The Best Private Schools in Lomita, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lomita. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rolling Hills Country Day School
Rolling Hills Country Day School
Rolling Hills Country Day School is a highly respected independent school serving students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just north of Lomita in the Palos Verdes area, the school has built a strong reputation for its progressive, student-centered approach to education. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration, with dedicated makerspaces and innovation labs. The school's 11-acre campus features extensive athletic facilities, art studios, and science laboratories. RHCDS is particularly noted for its outdoor education program and commitment to developing character and leadership skills. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a comprehensive athletics program and extensive arts education.
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Chadwick School
Chadwick School
Chadwick School is a highly prestigious independent day school located just minutes from Lomita on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Founded in 1935, this renowned institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is particularly noted for its rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, exceptional STEM facilities, and outstanding arts programs. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, Chadwick provides personalized attention and maintains a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Chadwick graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Catherine's Military School
St. Catherine's Parish
St. Catherine's Military School is a distinguished Catholic military school serving boys in grades 4-8, with a strong regional reputation that attracts students from throughout Southern California, including the Lomita area. Founded in 1929, this historic institution combines academic excellence with military structure and Catholic faith formation. The school offers a structured environment that emphasizes leadership development, character education, and academic achievement. The curriculum includes rigorous core academics complemented by military training, physical education, and religious studies. The campus features traditional classroom buildings, dormitories, parade grounds, and athletic facilities. While located in Anaheim, the school provides transportation options and serves families throughout the greater Los Angeles region seeking a structured, values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lomita, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lomita, California, and what are their key educational focuses?
Lomita, CA, is situated in a region with access to several highly regarded private schools. The most prominent include Chadwick School (in nearby Palos Verdes Peninsula), known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program and extensive outdoor education; Rolling Hills Country Day School (in Rolling Hills Estates), which emphasizes a progressive, project-based learning approach from preschool through 8th grade; and St. Catherine's Military School (in Anaheim, though historically associated with the area), which offers a structured, leadership-focused boarding and day program for boys. While Lomita itself has smaller parochial and independent options, many local families consider these top-tier schools in the immediate South Bay region, necessitating consideration of commute times along the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lomita, CA, area compare to statewide averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools near Lomita is significantly above the California state average for private education. For the 2024-25 school year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for upper schools like Chadwick, and $30,000-$40,000 for K-8 institutions like Rolling Hills Country Day. California's high cost of living is reflected in these figures. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like the Clarity Application, and should inquire about merit scholarships, sibling discounts, and payment plans. California does not have state-funded voucher programs for private schools, so aid is primarily institution-based.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Lomita region that leverage its Southern California location?
Private schools in the Lomita and greater South Bay area uniquely capitalize on the coastal Southern California environment. Chadwick School's renowned "Village" and "Sky" outdoor education programs involve multi-day trips to mountains and deserts, fostering leadership and environmental science learning. Many schools, including Rolling Hills Country Day, integrate marine biology and sustainability studies, with easy access to the Pacific Ocean and local estuaries. Furthermore, proximity to Los Angeles provides unparalleled opportunities in the arts, technology, and sciences through partnerships, internships, and field trips that are woven into the curriculum, offering an educational experience deeply connected to the region's cultural and natural resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Lomita, California?
The admission process for top private schools near Lomita is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts in August or September of the prior year with open house registrations. Application deadlines are often in early January (e.g., January 10-15). The process includes submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and standardized assessments (like the ISEE). For schools like Chadwick and Rolling Hills Country Day, family and student interviews/assessments are scheduled for January-February. Admission decisions are released in mid-March, with a common reply date of early April. Due to limited space, especially in entry-level grades (K, 6, 9), starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised for Lomita-area families.
For a family living in Lomita, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the area?
For Lomita residents, the decision involves weighing several local factors. Lomita is served by the Lomita Elementary School District and the Los Angeles Unified School District (for secondary), with some schools performing well. Choosing a private school like those on the Palos Verdes Peninsula often involves a daily commute, impacting family logistics. Key considerations include: class size (public schools average 25+ students, while private schools often have 15-20), specialized curriculum (IB, progressive models), and consistent funding. Private schools offer programmatic continuity from grade to grade, whereas public school offerings can vary. Ultimately, the choice hinges on the value placed on a specific educational philosophy, community, and resources versus the no-cost option of public school, factoring in the time and financial investment required for private education in the South Bay.
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