highly rated, La Verne's private schools provide an alternative for families seeking a particular faith-based community or a single-gender educational setting, with generally higher per-pupil resources and specialized facilities.
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