The Best Private Schools in Monrovia, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Monrovia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chandler School
Independent School
Chandler School is a highly prestigious independent K-8 day school serving Monrovia and the greater Pasadena area. The school is renowned for its balanced approach to education, combining academic excellence with character development. The 16-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Chandler's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for top secondary schools. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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St. Lucy's Priory High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Lucy's Priory High School is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving Monrovia and the greater San Gabriel Valley. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The 14-acre campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, art studios, and athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive college counseling. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and spiritual growth within a supportive environment.
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Mayfield Senior School
Independent Catholic School
Mayfield Senior School is an elite independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls located in Pasadena, serving students from Monrovia and throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The historic 8-acre campus features state-of-the-art science centers, innovation labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Mayfield emphasizes intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and leadership development through its Holy Child educational philosophy. The school is known for its strong sense of community and outstanding faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Monrovia, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Monrovia, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Monrovia itself is home to a few notable private schools, with several other highly-regarded institutions located in the immediate surrounding cities of the San Gabriel Valley. Within Monrovia, you'll find schools like St. Lucy's Priory High School, an all-girls Catholic school for grades 9-12. Just outside the city limits, in nearby Pasadena and Altadena, are options like the co-educational Mayfield Senior School (grades 9-12) and Chandler School (grades K-8). This means Monrovia families often consider a regional mix of schools, with elementary, middle, and high school options available within a short commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Monrovia, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Monrovia region is generally at or above the California private school average, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses in the Los Angeles area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 to $40,000+ for high schools and $20,000 to $30,000+ for K-8 schools. Importantly, most established schools like St. Lucy's, Mayfield, and Chandler offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. California also has tax-advantaged savings options like the ScholarShare 529 plan that can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Monrovia area that leverage Southern California's resources?
Private schools in the Monrovia and greater San Gabriel Valley area often feature programs that capitalize on the region's strengths. Many emphasize STEM partnerships with local institutions like Caltech and JPL, offering advanced research opportunities. Schools like Mayfield Senior School have strong visual and performing arts programs connected to Pasadena's vibrant arts scene. Furthermore, the climate and geography allow for unique outdoor education and athletic programs, with several schools having extensive campus facilities or easy access to the San Gabriel Mountains for environmental science and recreation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like St. Lucy's or Mayfield Senior School that serve Monrovia students?
The admission process for top-tier private high schools in the Monrovia area is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The standard timeline starts in the summer or early fall of a student's 8th grade year with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are typically in early to mid-January for the following fall. The process almost always includes a submitted application, teacher recommendations, transcripts, a student essay, a standardized test (like the HSPT or ISEE), and a required student interview. Notifications are usually released in mid-March. It is essential to check each school's website for exact dates, as they can vary.
For families considering both, what are some key differences between the Monrovia Unified public school district and the private school options in the area?
The choice between Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) and local private schools involves several considerations. MUSD offers a tuition-free, neighborhood-based education with diverse programs, including its renowned Monrovia High School, which has strong academics and extracurriculars. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, often more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (e.g., single-gender, religious affiliation, or progressive pedagogy). They may also have more flexibility in curriculum and fewer budget constraints on specific programs. The decision often comes down to a family's priorities regarding class size, specific academic or religious focus, community environment, and budget, weighing the investment in private tuition against the free public option.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best K-12 Private Schools in Monrovia, CA: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Monrovia, the search for the right educational environment for your child can feel both exciting and overwhelming. When you type "private schools near me K 12" into your search bar, you’re not just looking for a list; you’re seeking a community and an academic partnership that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. Fortunately, Monrovia and its surrounding foothill communities offer a distinctive cluster of exceptional private institutions, each with its own character, that cater to this very search. The journey here is less about finding a school and more about finding the right fit within a landscape rich with educational diversity.
Understanding the local context is key. Monrovia is a city that values its tight-knit community feel while being nestled in the greater San Gabriel Valley, an area renowned for academic excellence. This creates a unique dynamic where families can access world-class private education without the immense commute often associated with major metropolitan areas. Your search for "private schools near me K 12" in Monrovia benefits from this proximity to several standout options. For families seeking an all-girls, faith-based environment with a strong college-preparatory focus, St. Lucy's Priory High School, right here in Monrovia, offers a nurturing and challenging atmosphere rooted in Benedictine values. Its campus provides a serene setting for young women to develop intellectually and personally.
Venturing just into neighboring Pasadena, the options expand beautifully. Mayfield Senior School, another esteemed all-girls Catholic school, is celebrated for its rigorous academics and empowering "Cornelian" spirit, fostering leadership and social justice. For a co-educational, independent day school experience, Chandler School in Pasadena provides a progressive, whole-child education from kindergarten through eighth grade, known for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking. These schools, while minutes from Monrovia, represent the caliber of institutions accessible to local families. When evaluating them, consider the daily rhythm. The manageable commute from Monrovia to these Pasadena schools is often a worthwhile trade-off for the specialized programs they offer.
Your process should move beyond the initial "private schools near me K 12" query to deeper, local considerations. Schedule in-person tours to truly feel the campus culture. Observe how students interact and ask specific questions about how each school supports the transition from elementary to middle to high school—a crucial aspect of a K-12 continuum or a feeder pattern. Inquire about after-school programs and transportation options, as logistics matter for busy Monrovia families. Also, engage with current parents from our area; their insights on the community fit and daily experience are invaluable. Remember, the best choice is one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired. The exceptional private schools near Monrovia provide a remarkable array of paths to that destination, allowing you to find a place where your family’s educational aspirations can truly take root and flourish.
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