The Best Private Schools in Mather, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mather. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John the Evangelist School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. John the Evangelist School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Sacramento area including Mather. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include modern technology integration, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong community involvement and parent satisfaction.
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Merryhill Elementary School - Folsom
Spring Education Group
Merryhill Elementary School in Folsom serves families from Mather and the surrounding communities with a comprehensive private education for preschool through 8th grade. The school features a robust STEAM curriculum, Spanish language instruction from preschool, and small class sizes with individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes character education and offers diverse extracurricular programs including robotics, music, and sports.
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St. Francis High School
Private Catholic College Preparatory
St. Francis High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young women, serving students from Mather and throughout the Sacramento region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and outstanding arts and athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complex. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong alumnae network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mather, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mather, California?
Mather itself is a small census-designated place, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent local options include St. John the Evangelist School (a K-8 Catholic school in Carmichael), St. Francis High School (an all-girls Catholic high school in Sacramento), and Merryhill Elementary School - Folsom (a private elementary in neighboring Folsom). Given Mather's location within Sacramento County, many families also explore a wide range of private and parochial schools in Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, and Folsom, benefiting from the region's extensive network.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Mather, CA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are common?
Tuition in the Sacramento County area surrounding Mather is generally slightly below the high averages seen in California's coastal metros but is significant. For example, area Catholic elementary schools like St. John the Evangelist may have annual tuition around $8,000-$12,000, while high schools like St. Francis can exceed $18,000. Most established private schools in the region offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program (administered by organizations like ACE Scholarships) which provides income-based assistance. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
Are there private schools near Mather, CA, that offer specialized programs catering to the region's demographics or industries?
Yes, several schools offer programs that align with the regional focus on government, aerospace, and healthcare due to proximity to Mather Airport (former Air Force Base), state government, and medical centers. For instance, St. Francis High School features robust STEM and engineering pathways, while many secular private schools in the broader Sacramento area offer strong dual-enrollment programs with local colleges and focused tracks in biomedical sciences or information technology. This prepares students for nearby universities like UC Davis and careers in the local economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Mather community?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the Sacramento region often begins very early. Many schools, including St. Francis High School and St. John the Evangelist, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall semester, with entrance exams (for high schools) held in the winter. Rolling admissions may be available at some schools if space permits. Given the competitive nature of some institutions, especially at the high school level, parents in Mather are advised to start attending open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment.
For families in Mather, what are the key considerations when comparing local public school districts (like Folsom Cordova Unified) to private school options?
Key considerations include class size, curricular focus, and transportation. Mather is served by the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, which has well-regarded public schools but often features larger class sizes. Private options offer smaller, more personalized environments and often have a distinct mission (e.g., religious education). A major practical consideration is transportation; while public schools provide bus services, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a significant factor given Mather's suburban layout and the location of schools in neighboring cities. Additionally, private schools may offer more consistent extracurricular programming despite potentially higher costs.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Catholic Schools Near Mather, CA | A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Mather, California, the search for the right educational environment for your child is deeply personal. When you type "private catholic schools near me" into your search bar, you're looking for more than just a list of addresses. You're seeking a community that aligns with your family's values, offers academic rigor, and provides a nurturing environment close to home. Fortunately, the Mather and greater Sacramento area is home to several exceptional private Catholic institutions, each with its own unique character and offerings, making this a rewarding journey for local families.
Your search will likely lead you to schools like St. John the Evangelist School in nearby Carmichael. This K-8 school offers a foundational Catholic education that emphasizes faith, service, and academic excellence, providing a strong core before students move on to high school. For that next step, St. Francis High School in Sacramento stands out as a premier all-girls college preparatory school. Its reputation for empowering young women through leadership and rigorous academics draws families from across the region, including Mather. It’s important to consider the daily commute to these schools, but many Mather families find the drive along Highway 50 manageable for the consistent community and values-based education they receive. While not a Catholic school, Merryhill Elementary School in Folsom represents another excellent private option in the vicinity, highlighting the diversity of private education available to you locally.
Choosing a private Catholic school in this area involves several local considerations. Beyond curriculum, think about the community each school fosters. Many families in Mather, especially those connected to nearby military or civil service roles, value the stability and consistent moral framework that these schools provide. Attending open houses is crucial. A visit to St. John the Evangelist or St. Francis allows you to feel the campus atmosphere, meet teachers, and see how faith is integrated into daily learning. Ask about extracurricular activities, service programs, and how the school supports students' spiritual development alongside their intellectual growth. Also, inquire about tuition assistance and parish affiliation requirements, as policies can vary between schools.
Ultimately, finding the right private Catholic school near Mather is about matching your child’s needs with a school’s mission. It’s a decision that blends practical logistics with heartfelt values. By exploring the options within a short drive of our community—from the formative years at a school like St. John the Evangelist to the college-prep environment at St. Francis—you are investing in an education that aims to develop the whole person. Take your time, visit campuses, and talk to other parents in Mather who have walked this path. The ideal school is one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired to grow in faith, knowledge, and character, right here in our corner of California.
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