The Best Private Schools in Rimforest, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rimforest. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cambridge School
Independent Private School
The Cambridge School is a highly-regarded independent private school located just minutes from Rimforest in Lake Arrowhead. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, critical thinking, and character development. The school leverages its mountain location with extensive outdoor education programs while maintaining small class sizes (typically 12-15 students) and individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and academic excellence that prepares students for top high schools.
Programs:
Mountain High School
Mountain Educational Network
Mountain High School serves the entire San Bernardino Mountain communities including Rimforest, offering a comprehensive college preparatory program for grades 9-12. The school features a robust Advanced Placement curriculum, with strong programs in mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Notable for its outdoor leadership program that utilizes the local mountain environment, the school also emphasizes technology integration across all subjects. With an average class size of 16 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus includes modern science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews highlight the supportive learning environment and high college acceptance rates.
Programs:
Lake Arrowhead Christian School
Christian Schools International
Lake Arrowhead Christian School serves families throughout the mountain communities including Rimforest, offering education from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a comprehensive Christian education integrated with strong academic programming. Curriculum includes rigorous core subjects, biblical studies, and extensive enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. The school features well-maintained facilities including dedicated science and computer labs, a library, and gymnasium. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the school maintains a strong sense of community. Parents appreciate the balanced approach to spiritual and academic development, with many graduates successfully transitioning to competitive high school programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rimforest, California
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Rimforest, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Rimforest, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, offers a few key private school options, primarily serving the mountain communities. The Cambridge School is a well-regarded private Christian school offering a classical education from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. Mountain High School is a private, independent school providing education for grades 9-12. Lake Arrowhead Christian School, while located in nearby Lake Arrowhead, is a common choice for Rimforest families and offers programs from preschool through 8th grade. Due to the small, rural nature of Rimforest, many families also consider private schools in the larger Lake Arrowhead area or down the mountain in the Inland Empire, which involves a significant commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Rimforest, CA area compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the Rimforest and San Bernardino Mountains area can vary. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like The Cambridge School and Lake Arrowhead Christian School have tuition ranges typically between $6,000 and $10,000 annually for elementary grades, which is often below the average for many California coastal private schools but must be considered relative to local mountain community incomes. Most schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or multi-child discounts. Importantly, California does not have a statewide private school voucher program, but families can utilize the California Tax Credit Scholarship program through approved organizations, and some schools accept funds from the California Empowerment Scholarship Account for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Rimforest-area private schools offer that leverage their mountain environment?
Private schools in the Rimforest area often integrate their unique mountain setting into their programs. This can include environmental science curricula focused on local ecology, such as studying the San Bernardino National Forest, watershed education related to Lake Arrowhead, and winter sports as part of physical education. The Cambridge School's classical model may incorporate nature studies and outdoor learning. The smaller class sizes common in these schools also allow for personalized education and community-based projects. The relative isolation fosters a tight-knit school community, but it can limit access to specialized facilities like large science labs or performing arts centers found in urban areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Rimforest, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools in Rimforest and the surrounding mountain communities often begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular schools like The Cambridge School, it is advisable to apply early. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment or visit. Some schools may have rolling admissions if space permits. Waitlists are common for certain grade levels, given the small size of these schools. A key consideration for Rimforest families is transportation, as bus services are limited, so the enrollment process should include planning for the daily commute on mountain roads.
For a family in Rimforest, what are the main factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Rimforest Elementary) and a private school?
The decision between Rimforest Elementary (part of the Rim of the World Unified School District) and a private school involves several local factors. The public school offers a tuition-free education with a strong community feel but may have larger class sizes and fewer specialized programs. Private schools in the area, like The Cambridge School, offer specific educational philosophies (e.g., classical, Christian), typically smaller class sizes for more individual attention, and often continue through 8th grade, whereas Rimforest Elementary ends at 5th grade, requiring a transition to a middle school down the mountain. The commute is a major factor; the local public school is in the community, while private options may require driving to nearby Lake Arrowhead or beyond. Families must weigh the cost of tuition against the value of a specific religious or pedagogical approach and the logistical realities of mountain living.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities