The Best Private Schools in Perris, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Perris. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Woodcrest Christian School
Woodcrest Christian School System
Woodcrest Christian School serves students from Perris and throughout Riverside County with a comprehensive K-12 Christian education program. Founded in 1976, the school combines rigorous academics with faith-based values, offering advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements, with graduates regularly accepted to prestigious universities across California and nationwide.
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Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino
Notre Dame High School is a prestigious Catholic college-preparatory institution serving the greater Riverside County area, including Perris families. Established in 1956, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM offerings. The 25-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, consistently achieving high college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
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Riverside Preparatory School
Riverside Preparatory School
Riverside Preparatory School serves students from Perris and the broader Inland Empire region with a comprehensive college-preparatory program. Established in 2002, the school offers both traditional honors courses and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With a focus on developing well-rounded students, Riverside Prep maintains strong college acceptance rates and provides extensive support services for students from diverse backgrounds throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Perris, California
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Perris, California, and do I need to commute to neighboring cities?
While Perris itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look at well-regarded institutions in the immediate surrounding area. Notable options include Notre Dame High School in Riverside (a Catholic, co-ed college-prep school), Woodcrest Christian School in Riverside (a K-12 interdenominational Christian school), and Riverside Preparatory School in Oro Grande (a tuition-free public charter with a private school model, requiring a longer commute). Many Perris residents commute to Riverside, Moreno Valley, or Menifee for private education. It's important to factor in commute times, which can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on Perris's location and traffic on the 215/60/91 freeways.
How does tuition for private schools in the Perris, CA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Riverside County area surrounding Perris is generally slightly below the high-cost coastal averages of California but can still be significant. For example, area high schools often range from $10,000 to $18,000 annually for tuition. Most schools, like Notre Dame and Woodcrest Christian, offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs based on need, merit, or parish affiliation (for Catholic schools). California also has the California Credit Union School Loan Program and the Childcare Tax Credit, which can provide some relief. We strongly recommend contacting each school's admissions office directly to discuss detailed aid packages and application processes.
Are there private schools near Perris, CA, that offer specialized academic or extracurricular programs not commonly found in local public schools?
Yes, the private schools in the region often differentiate themselves with specialized tracks. For instance, Notre Dame High School offers a renowned Engineering and Design Academy alongside extensive visual/performing arts. Woodcrest Christian School emphasizes a comprehensive biblical worldview integration across all subjects and strong athletic leagues. Riverside Preparatory School, while a charter, offers a distinctive classical education model. For families in Perris seeking specific programs like intensive STEM, classical curriculum, or faith-based education with competitive sports, the surrounding private schools provide options that may be more focused than the comprehensive offerings of the Perris Union High School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving the Perris, California, community?
The timeline is crucial and requires early planning. Most competitive private schools in the Riverside area have application deadlines between December and February for the following fall semester. The process typically involves: 1) Fall open houses/tours (Sept-Nov), 2) Submitting applications with fees by the deadline, 3) Required entrance exams (like the HSPT) often in January, 4) Student interviews and submission of records, and 5) Admission and financial aid decisions released in March. For Perris families, it's vital to start research a full year in advance, as spaces are limited and testing/interviews may require travel to Riverside. Some schools may have rolling admissions for later grades if space allows.
For a family living in Perris, what are the key considerations when deciding between a local public school and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several Perris-specific factors. First, evaluate the commute: attending a private school in Riverside means daily driving on major commuter corridors. Second, consider cost: private tuition is an additional expense on top of potentially higher transportation costs. Third, assess educational philosophy: Perris public schools offer diverse programs, but private options provide specific religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Catholic, evangelical Christian, classical). Fourth, examine community and extracurricular fit: private schools often have smaller, more close-knit communities. Finally, consider the long-term: many private schools in the area boast high college matriculation rates. We recommend touring both your assigned public school and your top private choices to feel the difference firsthand.
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