The Best Private Schools in Pico Rivera, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pico Rivera. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Hilary School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Hilary School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Pico Rivera with a strong academic foundation rooted in faith-based education. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade, featuring modern STEM labs, technology integration, and robust extracurricular programs. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong sense of community. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with updated classrooms, science labs, and outdoor recreation areas. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and academic excellence.
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St. John Bosco High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. John Bosco High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school located in nearby Bellflower, serving students from Pico Rivera and surrounding communities. The school is renowned for its innovative STEM Academy, competitive athletics programs, and comprehensive college counseling. Features include advanced engineering labs, robotics programs, business entrepreneurship courses, and championship athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Parents consistently praise the strong brotherhood community, academic rigor, and exceptional faculty dedication to student success.
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St. Paul High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Located just minutes from Pico Rivera in Santa Fe Springs, St. Paul High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory institution serving the greater Whittier area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and outstanding athletic programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, modern athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network. Parents highlight the exceptional faculty mentorship, character development programs, and inclusive community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pico Rivera, California
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Pico Rivera, California, and how do they differ?
Pico Rivera offers a few primary types of private education, predominantly Catholic schools serving different grade levels. St. Hilary School provides a co-educational K-8 foundation. For high school, families often look to single-gender options like the all-boys St. John Bosco High School (located just south in Bellflower) or the all-girls St. Paul High School (in nearby Santa Fe Springs). These schools are archdiocesan-affiliated, emphasizing college-prep curricula within a faith-based framework. There are limited non-sectarian private school options within the city limits itself, so many Pico Rivera families also consider independent schools in neighboring Whittier, Downey, or Los Angeles.
How does tuition for private schools in the Pico Rivera area compare to the California average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for Pico Rivera-area private schools is generally at or slightly below the statewide average for similar institutions, reflecting the local economic landscape. For the 2023-24 school year, elementary tuition like at St. Hilary is approximately $6,000-$8,000 annually, while high schools like St. Paul or St. John Bosco range from $11,000 to $14,000. Crucially, all these schools offer need-based financial aid and active tuition assistance programs (TAP) through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 savings plans can now be used for K-12 private tuition, and some families may qualify for the California Credit Union's School Loan Program.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private high schools serving Pico Rivera students?
The private high schools that Pico Rivera students attend are known for strong specialized programs. St. John Bosco High School is nationally recognized for its STEM Academy and its championship athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. St. Paul High School offers distinctive pathways such as their President's Leadership Program and a robust Visual and Performing Arts curriculum. Both schools provide extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings and college counseling tailored for admission to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, as well as private universities nationwide. Transportation or carpool networks from Pico Rivera to these schools are common.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Hilary in Pico Rivera?
The enrollment process for Pico Rivera's St. Hilary School and similar archdiocesan schools follows a well-defined annual cycle. Applications for the following academic year typically open in October, with priority deadlines for parish members and siblings of current students by January or February. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview and student assessment. Notification of acceptance is usually made in March. For the high schools (St. Paul, St. John Bosco), the process is similar but includes a mandatory high school placement exam (HSPT) taken in the fall of 8th grade. It's highly recommended to attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall.
For a Pico Rivera resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several Pico Rivera-specific factors. The El Rancho Unified School District provides public education, while private options involve a financial commitment and often a commute. Key considerations include: class size (private schools in the area often have 20:1 or lower student-teacher ratios), a desire for a specific religious or values-based education, and specialized academic tracks (like accelerated STEM or arts). For athletics and activities, private schools like Bosco or St. Paul may offer higher-competition leagues. Conversely, El Rancho Unified offers diverse programs, including dual-language immersion and career technical education (CTE) pathways, with no tuition. Many families also consider the social environment and peer networks that extend within the Pico Rivera community itself versus a regional private school community.
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