The Best Private Schools in Ontario, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ontario. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located in nearby Claremont, serving students throughout the Inland Empire including Ontario. Founded in 1922, Webb offers a rigorous college preparatory education with exceptional academic programs. The school features a 70-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Known for its honor code and character education, Webb provides a comprehensive educational experience with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and unique programs like the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. The school maintains a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities.
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St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Ontario and throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1962, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation rooted in Benedictine values. The curriculum includes honors and Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines, with particular strengths in science, mathematics, and the arts. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic facilities. St. Lucy's emphasizes leadership development and community service, with a strong track record of graduates attending competitive colleges and universities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Damien High School
Damien High School
Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Ontario and the surrounding Inland Empire region. Founded in 1966 by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Damien provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic traditions and values. The school offers a robust curriculum including 23 Advanced Placement courses, a specialized STEM academy, and strong programs in business and the arts. The 22-acre campus features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated spaces for technology and the arts. Damien emphasizes character development, leadership, and service while maintaining strong academic outcomes with graduates regularly attending top universities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and competitive sports programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ontario, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Ontario, California, and how do they differ?
Ontario, CA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily including independent college-preparatory schools, single-sex Catholic schools, and co-ed Catholic institutions. The Webb Schools in nearby Claremont (a short commute from Ontario) is a prestigious independent boarding and day school known for its rigorous academics and museums. Within Ontario proper, St. Lucy's Priory High School is an all-girls Catholic school with a strong liberal arts focus, while Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic school. These schools differ in educational philosophy, single-gender vs. co-ed environments (for the Catholic schools), and campus culture. Many families in the Inland Empire also consider private schools in neighboring Claremont and Upland.
How does tuition for private high schools in Ontario, CA, typically compare, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Ontario area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Damien and St. Lucy's have tuitions typically ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 annually. The Webb Schools, as a top-tier independent boarding school, has a substantially higher tuition, often exceeding $50,000 for boarding students and around $45,000 for day students. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many have parish subsidy programs for active Catholic families. California does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so aid is primarily school-based. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Ontario area that leverage local resources?
Private schools in and near Ontario leverage Southern California's resources for unique programs. The Webb Schools are renowned for the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, the only accredited museum on a secondary school campus in the nation, offering unparalleled research opportunities in paleontology. Damien High School has a strong engineering and robotics program, often competing regionally. St. Lucy's Priory emphasizes leadership and arts, with connections to local cultural institutions. Proximity to the Ontario International Airport, major logistics companies, and Claremont Colleges also facilitates internship and dual-enrollment opportunities for older students in fields like business and aviation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Ontario, California?
The enrollment process for Ontario-area private schools like Damien, St. Lucy's, and The Webb Schools is highly structured and begins early. The key timeline is: Admissions applications open in August/September for the following fall. Entrance exams (such as the HSPT or ISEE) are usually taken between October and January. Application deadlines are typically in mid-January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are released in March, with enrollment contracts due shortly thereafter. Many schools also require shadow days (where the student visits a class) and parent interviews. It is critical to start the process at least a year in advance, especially for competitive schools like Webb.
For families living in Ontario, what are the key considerations when choosing between a top-rated public school in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and a local private school?
The decision hinges on several Ontario-specific factors. Top public schools like Colony High School offer robust AP programs and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school like Damien or St. Lucy's often involves seeking a faith-based education, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+ in public), or a single-gender environment. The Webb Schools offer a boarding option and an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio with a focus on deep, inquiry-based learning. Transportation is also a key factor; private schools do not provide district transportation, so commuting to Claremont (Webb) or within Ontario must be planned. Families should assess the value of specific programs (e.g., paleontology at Webb) against the significant financial investment.
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