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.
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