The Best Private Schools in Newcastle, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Newcastle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis High School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Newcastle and the greater Sacramento region. The all-girls institution offers a comprehensive academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on leadership development. The 14-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and a tradition of academic excellence, St. Francis prepares young women for success in higher education and beyond through its holistic approach to education.
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Merryhill School
Spring Education Group
Merryhill School in Sacramento provides private education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in the Newcastle area. The school features a challenging curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, foreign language instruction starting in preschool, and character development. Merryhill's balanced approach includes hands-on learning, technology integration, and enrichment programs in arts and athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers and offers before and after-school care, making it convenient for working families. With a focus on preparing students for competitive high schools, Merryhill has established a strong reputation for academic excellence.
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Rocklin Academy
Rocklin Academy Family of Schools
Rocklin Academy is a highly-rated public charter school serving the Newcastle area with a rigorous Core Knowledge curriculum that emphasizes classical education. The school serves students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade and is known for its strong academic foundation, character education program, and structured learning environment. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Rocklin Academy provides a comprehensive education that includes robust STEM programs, visual and performing arts, and physical education. The school has consistently high test scores and parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Newcastle, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Newcastle, California, and are they located directly in town?
While Newcastle itself is a small, unincorporated community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding Placer County area. The most prominent options include Rocklin Academy (a public charter network with a college-prep focus, located in nearby Rocklin), St. Francis High School (a Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school in Sacramento), and Merryhill School (a private preschool and elementary school in Roseville). Due to Newcastle's rural setting, most private schooling requires a commute to neighboring cities, making transportation logistics a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Newcastle, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools serving the Newcastle area aligns with or slightly exceeds the California private school average, reflecting the higher cost of living in the greater Sacramento region. For the 2023-2024 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary schools like Merryhill to over $20,000 for high schools like St. Francis. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 private school tuition. Additionally, some schools participate in state scholarship programs for lower-income families, so it's essential to inquire directly with each institution's admissions office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Newcastle that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in the Placer County region often incorporate the area's historical, agricultural, and natural resources into their programs. For example, schools may emphasize environmental science with field studies in the nearby Auburn State Recreation Area or American River watershed. Others might integrate California Gold Rush history into their curriculum with local field trips. Furthermore, schools like St. Francis High School offer robust arts and athletics programs that compete at the regional level, while Rocklin Academy's charter model emphasizes a Core Knowledge classical curriculum. The proximity to Sacramento also provides unique internship and civic engagement opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Newcastle, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the Newcastle vicinity is highly competitive and often begins nearly a year in advance. Most schools open applications in September or October for the following fall, with deadlines between January and March. The process typically includes a campus tour, submission of applications and records, student assessments/interviews, and parent interviews. Due to high demand, especially at the elementary level and for specific charter school lotteries like Rocklin Academy, waitlists are common. Newcastle families are advised to start research and tours early, often in the spring or summer before the desired enrollment year, to understand all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Newcastle, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school in the Placer Union High School District or a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Newcastle-specific factors. The local public schools, such as Newcastle Elementary and Placer High School, offer the convenience of proximity and a strong community feel. Opting for a private school like those in Rocklin or Sacramento involves a significant daily commute (20-45 minutes), impacting family schedules and costs. Parents must weigh the specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, or religious education of private options against the travel time. Additionally, the rural character of Newcastle means private school families may form networks across a wider geographic area. It's crucial to visit both local public schools and private options to compare culture, academic offerings, and extracurriculars in the context of your family's values and logistical capacity.
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