The Best Private Schools in Montebello, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montebello. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
La Salle College Preparatory
De La Salle Christian Brothers
La Salle College Preparatory is a highly-regarded Catholic independent school serving families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Montebello. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum featuring advanced placement courses, a comprehensive engineering program, and outstanding visual arts department. The campus boasts modern academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. Known for strong community values and academic achievement, La Salle maintains high parent satisfaction through its commitment to developing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
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St. Paul High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Paul High School is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school serving the Montebello area and surrounding communities. With a 60-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive visual and performing arts programs. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is high with the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students through faith formation, academic rigor, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy is a dynamic Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Montebello and the greater Los Angeles area. The school combines the traditions of two legacy schools with innovative educational approaches, offering a comprehensive STEM program, extensive fine arts curriculum, and robust campus ministry. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic venues. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and strong college counseling, resulting in high college acceptance rates and positive parent feedback.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montebello, California
What are the primary private high school options serving families in Montebello, California, and what are their key characteristics?
Montebello is served by several notable private high schools, though most are located in nearby communities. St. Paul High School, located in Santa Fe Springs, is a co-ed Catholic school known for its strong college-prep curriculum and diverse student body. St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy, in Downey, is a diocesan Catholic high school formed from a merger, offering a values-based education with modern facilities. La Salle College Preparatory, in Pasadena, is a prestigious independent Catholic school with rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. While not within Montebello's city limits, these are the primary options for local families seeking a private secondary education, requiring consideration of commute times.
How does tuition for private high schools near Montebello, CA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Montebello varies significantly. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $20,000 annually. Catholic diocesan schools like St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy often have lower tuition, while independent schools like La Salle College Preparatory are at the higher end. All these schools offer financial aid packages based on demonstrated need, and many participate in California's tax-credit scholarship programs like the California Credit Union Foundation's "A Kid's Chance" or the Catholic Education Foundation scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Montebello area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Montebello often provide specialized programs not always available in the Montebello Unified School District. For example, La Salle College Preparatory offers a renowned Engineering and Design Institute, extensive AP Capstone opportunities, and a wide array of visual and performing arts. St. Paul High School emphasizes its Biomedical Science pathway and a strong campus ministry program. St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy focuses on STEM initiatives and a "House System" for student community building. These schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and often have higher college matriculation rates to selective universities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Montebello, CA, families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Montebello begins early. Prospective families should start researching in the fall of their child's 7th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held between September and November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT) in January, and completing interviews. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March for enrollment the following fall. It is highly recommended to apply to multiple schools, as spaces are limited. Many schools also have shadow day programs where 8th graders can visit.
For a Montebello resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the Montebello Unified public schools and a private high school?
The decision involves several key factors specific to the Montebello area. **Location & Commute:** Montebello's high-performing public schools, like Montebello High, are within the community, while private options require a daily commute to Downey, Santa Fe Springs, or Pasadena. **Cost:** Public schools are free, whereas private tuition is a significant financial commitment, though aid is available. **Program Focus:** Private schools often offer more specialized college-prep tracks and religious education (if desired). **Class Size:** Montebello Unified high schools have larger class sizes, while private schools offer smaller, more personalized settings. **Extracurriculars:** Both offer robust activities, but private schools may have more resources for certain arts or sports programs. Visiting both types of schools is essential for comparison.
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