The Best Private Schools in Newbury Park, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Newbury Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Carden Conejo School
Carden Educational Foundation
Carden Conejo School provides exceptional private education using the proven Carden Method for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes development of the whole child through a structured, sequential curriculum that builds strong academic foundations. Features small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. Known for producing well-rounded students with strong character development and excellent preparation for high school.
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Oaks Christian School
Independent Christian College Preparatory
Oaks Christian School is a premier independent Christian school serving grades 5-12 with exceptional academic and extracurricular programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. Offers comprehensive AP and honors curriculum, renowned arts programs, and competitive athletics. Known for small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong college placement with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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La Reina High School and Middle School
Private Catholic College Preparatory
La Reina is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12. Established by the Sisters of Notre Dame, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. Features include advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Known for developing confident young women leaders with strong community service focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Newbury Park, California
What are the primary private school options available within Newbury Park, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Newbury Park is home to several well-regarded private schools, though many of the most prominent are located just outside the immediate town boundaries in the greater Conejo Valley. Within Newbury Park itself, Carden Conejo School is a notable private option serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families often look to nearby schools such as La Reina High School and Middle School (all-girls, grades 6-12) in Thousand Oaks and Oaks Christian School (co-ed, grades 5-12) in Westlake Village. These schools are considered part of the local educational landscape for Newbury Park residents due to their proximity and established community ties.
How does tuition for private schools in the Newbury Park, CA area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to California families?
Tuition in the Newbury Park area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $15,000-$20,000 for elementary/middle schools like Carden Conejo to over $40,000 for high schools like Oaks Christian. California families have access to several state-specific financial aid resources. Most schools offer need-based financial aid through processes like the Clarity Application. Additionally, California has educational savings account options, and some schools participate in scholarship programs like the California Credit Union's School Scholarship. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and any available local donor-funded scholarships for Conejo Valley residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Newbury Park students that leverage the local environment or industry?
Private schools in the Conejo Valley, including those serving Newbury Park, often design programs that connect to the region's strong biotech, aerospace, and agricultural sectors. For instance, Oaks Christian School has robust STEM partnerships with local companies like Amgen and Boeing, offering specialized research internships. La Reina High School emphasizes leadership and STEM for young women, with connections to local environmental initiatives in the Santa Monica Mountains. Carden Conejo incorporates the local ecology into its science curriculum. Furthermore, many schools have exceptional arts programs that collaborate with the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, providing students with professional performance opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Newbury Park, CA area, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Newbury Park-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following fall, with deadlines typically between January and February. The process usually includes a submitted application, student assessments or entrance exams (like the ISEE), parent interviews, and student visit days. Admission is competitive, particularly for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades at sought-after schools like Oaks Christian and La Reina. Sibling and legacy preferences are common. Given the limited seats, it is strongly advised for Newbury Park families to start the process 12-18 months in advance, attend fall open houses, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For families in Newbury Park, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing public schools (like Newbury Park High School) and local private options?
This is a significant decision for Newbury Park families. The public schools, part of the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), are consistently high-ranking, offering rigorous AP/IB programs and extensive extracurriculars at no direct cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., single-gender at La Reina, faith-based foundation, or a particular pedagogical approach like Carden), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, or specialized programs in athletics or the arts that operate at an elite level (like Oaks Christian's sports programs). The trade-off is the substantial financial investment. Many families base their decision on the desired campus culture, religious affiliation, and whether the private school's specific strengths align with their child's needs beyond what the excellent, tuition-free public system already provides.
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