The Best Private Schools in Rowland Heights, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rowland Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Southlands Christian Schools
Southlands Christian Schools
Southlands Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Rowland Heights area with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school emphasizes academic excellence through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses and honors programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school offers robust extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, music programs, theater arts, and community service opportunities. Southlands maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Rowland Elementary School (Private)
Rowland Unified School District (Private Option)
Rowland Elementary School offers a distinguished private education option within the Rowland Heights community, featuring specialized programs including Montessori education and language immersion tracks. The school focuses on developing well-rounded students through a balanced curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many students transitioning successfully to competitive middle and high school programs. The dedicated teaching staff provides individualized attention to support each student's academic and personal growth.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Joseph Catholic School provides a values-based education serving the Rowland Heights and surrounding communities with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic traditions. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes religion, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, supplemented by technology integration and STEM initiatives. Students participate in sacramental preparation, weekly Mass, and community service projects that foster character development. The school features well-maintained facilities including a chapel, computer lab, library, and playground areas. Extracurricular activities include choir, sports teams, and academic competitions, creating a supportive community environment focused on academic achievement and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rowland Heights, California
What are the primary private school options available in Rowland Heights, CA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Rowland Heights offers a few established private schools, each with a distinct focus. **Southlands Christian Schools** is the largest, offering a comprehensive K-12 program with a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in evangelical Christian values. **St. Joseph Catholic School** provides a TK-8 education integrating faith, academics, and service within the Catholic tradition. **Rowland Elementary School (Private)** is a smaller, non-sectarian option for grades K-6, often emphasizing a more individualized learning environment. Additionally, many families in Rowland Heights also consider well-regarded private schools in neighboring cities like Walnut, Diamond Bar, and Hacienda Heights, which expand the options significantly.
How does tuition for private schools in Rowland Heights, CA, typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in Rowland Heights is generally in line with or slightly below the high average for California private schools, reflecting its suburban setting. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary grades and $12,000-$18,000 for high school at local institutions. California's **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program allows donors to direct funds for scholarships, which some local schools participate in. Each school typically offers its own need-based financial aid, and all are required to accept California's **Family Empowerment Scholarship** (formerly the Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Rowland Heights area?
Reflecting the diverse and academically competitive environment of the San Gabriel Valley, local private schools offer specialized programs. **Southlands Christian Schools** features robust STEM pathways, competitive athletics, and extensive visual/performing arts. A notable local differentiator is the strong emphasis on **Mandarin Chinese language programs**, available at several area private schools, catering to the significant Asian-American community. Many schools also integrate technology deeply, with 1:1 device programs, and offer unique electives like robotics, debate, and community service projects that connect with Los Angeles County resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Rowland Heights, and are there key local deadlines?
The enrollment process in Rowland Heights typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with application deadlines between January and March. Most schools host open houses from October through February. A key local consideration is that demand often exceeds space, especially for entry grades (TK, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), so early application is strongly advised. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, a student assessment or shadow day, and a family interview. Many schools coordinate notification dates in March, with contracts and deposits due shortly after.
For families considering both options, what are the main differences between Rowland Heights private schools and the highly-rated Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) public schools?
The decision often hinges on class size, educational approach, and specific family values. **Rowland Unified public schools** (like John A. Rowland High School) are highly regarded, offer diverse AP/IB programs, and require no tuition. **Private schools in Rowland Heights** typically offer much smaller class sizes (15-20 vs. 30+ students), a more uniform disciplinary and values-based environment (religious or specific philosophical), and often more individualized attention. Private schools may also have more flexibility in curriculum and fewer state-mandated testing requirements. For families seeking a specific religious education or a small-school community feel, private options are compelling, while those prioritizing cost, extensive extracurricular breadth, and the diversity of a large public district may prefer RUSD.
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