The Best Private Schools in Laguna Hills, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laguna Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Anne School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Laguna Hills area with exceptional academic programs and strong community values. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong academic preparation for high school, and the nurturing faith-based environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Mary's School provides outstanding private Catholic education to students from Laguna Hills and surrounding communities. Serving grades preschool through 8th, the school features a challenging academic curriculum with strong emphasis on college preparatory skills, technology integration across all subjects, and comprehensive faith formation. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, music and art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its high student achievement scores, experienced teaching staff, and strong parent community involvement that creates a supportive learning environment.
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Fairmont Private Schools - Historic Anaheim Campus
Fairmont Private Schools
Fairmont Private Schools' Historic Anaheim Campus is a premier independent school serving students from throughout Orange County, including Laguna Hills families seeking top-tier private education. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing rigorous college preparatory education from preschool through high school. Notable features include their renowned STEM Academy, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and exceptional college placement record. The campus features advanced science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Fairmont is consistently ranked among Orange County's top private schools for academic excellence and student achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laguna Hills, California
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Laguna Hills, California, and are there any within the city limits?
While Laguna Hills itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the immediate surrounding cities of Orange County. Notable nearby options include St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo, and the Fairmont Private Schools with several campuses, though the nearest is in Anaheim. Many Laguna Hills residents also consider private schools in Mission Viejo, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. It's important for parents to factor in commute times, as the Orange County private school landscape is regional, with many students crossing city lines for their education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Laguna Hills, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private day schools in the Laguna Hills and South Orange County area is generally at or above the California state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. Annual tuition can range from approximately $10,000 to over $30,000 depending on the grade level and school. Most established schools, like St. Anne and Fairmont, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Additionally, California's SB 1476 allows for the creation of "Education Savings Accounts" for private school tuition, and many families utilize 529 plan funds (following federal tax law changes) for K-12 private school expenses, which is a specific state consideration.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving the Laguna Hills community?
Private schools in this region often design programs to align with both the academic rigor expected by local families and the opportunities afforded by Orange County's location. Common specializations include advanced STEM and robotics labs, entrepreneurship programs, and extensive visual and performing arts. Given proximity to tech companies and biotech hubs, many schools have strong science partnerships. Furthermore, several schools offer unique outdoor education and environmental science programs leveraging the nearby coastal and canyon ecosystems. Language immersion programs (particularly Spanish and Mandarin) are also popular offerings to prepare students for a global economy.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Laguna Hills, California area?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in Orange County typically begins a full year in advance. For fall admission, open houses and tours often occur between September and November. Application deadlines are usually in January, with assessments, student visits, and family interviews taking place in the winter months (January-February). Admission decisions and contracts are typically issued in March. It is crucial to start early, as waitlists are common for popular schools. Some schools may have rolling admissions for later grades if space permits, but applying by the priority deadline is strongly recommended for Laguna Hills families.
How do the class sizes and academic outcomes of private schools near Laguna Hills compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District?
The primary differentiators are class size and specialized focus. While Saddleback Valley Unified (serving Laguna Hills) has excellent public schools, private options typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-35+), allowing for more individualized attention. Private schools also have greater curricular flexibility, often incorporating religious education, specific pedagogical models (like Montessori or International Baccalaureate), or project-based learning across all grades. The trade-off is cost versus the free public option. For families seeking a specific educational philosophy or a smaller community environment, the private schools provide a distinct alternative, though academic performance in both sectors in this area is generally high.
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