The Best Private Schools in Old Station, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Old Station. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the greater Lassen County region, including Old Station. With nearly 70 years of educational excellence, this school offers a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic rigor. Programs include advanced STEM education, comprehensive music and arts curriculum, and competitive athletics. The school maintains modern facilities including science labs, computer technology centers, and athletic fields. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with families appreciating the nurturing environment and strong community values.
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Redding Christian School
Independent Christian
Redding Christian School is a premier private Christian institution serving families throughout Northern California, including the Old Station area. Established in 1979, this school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The school features a robust college preparatory program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is known for its high graduation rates, strong college acceptance records, and dedicated faculty with advanced degrees. Many families from mountain communities choose this school for its academic rigor and values-based education.
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Lassen Academy of Excellence
Independent
Lassen Academy of Excellence is an independent private school serving students throughout Lassen County and the surrounding mountain communities. Founded in 2002, this school offers a unique educational approach combining rigorous college preparatory curriculum with hands-on outdoor learning experiences that leverage the natural environment of the region. The school serves grades K-12 with personalized learning plans, advanced placement opportunities, and comprehensive technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, and access to outdoor learning spaces. The school is particularly noted for its strong teacher-student relationships and innovative educational approaches that prepare students for higher education while fostering environmental stewardship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Old Station, California
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Old Station, California?
Old Station is a very small, rural community, so on-site private school options are extremely limited. Families typically look at schools in surrounding towns within a reasonable driving distance. The schools you mentioned—St. Joseph Catholic School (in Redding), Lassen Academy of Excellence (in Susanville), and Redding Christian School (in Palo Cedro)—are all located 45 minutes to over an hour away from Old Station. This makes the daily commute a primary consideration. Other options might include homeschooling cooperatives or very small independent schools in neighboring Shasta or Lassen counties. It's essential to contact these schools directly to confirm they are accepting students from your specific district.
How does the rural location of Old Station, CA, impact tuition and financial aid for private schools?
The cost of private education in the Old Station area is influenced by both the schools' locations and California's cost of living. Tuition at the regional schools like Redding Christian or St. Joseph Catholic typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000+ annually for elementary grades. A significant added cost for Old Station families is transportation, including fuel and vehicle maintenance for long daily commutes. However, many of these schools offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and scholarships. Some may also participate in California's tax-credit scholarship programs like the California Credit Union Foundation's "A Scholarship for Kids." It's crucial to factor in the total cost of attendance, including travel, when evaluating affordability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Old Station students offer that address the local environment?
Private schools in the region often leverage the unique North State environment in their curricula. For example, schools may have robust outdoor education programs focusing on the nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and Hat Creek's astronomy area. Programs in environmental science, forestry, agriculture, and astronomy are common points of emphasis. Redding Christian School, for instance, might offer agricultural science, while Lassen Academy of Excellence could integrate local history and geology. These programs provide hands-on learning that connects directly to the natural surroundings of Old Station, offering an educational benefit that complements the rural lifestyle.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Old Station, CA, families consider, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment timelines for schools serving Old Station generally follow a cycle similar to larger districts but require earlier planning due to commute logistics and limited space. Key dates are often in January-February for the following fall, with application deadlines, entrance assessments (if required), and financial aid applications due in early spring. Schools like St. Joseph Catholic and Redding Christian often have waitlists for certain grades, especially in lower elementary. Given the distance from Old Station, it is highly recommended to begin the process 12-18 months in advance. This includes scheduling tours, which may require a full day due to travel, and inquiring about carpools with other families in your area to assess viability.
For an Old Station resident, what are the practical advantages and challenges of choosing a private school over the local public school (Burney Elementary/High School or Fall River Unified)?
The primary advantage of a local public school in the Burney or Fall River districts is proximity, eliminating a lengthy daily commute. The main challenge for some families can be limited specialized academic programs or extracurricular variety. Opting for a private school like those in Redding or Susanville often provides smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if desired), and potentially more consistent advanced coursework or arts programs. However, the major challenge is the significant time and cost of transportation, which can impact family routines and student participation in after-school activities. The decision often hinges on whether the desired educational philosophy and program offerings outweigh the substantial logistical commitment required from living in rural Old Station.
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