The Best Private Schools in Loma Linda, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Loma Linda. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Redlands Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located just minutes from Loma Linda in neighboring Redlands, Redlands Christian School serves families throughout the Inland Empire with a rigorous classical Christian education. Founded in 1984, the school offers comprehensive programs from preschool through 8th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, classical literature, and integrated learning across subjects. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. Parent reviews highlight the exceptional teacher-student relationships, challenging academics, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
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Loma Linda Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Loma Linda Academy is a highly-regarded Seventh-day Adventist private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and community service opportunities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong sense of community.
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Arrowhead Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Arrowhead Christian Academy, located in nearby Redlands, has been serving students from Loma Linda and surrounding communities since 1978. The school offers a comprehensive 6th-12th grade program with strong college preparatory curriculum and Advanced Placement courses. The STEM Academy provides specialized pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while robust athletic and arts programs offer well-rounded development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. Parent reviews consistently mention the supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and successful college placement record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Loma Linda, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Loma Linda, California, and what are their educational affiliations?
Loma Linda, CA, is served by a few notable private schools, with the most prominent being Loma Linda Academy (LLA), a K-12 Seventh-day Adventist institution located within the city itself. Many families also consider nearby schools in surrounding communities, such as Redlands Christian School (RCS) in Redlands, which offers a non-denominational Christian education from preschool through 8th grade, and Arrowhead Christian Academy (ACA) in Redlands, providing an evangelical Christian education for grades 6-12. The proximity to Loma Linda University and its health sciences focus also influences the community environment of these schools.
How does tuition for private schools in the Loma Linda area compare to statewide averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Loma Linda area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Loma Linda Academy's high school tuition is approximately $13,000, while elementary grades are lower. This is generally on par with or slightly below the California private school average, which can exceed $15,000 annually for high school. Redlands Christian School and Arrowhead Christian Academy have similar ranges. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many have sibling discounts. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher program, but some schools may accept funds from the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program for eligible families.
Are there private schools in the Loma Linda area that offer specialized programs aligning with the local health sciences community?
Yes, the presence of Loma Linda University and Medical Center significantly influences local private education. Loma Linda Academy, in particular, offers robust science and health-oriented pathways. Their curriculum often includes advanced placement courses in sciences, partnerships with the university for student research opportunities, and a strong emphasis on service learning connected to healthcare missions. This creates a unique environment where students are immersed in a community that values health, science, and service, which is a distinctive feature of private education in Loma Linda compared to other inland Empire cities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Loma Linda Academy, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Loma Linda-area private schools usually begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. For Loma Linda Academy, applications often open in October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for some grades, a student assessment. Due to its reputation and limited space, Loma Linda Academy frequently has waitlists, especially for popular entry grades like kindergarten and 9th grade. It is highly advisable for parents to begin the process early and attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall.
For families considering both public and private options in Loma Linda, what are the key differentiating factors in terms of class size, curriculum, and community environment?
The key differences lie in class size, religious/philosophical foundation, and specific program offerings. Public schools in the Loma Linda Elementary School District and the Redlands Unified School District (for high school) have larger class sizes, often 25-30 students. Private schools like LLA, RCS, and ACA maintain smaller classes, typically 15-22 students, allowing for more individualized attention. The private schools offer a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, which is a primary motivator for many local families. Furthermore, private schools in this area often have more flexibility in their curriculum, enabling specialized tracks in health sciences or the arts, and foster a close-knit community centered around shared values, which is a hallmark of the Loma Linda community itself.
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