The Best Private Schools in Long Beach, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Long Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Polytechnic School
Independent School
While located in Pasadena, Polytechnic School consistently ranks among the top private schools in Southern California and serves families from throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, including Long Beach. This prestigious K-12 independent school offers an exceptional college preparatory program with outstanding faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Students benefit from extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains an impressive college matriculation record to top universities nationwide.
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The British School of LA - Long Beach Campus
The British Schools of America
This international private school offers the prestigious British National Curriculum alongside International Baccalaureate programs. The Long Beach campus serves students from preschool through middle school with small class sizes and individualized learning approaches. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents highlight the global perspective, rigorous academics, and diverse extracurricular offerings including music, drama, and sports programs.
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St. Anthony High School
Diocese of Orange
St. Anthony High School is a Catholic college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence in Long Beach. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong college placement record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Long Beach, California
What are the distinct educational philosophies or specializations offered by top private schools in Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach private schools offer diverse educational approaches. St. Anthony High School provides a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values, with strong athletics and arts programs. The British School of LA - Long Beach Campus offers an international, British-style education leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, appealing to expatriate and globally-minded families. Polytechnic School, though its upper campus is in Pasadena, serves younger students in Long Beach with a progressive, hands-on learning model focused on critical thinking and creativity. This variety allows parents in Long Beach to choose a school that aligns closely with their educational values and their child's learning style.
How does the tuition for private schools in Long Beach, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Long Beach varies widely but is generally in line with or slightly below the high cost of private education in California. For the 2023-2024 academic year, high schools like St. Anthony range from approximately $12,000 to $16,000 annually, while premier institutions like The British School can exceed $30,000. Most Long Beach private schools offer need-based financial aid, and many, particularly faith-based schools, have parish or diocesan subsidy programs. California also has scholarship funds like the California Credit Union Scholarship and school-specific endowments. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Long Beach area?
The enrollment process for Long Beach private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key steps include attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing student assessments or interviews in winter. Schools like St. Anthony and The British School have rolling admissions but encourage early application. Notification dates are usually in March, with decision deadlines in April. Given the competitive nature, especially for schools with limited seats like Polytechnic's lower school, starting the process early is essential for Long Beach families.
How do private schools in Long Beach, CA, leverage the city's unique coastal and cultural resources in their programs?
Long Beach private schools actively integrate the city's unique environment into their curricula. Many incorporate marine biology and environmental science through partnerships with the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Long Beach Marine Institute, and local beaches for fieldwork. Cultural resources like the Long Beach Museum of Art, the Queen Mary, and the diverse neighborhoods are used for history, art, and social studies projects. Schools also participate in community events like the Long Beach Grand Prix or the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach for STEM projects. This local engagement provides students with hands-on, place-based learning opportunities distinct to the Long Beach area.
For families considering both options, what are the key practical differences between the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) public schools and private schools in the city?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and specific program offerings. LBUSD is a large, diverse public district with strong magnet and specialized programs (e.g., CAMS, Sato Academy) that are highly competitive and tuition-free. Private schools in Long Beach offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), more individualized attention, and distinct curricular paths (like British or faith-based education). Private schools also have more control over their academic calendar and daily schedule. However, they come with significant tuition costs. A major consideration for Long Beach families is that while LBUSD provides excellent options, private schools can offer a more tailored environment or specific philosophy without geographic lottery systems.
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