The Best Private Schools in Lafayette, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lafayette. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Saklan School
The Saklan School
Located in nearby Moraga, The Saklan School serves families throughout the Lamorinda area including Lafayette. This progressive independent school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on hands-on learning and social-emotional development. The school features a robust STEAM program, daily Spanish instruction starting in preschool, and innovative project-based learning approaches. Saklan's small community environment, experienced teachers, and strong focus on character development make it a highly-regarded choice for Lafayette families seeking a nurturing yet academically challenging environment.
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The Seven Hills School
The Seven Hills School
The Seven Hills School in nearby Walnut Creek is a highly-regarded Montessori school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Lafayette. The school combines authentic Montessori principles with comprehensive academic preparation, featuring specialized enrichment programs in art, music, physical education, and Spanish. Seven Hills is noted for its beautiful campus, low student-teacher ratios, and strong community atmosphere. The school's graduates consistently transition successfully to top private and public high schools throughout the East Bay area.
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Bentley School
Bentley School
Bentley School is a prestigious K-12 independent college preparatory school with a strong academic reputation in the Lamorinda area. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, complemented by outstanding arts programs and competitive athletics. The Lafayette campus serves middle and upper school students with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Bentley is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and high college matriculation rates to top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lafayette, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Lafayette, CA, and how do they differ in educational approach?
Lafayette, CA, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including independent college-preparatory schools and progressive, project-based institutions. The Bentley School (with its Upper School in nearby Lafayette) is a prominent K-12 independent school with a rigorous academic curriculum and extensive arts and athletics. The Saklan School focuses on a hands-on, social-emotional learning approach for preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing creativity and confidence. The Seven Hills School offers a developmental, experiential education from preschool to 8th grade, known for its collaborative and inclusive environment. This variety allows Lafayette parents to choose between traditional preparatory models and more holistic, student-centered philosophies.
How does the tuition for private schools in Lafayette, CA, compare to the broader San Francisco Bay Area, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Lafayette is significant, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to $45,000 annually for K-8 programs, aligning with the high cost of living in Contra Costa County but generally being slightly lower than comparable schools in San Francisco or Palo Alto. Most top schools, including Bentley, Saklan, and Seven Hills, have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's common for these schools to award millions of dollars collectively in aid each year. California residents should also investigate the state's tax-advantaged 529 plan, which can now be used for K-12 private tuition, offering a small financial benefit.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for applying to private schools in Lafayette?
The private school admission process in Lafayette follows the broader Bay Area independent school calendar. Key steps begin in the fall, with open houses and tours running from September through November. Application deadlines are typically in early to mid-January for the following academic year. This includes submitting applications, teacher recommendations, and student assessments. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in mid-March, with a family reply deadline in early April. Due to competitive entry, especially for kindergarten and middle school transition grades, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended for Lafayette-area schools.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Lafayette's private schools leverage the unique local environment of the East Bay?
Private schools in Lafayette uniquely integrate the natural and cultural resources of the East Bay into their programs. Many schools utilize the extensive Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail system and nearby Briones Regional Park for outdoor education, science classes, and physical activities. The proximity to UC Berkeley and the vibrant arts scene in Walnut Creek and Berkeley allows for partnerships, expert guest speakers, and field trips. Schools like Saklan and Seven Hills often incorporate environmental stewardship and local history into their project-based curricula, while Bentley’s location facilitates access to university-level resources and internships, providing an enriched learning environment grounded in the community.
For families considering both options, what are the notable differences between the Lafayette public school district (highly rated) and the local private schools?
The Lafayette School District (public) is consistently ranked among the top in California, offering excellent academics with no tuition. Choosing a private school in Lafayette often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and specialized programs. Private schools typically feature much smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), allowing for highly individualized attention. They may offer distinct approaches like project-based learning (Saklan, Seven Hills) or a specific college-prep focus (Bentley) that differs from the standard public curriculum. Additionally, private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, longer school days with integrated enrichment, and different community cultures. The decision frequently hinges on whether a family prioritizes the exceptional, tuition-free public system or seeks a specific pedagogical match offered by a private institution.
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