The Best Private Schools in Montrose, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montrose. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Flintridge Preparatory School
Independent
Flintridge Preparatory School is a highly selective independent day school serving students from Montrose and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical development, and academic excellence through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern science centers, art studios, theater spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and maintains strong parent satisfaction through its community-focused approach.
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Mayfield Senior School
Holy Child Schools Network
Mayfield Senior School is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women that serves the Montrose area and greater Pasadena region. The school offers a challenging academic program with 18 AP courses and emphasizes leadership development through its "Actions Not Words" philosophy. The historic 8-acre campus features modern science laboratories, innovation spaces, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions nationwide.
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St. Francis High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Francis High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving the Montrose area and greater Los Angeles region. Founded by the Franciscan Friars, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a robust STEM curriculum. The 14-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 99% college acceptance rate to top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montrose, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Montrose, California, and how do they differ?
Montrose, located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, offers a concentrated selection of prestigious private schools, primarily at the secondary level. The top schools are independent college-preparatory institutions with distinct identities. St. Francis High School is an all-boys Catholic school offering a faith-based education with strong athletics. Flintridge Preparatory School is a co-ed, secular school known for its rigorous academics and close-knit community. Mayfield Senior School is an all-girls Catholic school emphasizing leadership and the arts. Unlike larger cities, Montrose doesn't have a wide array of private elementary schools within its immediate borders, so many families look to neighboring La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, or Pasadena for K-8 options.
How does tuition for private high schools in Montrose, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the premier private high schools in the Montrose area is significantly above the California private school average, reflecting their reputation and location. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Flintridge Prep and Mayfield Senior often exceeds $45,000. St. Francis High School is generally slightly lower but still substantial. California's high cost of living is a major factor. Importantly, all these schools have robust financial aid programs funded by endowments and are committed to socioeconomic diversity. They use systems like the School and Student Services (SSS) to assess need, and many families receive grants that reduce the cost. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission.
What are the unique academic or extracurricular specializations that set Montrose-area private schools apart?
The private schools in the Montrose area leverage their Southern California location and resources to offer unique programs. Flintridge Preparatory School has a renowned science research program where students conduct original projects, often in partnership with local universities and JPL. Mayfield Senior School's "Cornelia Connelly Center" integrates art, technology, and design into its curriculum, featuring state-of-the-art studios. St. Francis High School offers distinctive programs like the Corporate Work Study Program, where every student works one day a week at a corporate job to offset tuition and gain experience. All schools emphasize outdoor education and trips that take advantage of California's diverse geography, from the Sierra Nevada to the coast.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Montrose, California?
The admission process for Montrose-area private high schools is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer before 8th grade (for 9th-grade entry) with open houses and campus tours. Key steps include: submitting applications by early January (often with essays and teacher recommendations), taking the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) in the fall or winter, and completing student interviews and visits in January or February. Admissions decisions are released uniformly in mid-March. Given the intense competition for a limited number of spots, especially from families across the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles, starting early and thoroughly preparing for each component is crucial.
For families living in Montrose, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Glendale Unified) to the nearby private school options?
Montrose is served by the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), which is highly regarded, particularly for its gifted (MAGNET) programs and International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings at Clark Magnet High School and Glendale High School. The primary consideration is educational approach and class size. GUSD schools are larger and offer a broad, diverse public education. The private schools in the area promise much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or better), a singular college-prep focus, and a curated community. For Montrose residents, private school often means a commute to neighboring towns, while public school provides neighborhood access. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific religious or single-gender environment, desires the intensive attention of a small school, and can manage the significant financial investment.
Private Education Insights
Top Private High Schools in Montrose, CA: A Parent's Guide to Local Excellence
For parents in Montrose, California, the search for the “best private high schools near me” is often a journey defined by both opportunity and careful consideration. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, our community values a close-knit feel, yet we are positioned within a remarkable educational landscape in Los Angeles County. The quest isn't just about academic rankings; it’s about finding a school that aligns with your child’s unique potential and your family’s values, all within a reasonable commute from our Montrose doorstep. The good news is that several of Southern California’s most respected institutions are just a short drive away, each offering a distinct educational philosophy.
When exploring options, many local families first consider St. Francis High School in nearby La Cañada Flintridge. As an all-boys Catholic school, it emphasizes a holistic formation grounded in faith, service, and leadership. Its strong athletic traditions and rigorous college-preparatory curriculum make it a compelling choice for families seeking a structured environment that builds character alongside intellect. For a co-educational alternative with a stellar academic reputation, Flintridge Preparatory School, also in La Cañada, consistently stands out. Known for its intimate class sizes and a culture that deeply values intellectual curiosity over pure competition, “Prep” fosters a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to engage deeply across the arts, sciences, and humanities. It’s a school where the journey of learning is as important as the destination.
For families with daughters, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena represents a premier all-girls option. Rooted in the Holy Child tradition, Mayfield focuses on educating the “whole child” and empowering young women with confidence and compassion. Its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on personal growth, alongside an excellent STEM and arts curriculum, provide a nurturing yet challenging atmosphere. As you evaluate these and other schools, the Montrose perspective adds specific logistical considerations. Traffic along the 210 Freeway can influence daily life, so visiting during commute hours is wise. Also, consider the after-school culture—will your child easily participate in sports or clubs that may end later in the day? The sense of community is vital; many local families carpool, creating bonds that extend beyond the classroom.
Ultimately, the “best” school is a profoundly personal decision. We recommend moving beyond online searches and rankings to experience the schools firsthand. Attend open houses, schedule shadow days for your child, and talk to current parents you might meet at our local Montrose shops or community events. Ask specific questions about how each school supports different learning styles, their college counseling approach, and how they help students navigate the pressures of high school. The investment in a private high school education in our area is significant, but the payoff lies in finding an environment where your child is known, challenged, and inspired to thrive. Your perfect fit is likely waiting just a few miles from home, ready to partner with you in this critical chapter of your family’s story.
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