The Best Private Schools in Los Molinos, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Los Molinos. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School serves students from Los Molinos and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic foundations in mathematics, language arts, and sciences. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, music programs, and competitive sports teams. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
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Redding Christian School
Independent Christian School
Redding Christian School serves families from Los Molinos and the greater North State region with a comprehensive K-12 Christian education. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Facilities include science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many graduates attending top universities.
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Mercy High School
Sisters of Mercy
Mercy High School provides college preparatory education to students from Los Molinos and surrounding communities. As the only Catholic high school in Tehama County, it offers comprehensive academic programs including honors and AP courses, competitive sports, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes leadership development, service learning, and preparing students for college success with a 100% college acceptance rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Los Molinos, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Los Molinos, California?
While Los Molinos itself is a small, rural community, families typically look to nearby cities for private education. The most commonly considered schools include St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (a K-8 school in Red Bluff, about 30 minutes away), Redding Christian School (a PreK-12 school in Palo Cedro, roughly 45 minutes north), and Mercy High School (a private, all-girls Catholic high school in Red Bluff). There are no major private school campuses within the immediate Los Molinos town limits, so transportation and commute times are significant factors for local parents.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Los Molinos, CA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for schools like St. Francis of Assisi and Redding Christian School is generally below the average for major California metropolitan areas, reflecting the North State's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary tuition often ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 annually, while high school can be $9,000-$12,000. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and California residents should investigate the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for students attending private schools. Additionally, many local schools have parish subsidies (for Catholic schools) or fundraising programs to assist families from agricultural communities like Los Molinos.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Los Molinos offer that cater to the local community's interests?
Schools in this region often integrate the local environment and community values into their programs. Redding Christian School, for instance, has strong agricultural and environmental science programs that resonate with families from farming communities like Los Molinos. St. Francis of Assisi emphasizes community service, connecting with the close-knit nature of Tehama County. Furthermore, given the distance to major cities, these schools often prioritize robust athletics and arts programs to provide comprehensive extracurricular opportunities without requiring extensive additional travel for competitions or events.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Los Molinos families, and are there considerations for transfer students?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and parish members (for Catholic schools). Given the limited seats in these smaller schools, applying early is crucial. The process usually involves an application, student records review, family interview, and possible assessment. For families in Los Molinos, a key part of the interview may involve discussing the plan for the daily commute. Schools are accustomed to accepting transfer students from the Los Molinos Unified School District and other rural public systems throughout the year, depending on availability.
For a Los Molinos resident, what are the practical advantages and challenges of choosing a private school over the local public school system?
The primary advantage of a private school choice is often smaller class sizes and specialized religious or value-based education not offered by Los Molinos Elementary or Los Molinos High School. The challenges are predominantly logistical and financial. Parents must manage a daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way to Red Bluff or Redding, which adds significant time and transportation costs. Financially, even with aid, tuition is an additional burden compared to the free public system. The decision often hinges on whether the family's educational priorities (e.g., specific religious instruction, a different academic approach) outweigh the practical realities of rural living in Tehama County.
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