The Best Private Schools in Running Springs, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Running Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Arrowhead Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lake Arrowhead Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the San Bernardino Mountain communities, including Running Springs. It offers a comprehensive education from kindergarten to 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern facilities including science labs and technology resources, and a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and community service. Parent satisfaction is high due to its family-oriented environment, rigorous curriculum aligned with state standards, and a focus on individualized student support.
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Big Bear Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Big Bear Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education with a reputation for academic rigor and holistic student development. Serving students from Running Springs and the surrounding mountain areas, it offers programs from preschool to 12th grade, including Advanced Placement courses, STEM initiatives, and competitive sports teams. The school boasts experienced faculty, well-maintained facilities like computer labs and gymnasiums, and a strong track record of college admissions. Extracurriculars include drama, music, and outdoor education, leveraging the natural mountain environment. Parents consistently praise the school for its safe, nurturing atmosphere and commitment to fostering leadership and faith-based values.
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Crestline Christian School
Independent Christian School
Crestline Christian School is a respected private school located in the nearby community of Crestline, easily accessible to Running Springs families. It offers a balanced education for kindergarten through 8th grade, focusing on academic achievement, spiritual formation, and hands-on learning. The curriculum includes core subjects enhanced by technology integration, art, music, and outdoor educational activities that utilize the local mountain setting. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, the school provides personalized attention and a supportive community environment. Facilities include classrooms equipped with modern resources, a library, and playgrounds. High parent satisfaction stems from its strong academic outcomes, dedicated staff, and emphasis on character building.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Running Springs, California
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Running Springs, California, and are they located in town or in nearby communities?
Running Springs itself is a small mountain community with limited on-site private school facilities. Most families look to neighboring towns within the San Bernardino Mountains. The top options include Lake Arrowhead Christian School in Lake Arrowhead (a K-8 school), Big Bear Christian Academy in Big Bear Lake (a K-12 school), and Crestline Christian School in Crestline. These schools are all within a 15-30 minute drive from Running Springs and represent the core faith-based private education options in the local mountain area. There are no large, non-sectarian private day schools in the immediate vicinity, which is an important consideration for Running Springs residents.
How does the tuition at mountain private schools like Lake Arrowhead Christian or Big Bear Christian Academy compare to private schools in larger California cities, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at these mountain community private schools is generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or Orange County. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually for elementary grades, which is often 30-50% less than comparable schools in urban coastal areas. However, family income levels in the Running Springs area can vary widely. All the mentioned schools offer need-based financial aid, and some may have limited scholarship funds. California's tax-advantaged 529 plans can also be used for K-12 private tuition, and some schools may offer multi-child discounts, which is helpful for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Running Springs area offer that leverage the local mountain environment?
Schools in the San Bernardino Mountains often integrate the unique local environment into their programs. This can include outdoor science and ecology studies focused on forest ecosystems, winter sports or hiking for P.E., and community service projects tailored to mountain living, such as forest clean-up initiatives or fire safety awareness. Big Bear Christian Academy, for example, may leverage its proximity to Big Bear Lake for environmental science. Additionally, the smaller class sizes (often 15 students or fewer) common in these schools foster a tight-knit, community-oriented learning atmosphere that is distinct from larger urban or suburban schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Crestline Christian School for a family moving to Running Springs?
Due to their small size, enrollment at these mountain private schools is often on a rolling basis, but priority is given to applications submitted by early spring (March-April) for the following fall semester. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For families relocating to Running Springs mid-year, it's essential to contact the school directly, as small class sizes may mean limited immediate availability. Many of these schools also host open houses in the winter and spring. It's highly recommended to schedule a campus visit, as the drive from Running Springs to Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, or Big Bear is a key part of the daily commute to consider.
For a family in Running Springs, what are the key practical differences between sending a child to a local public school (like Running Springs Elementary) versus a private school in a neighboring town?
The most immediate difference is logistics. Running Springs Elementary is a public school within the Rim of the World Unified School District and is located in town, allowing for easy access, potential walking, and a strong local community feel. Opting for a private school like Lake Arrowhead Christian requires a daily commute over mountain roads, which can be challenging in winter weather. Academically, the private schools offer a faith-based curriculum and very small class sizes, while the public school follows state standards and may offer different extracurriculars. Financially, public school is free, whereas private school requires tuition. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious education and smaller classroom environment versus the convenience and cost savings of the local public school.
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