The Best Private Schools in Lamont, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lamont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Parish School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno
St. Francis Parish School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Bakersfield area, including Lamont families. Established in 1959, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and technology integration. Extracurricular programs include sports, music, drama, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong academic preparation, and close-knit community feel.
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Liberty High School
Liberty Christian Schools
Liberty High School is a premier Christian private high school serving students from Lamont and throughout Kern County. Founded in 1979, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 15+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, Liberty provides personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships. The school emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, with chapel services, Bible classes, and mission opportunities. Graduates consistently gain admission to top universities nationwide.
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Garces Memorial High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno
Garces Memorial High School is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school serving Lamont and the greater Bakersfield region since 1944. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Garces offers both IB and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with rigorous academic challenges and global perspectives. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and specialized labs for science and technology. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Comprehensive extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, performing arts programs, and numerous clubs. Parents value the school's strong community, academic excellence, and commitment to developing well-rounded leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lamont, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lamont, California?
Lamont itself is a smaller community, so most private school options are located in nearby Bakersfield, which serves the wider Kern County area. The schools you mentioned—St. Francis Parish School (K-8), Liberty High School (9-12), and Garces Memorial High School (9-12)—are all in Bakersfield, a short commute from Lamont. For Lamont residents, these are the most accessible and prominent choices, with St. Francis offering a Catholic elementary/middle foundation and Garces and Liberty providing college-preparatory high school programs. There are very few, if any, private school campuses physically within Lamont's town limits.
How does the tuition at Bakersfield-area private schools compare to the California state average, and what financial aid options are available for Lamont families?
Tuition for schools like Garces Memorial and Liberty High typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $14,000 annually, which is generally at or slightly below the state average for private high schools. St. Francis Parish School is less, often in the $5,000-$7,000 range for elementary grades. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many Lamont families utilize this. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher program, but you may qualify for tax-advantaged savings through a 529 plan. Each school's financial aid office is the best resource, and applying early is crucial as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools like Garces Memorial and Liberty High offer that might benefit a student from Lamont?
These schools offer programs that may not be as readily available in Lamont's public schools. Garces Memorial High School, for instance, has a strong emphasis on STEM with dedicated academies and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Liberty High School is known for its robust athletics and visual/performing arts programs. Both offer college counseling services that provide significant support for first-generation college students, which is highly relevant for many families in the Lamont and South Kern region. These programs provide pathways to universities that parents specifically seek through private education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lamont, CA, and are there considerations for transfer students?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Francis, Liberty, and Garces usually begins in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year. This involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often attending an interview or shadow day. For Lamont families, it's critical to plan for the commute and inquire about transportation options, as most do not provide bus service from Lamont. Transfer students, especially those moving from Lamont public schools mid-year, are often considered on a space-available basis, so direct contact with the school's admissions office is the first step.
For a family in Lamont, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and a private school in Bakersfield?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Lamont public schools are part of the Lamont School District, offering proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Bakersfield involves a daily commute (15-30 minutes), tuition costs, but often provides smaller class sizes, specific religious education (if choosing a Catholic school), and different extracurricular or advanced academic tracks. Many Lamont parents consider private schools for perceived greater college preparatory focus or a different social environment. It's highly recommended to visit both your local Lamont public school and the private options to compare culture, programs, and logistics directly.
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