The Best Private Schools in Penryn, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Penryn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rocklin Preparatory Academy
Rocklin Preparatory Academy
Rocklin Preparatory Academy is a highly-rated private school located just 7 miles from Penryn, serving students in transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. The school follows a classical education model with a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, logic, and rhetoric. Known for its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school provides a comprehensive education with strong emphasis on both STEM subjects and humanities. The school features modern facilities, extensive extracurricular programs including music, art, and athletics, and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings for its academic excellence and supportive community environment.
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St. Joseph's Catholic School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Sacramento
St. Joseph's Catholic School is a premier private Catholic school located approximately 12 miles from Penryn in Roseville, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values while providing rigorous college preparatory education. With state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces, St. Joseph's maintains high academic standards with a focus on character development. The school features extensive extracurricular offerings including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities, and has earned recognition for academic excellence and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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St. John the Evangelist School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Sacramento
St. John the Evangelist School serves families in the greater Sacramento region including Penryn, located approximately 20 miles away. This established Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, Spanish language immersion starting in kindergarten, and robust athletic programs. With modern classrooms, science labs, and technology integration throughout the curriculum, St. John's provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for high school and beyond. The school community is known for its active parent involvement and strong sense of community, with many families commuting from surrounding areas including Penryn for its reputable academic programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Penryn, California
What are the primary private school options serving families in Penryn, California, and are they located directly in town?
While Penryn itself is a small, unincorporated community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding area of Placer County. The most prominent options include Rocklin Preparatory Academy in nearby Rocklin, St. Joseph's Catholic School in Auburn, and St. John the Evangelist School in Folsom. These schools typically serve students from multiple neighboring towns, including Penryn. Transportation via carpool or arranged services is common, as most families commute a short distance to these campuses.
How does tuition for private schools in the Penryn, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Penryn is generally in line with or slightly above the California private school average, reflecting the higher cost of living in the region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect K-8 tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually, with Catholic schools often on the lower end of that spectrum. Most schools, including St. Joseph's and St. John the Evangelist, offer parish subsidies for active church members. All major schools in the area have financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in California's tax-credit scholarship programs like the California Credit Union Foundation or ACE Scholarships, which can significantly reduce net cost for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Penryn offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Penryn/Placer County area often incorporate the region's historical, agricultural, and natural resources into their programs. For example, Rocklin Preparatory Academy emphasizes a classical education model with a strong focus on civic engagement, potentially including trips to the State Capitol in nearby Sacramento. Many schools integrate California Gold Rush and Sierra Nevada ecology into their science and history curricula. Extracurriculars frequently include robust outdoor education, hiking, and environmental science projects that take advantage of the proximity to the American River and Sierra foothills, which is a distinct advantage over urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Penryn, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment cycle for sought-after private schools in this region begins early. Most schools, like St. Joseph's and Rocklin Prep, open applications for the following school year in October or November, with priority deadlines in January or February. Given the limited seats and high demand in Placer County, it is common for popular grades to have waitlists, especially for kindergarten and middle school entry. The process almost always includes a campus tour, parent interview, and student assessment/visit day. Siblings of current students and active parishioners (for Catholic schools) typically receive first priority, so Penryn families are advised to plan and engage with their school of choice well over a year in advance.
For a family in Penryn, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local high-performing public school district (Placer Union High School District/Del Oro feeder) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Penryn is part of the highly-rated Placer Union High School District, which feeds into Del Oro High School. Private options require a commute and significant financial investment but offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-35+ in public), distinct religious or values-based education (if desired), and a consistent educational approach from K-8. A key consideration for Penryn families is the private school's feeder pattern into high school, as most local private schools end at 8th grade, meaning students would likely transition to Del Oro High or a private high school in Sacramento/Roseville regardless. Therefore, many families consider whether the private elementary/middle foundation is worth the eventual transition.
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