The Best Private Schools in Orland, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Orland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chico Christian School
Independent Christian School
Chico Christian School is a highly-rated private institution serving the Orland area and wider Northern California region with a robust K-12 program. It is renowned for its academic rigor, offering Advanced Placement courses, a strong STEM curriculum, and college preparatory advising. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, technology centers, and athletic fields. Extracurriculars encompass competitive sports, drama, music, and community outreach. With a track record of high graduation rates and parent accolades for teacher dedication and student support, it provides transportation options for regional students.
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Orland Christian School
Independent Christian School
Orland Christian School is a well-established private institution offering a Christ-centered education for grades K-8. It emphasizes academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum that integrates core subjects with biblical principles. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a supportive community environment. Programs include hands-on STEM activities, music, art, and competitive sports. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong focus on character development, community service projects, and a safe, nurturing campus with modern facilities.
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St. John the Evangelist School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. John the Evangelist School provides a comprehensive Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, rooted in faith and academic excellence. The school boasts experienced educators, a balanced curriculum that includes religion, literacy, math, and science, and enrichment programs in music, art, and technology. Extracurricular activities like sports and community service are integral, fostering well-rounded development. With a long-standing reputation for a family-oriented atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, it features updated classrooms, a library, and playground facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Orland, California
What are the main private school options available within Orland, California, and what are their educational approaches?
Orland, California, offers a few key private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. The notable ones are Orland Christian School (K-8), which provides a Protestant Christian education integrating faith with a standard academic curriculum, and St. John the Evangelist School (K-8), a Catholic school offering sacramental preparation and a values-based education. While Chico Christian School is a popular option, it is located in nearby Chico, about a 25-minute drive from Orland, and serves many families from the wider region. This means Orland residents have a local choice between two distinct Christian traditions or may consider commuting to Glenn County's larger neighbor for additional options.
How does tuition at Orland's private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to California families?
Tuition at Orland's private schools is generally below the average for California private schools, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition at Orland Christian School and St. John the Evangelist School typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 for the first child, with discounts for siblings. This is significantly less than many Bay Area or Southern California private schools. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, and California families can also apply for the California Credit Union School Choice Scholarship. Additionally, they may participate in donor-funded scholarship programs specific to Northern California agricultural communities, which can be beneficial for local farming families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Orland private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Private schools in Orland often incorporate the region's agricultural identity into their programs. Orland Christian School, for example, may have garden projects and science units focused on local crops like almonds and olives. St. John the Evangelist School emphasizes community service projects that engage with local organizations. Given Orland's proximity to wildlife refuges (e.g., the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex), field trips for environmental science are a common feature. Extracurriculars are more limited than in large urban schools but typically include sports like basketball and volleyball that compete in small, regional Christian school leagues, fostering a close-knit community feel.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Orland, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Orland's private schools usually begins with an open house or tour in January or February for the following academic year. Priority enrollment for existing families and parishioners (at St. John's) often runs through March, with open enrollment for new families beginning in April. Due to the small size of these schools—often only one class per grade—waitlists can form for certain grades, particularly kindergarten. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a family interview, and sometimes a student assessment. It's advisable for Orland parents to initiate contact by early winter to secure a spot, as spaces are limited and in-demand within the local community.
For parents considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the public school district in Orland and the available private schools?
The Orland Unified School District serves a diverse student population across several campuses. The primary differences with local private schools are class size, religious education, and specific program offerings. Orland's private schools boast much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to public school classrooms, allowing for more individualized attention. The private schools provide daily religious instruction and chapel services, which the public schools cannot. Academically, the public district may offer more extensive elective choices at the high school level and specialized programs like career technical education (CTE) in agriculture, whereas the local private options end at 8th grade, requiring a transition to public high school, a nearby private high school in Chico, or homeschooling.
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