The Best Private Schools in Pleasant Grove, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pleasant Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Catholic High School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic institution serving students throughout the Sacramento metropolitan area, including Pleasant Grove. With over 80 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum grounded in Catholic values. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school boasts exceptional college acceptance rates and provides comprehensive student support services. Their diverse extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, renowned performing arts, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Stratford Preparatory School - Sacramento
Stratford School
Stratford Preparatory School offers a comprehensive private education with a strong focus on academic excellence and character development. Located just 15 miles from Pleasant Grove in Sacramento, this established institution provides advanced STEM programs, comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and experienced faculty dedicated to student success. With a balanced approach to education that includes arts, athletics, and community service, Stratford serves families throughout the greater Sacramento region including Pleasant Grove residents.
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John Adams Academy
John Adams Academy
John Adams Academy in Roseville provides a unique American classical leadership education model that serves families throughout the greater Sacramento region, including Pleasant Grove. This tuition-free public charter school offers a private school-like experience with a classical curriculum emphasizing great books, Socratic dialogue, and character development. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive program that includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts, and leadership development. Located approximately 20 miles from Pleasant Grove, the school has established a strong reputation for academic excellence and student achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pleasant Grove, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pleasant Grove, California, and are they located within the city limits?
Pleasant Grove itself is a small census-designated place, so most top-tier private schools serving the community are located in nearby cities within Sacramento County. The most prominent options include Stratford Preparatory School in Sacramento (a rigorous, college-prep K-12 program), St. Francis Catholic High School in Sacramento (a prestigious all-girls Catholic school), and John Adams Academy in nearby Roseville (a classical, leadership-focused charter school that operates as a tuition-free public charter, but is often considered alongside private options due to its specialized model). Families in Pleasant Grove typically commute a short distance for these schools, benefiting from the broader Sacramento metro area's educational offerings.
How does tuition for private schools in the Pleasant Grove, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for the private schools accessible from Pleasant Grove is generally aligned with or slightly above the California private school average due to the region's costs and the schools' reputations. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $15,000-$25,000+ for schools like Stratford Preparatory and St. Francis High School. California's private schools often offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in the California Scholarship Federation. Additionally, California does not have a state-sponsored voucher program, but some schools accept funds from the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program, and families can utilize the state's 529 plan (ScholarShare) for K-12 tuition expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations can students find at private schools serving the Pleasant Grove community?
The private schools near Pleasant Grove offer distinct specializations that cater to diverse interests. Stratford Preparatory School emphasizes STEM and advanced college preparatory tracks with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. St. Francis Catholic High School provides a strong liberal arts foundation combined with exceptional arts and athletics programs, including championship-winning teams. John Adams Academy, while a charter, offers a unique classical education model centered on the "American Founders' principles," with a core curriculum based on great books and leadership development. This variety allows Pleasant Grove families to choose based on pedagogical philosophy, from classical to college-prep intensive.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key admission requirements for private high schools near Pleasant Grove, like St. Francis or Stratford?
Enrollment for the fall semester at competitive private schools in the Sacramento area typically begins a full year in advance, with application deadlines between December and February for the following academic year. Key requirements often include: completed applications with essays, transcripts from current schools, standardized test scores (such as the HSPT for Catholic schools or school-specific entrance exams), teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Many schools also require shadow days for prospective students. It's crucial to check each school's website in the early fall, as timelines are strict, and waiting lists are common for these sought-after institutions.
For families in Pleasant Grove considering the choice between local public schools (like those in the Elk Grove Unified School District) and private options, what are the main differentiating factors?
The primary differentiation lies in class size, curricular focus, and community environment. Pleasant Grove is served by the large and diverse Elk Grove Unified School District, which offers comprehensive programs but with larger class sizes. Private options provide significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, more individualized attention, and often a more uniform college-preparatory or value-based mission. For example, a family seeking a single-gender environment or a specific religious foundation would look to St. Francis. Conversely, the public charter John Adams Academy offers a specialized classical curriculum without tuition. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for a tailored educational philosophy and environment versus the no-cost, neighborhood-based public school system.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private High Schools in Pleasant Grove, CA for Your Child's Future
For parents in Pleasant Grove, California, beginning the search for the “best private high schools near me” is an exciting and significant step. This quiet, family-oriented community values education deeply, and while Pleasant Grove itself is primarily residential, it is wonderfully positioned within Sacramento County to access some of the region’s most distinguished private high schools. Your search will naturally extend into the greater Sacramento area, where you’ll find institutions offering diverse educational philosophies, from rigorous college preparatory programs to classical education models, all within a reasonable commute.
One standout option frequently considered by Pleasant Grove families is Stratford Preparatory School in Sacramento. This school is renowned for its advanced, project-based STEM curriculum and its strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. For a student with a keen interest in science, technology, or engineering, Stratford offers a challenging environment that feels both innovative and structured. The commute from Pleasant Grove is straightforward, heading west into Sacramento, making it a viable daily option for families seeking a modern, academically intense preparation for top universities.
Another pillar of private education in the area is St. Francis Catholic High School. Located in Sacramento, this all-girls school provides a supportive and empowering environment rooted in Franciscan values. It boasts a remarkable balance of strong academics, extensive extracurricular activities, and a focus on developing compassionate leaders. For families in Pleasant Grove who value a single-gender education within a faith-based framework, St. Francis represents a compelling choice. The sense of community here is profound, often creating a “home away from home” atmosphere that can be very reassuring during the high school years.
A uniquely different approach can be found at John Adams Academy, which offers a classical, leadership-focused education. With a campus in nearby Roseville, its curriculum is built on the American classical tradition, emphasizing the study of great works, civic virtue, and moral character. If you are seeking an education that rigorously engages with history, philosophy, and primary sources to cultivate principled thinkers, this academy warrants a close look. The classical model stands in contrast to more conventional programs and attracts families specifically looking for this time-tested, virtue-centered approach to learning.
Ultimately, identifying the “best private high schools near me” from Pleasant Grove is less about finding a single top-ranked school and more about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs, learning style, and aspirations. We encourage you to move beyond websites and rankings to experience these schools firsthand. Schedule campus tours, attend open houses, and, most importantly, have your student shadow a current pupil for a day. Pay attention to the commute during typical drop-off times and engage with current parents to hear about their experiences. The investment in a private high school education in the Sacramento region is significant, but the payoff—finding a community where your teenager is known, challenged, and inspired—is invaluable. Your local search is the first step toward an educational partnership that will shape their future.
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