The Best Private Schools in Paramount, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Paramount. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Bosco High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. John Bosco High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school located just minutes from Paramount. With an 80-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through its Salesian educational philosophy. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, robotics, theater, and numerous clubs.
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St. Anthony High School
Diocese of Orange
St. Anthony High School serves students from Paramount and surrounding communities with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers both traditional college-prep curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. Located in nearby Long Beach, the school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining strong academic standards with a 99% college acceptance rate. Programs include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and numerous student organizations.
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St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy is a coeducational Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Paramount and the greater Downey area. The school combines the traditions of two established Catholic schools with modern educational approaches. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education, critical thinking, and faith formation. The campus features recently renovated facilities including science labs, technology centers, and collaborative learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a comprehensive athletic program, visual and performing arts, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Paramount, California
What are the main types of private schools available for families in Paramount, CA, and how do they differ?
Paramount, CA, and its immediate surrounding area offer several distinct types of private schools, primarily centered on faith-based education. The most prominent are Catholic college-preparatory high schools, such as the all-boys St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, the co-ed St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, and the co-ed St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy in Downey. These schools provide rigorous academic curricula within a values-based framework. While Paramount itself has limited private school campuses, these highly-regarded institutions serve the Paramount community directly. Parents may also find smaller parochial elementary schools and independent academies in neighboring cities, making residential location in Paramount convenient for accessing a strong private school network in Southeast Los Angeles County.
How does tuition for private high schools near Paramount, CA, typically work, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top-tier private high schools serving Paramount, CA, like St. John Bosco or St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy, typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 per year. This is a significant investment, but California families have several avenues for assistance. Each school offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, which require separate applications, often using tools like the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 tuition. Many schools also have active fundraising and endowment programs that provide tuition assistance, and some offer payment plans to spread the cost over 10-12 months. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions or financial aid office directly to discuss your specific situation.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Paramount, CA?
The private schools serving the Paramount area are known for robust, specialized programs that complement their college-prep core. St. John Bosco High School is nationally recognized for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Academy and its championship athletic programs. St. Anthony High School offers a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, providing a globally-focused curriculum. St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy features a strong Biomedical Science pathway through Project Lead The Way and a dedicated Visual and Performing Arts program. These schools also emphasize community service and leadership development, aligning with their faith-based missions. For families in Paramount, these specialized offerings provide alternatives and enhancements not always available in the local public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Paramount, CA, area?
The enrollment process for competitive private high schools near Paramount, CA, begins early, often when a student is in 7th grade. The key timeline is as follows: Open Houses and Shadow Days typically occur in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January of the 8th-grade year. Required entrance exams (like the HSPT) are administered on specific dates in January. Admissions decisions and financial aid award letters are sent out in March, with a registration deadline and deposit due in April for the following fall semester. It is vital to attend open houses, schedule a shadow day for your child, and ensure all application materials—including transcripts, recommendations, and any required essays—are submitted well before deadlines. Waiting lists are common, so prompt action is advised.
For a family living in Paramount, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to nearby private options?
For Paramount residents, the comparison hinges on several local factors. Paramount Unified School District public schools are tuition-free and offer proximity and community integration. However, the nearby private options like St. John Bosco or St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy often feature smaller average class sizes, a specific moral or religious educational framework, and a consistently high college-acceptance focus. A major practical consideration is transportation, as these private schools are located in Bellflower, Long Beach, and Downey, requiring a commute. Parents must weigh the cost of tuition against the potential for specialized programs (e.g., IB, STEM academies) and the perceived environment. Many families in Paramount choose private schools for their structured discipline, extensive extracurriculars, and network effects, viewing the investment and commute as worthwhile for their child's specific educational goals.
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