The Best Private Schools in San Bernardino, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Bernardino. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Grove School
Independent
The Grove School is a highly-regarded private Montessori school serving the San Bernardino area from its Redlands location. Offering education from preschool through high school, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and college preparation. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's dedicated teachers, strong community atmosphere, and excellent college acceptance rates. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement options and extensive extracurricular activities.
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Loma Linda Academy
Seventh-day Adventist
Loma Linda Academy is one of the largest and most established private schools serving the San Bernardino region. This comprehensive K-12 institution offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and outstanding arts programs. The 40-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With over a century of educational excellence, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and has earned recognition for both its academic programs and character development focus. The school serves students from throughout the Inland Empire.
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Riverside Christian School
Christian Schools International
Riverside Christian School provides comprehensive private education serving families throughout the San Bernardino metropolitan area. The school offers programs from preschool through high school with a strong college-preparatory focus and comprehensive STEM curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview framework and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the quality of education, dedicated faculty, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Bernardino, California
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in San Bernardino, California, and how do they differ?
San Bernardino offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent secular, faith-based, and specialized institutions. Notable examples include The Grove School (independent, project-based learning), Loma Linda Academy (Seventh-day Adventist, college-prep with a health sciences focus due to its proximity to Loma Linda University Medical Center), and Riverside Christian School (interdenominational Christian). You'll also find smaller parochial Catholic and other Christian schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, curriculum rigor, and often the student community and values emphasized, allowing parents to choose an environment that aligns closely with their family's priorities.
How does tuition for private schools in San Bernardino, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for K-12 private schools in San Bernardino tends to be moderately lower than the high averages seen in coastal California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Annual tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to $15,000, with many schools falling in the $8,000-$12,000 range. Most established schools, including Loma Linda Academy and The Grove School, offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and sometimes merit scholarships. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher program, but families may be eligible for tax-advantaged savings through a 529 plan or, for certain schools, scholarships from local community foundations or church subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the San Bernardino area that leverage the local context?
Several San Bernardino private schools offer programs that capitalize on the region's characteristics. Loma Linda Academy, for instance, has strong STEM and health science pathways, benefiting from its affiliation with the world-renowned Loma Linda University health system. The Grove School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with hands-on learning that can connect to the local inland ecosystem. Furthermore, schools may offer unique electives or clubs related to aviation (proximity to San Bernardino International Airport), logistics (due to major distribution centers), or performing arts tied to the local California Theatre and historical Route 66 culture, providing a education grounded in the community's opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in San Bernardino, and when should parents start applying?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in San Bernardino, such as Loma Linda Academy or The Grove School, often begins nearly a year in advance. Key steps usually include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications between November and February for the following academic year, and completing entrance assessments or student interviews. Many schools have priority deadlines in January or February. It is highly advisable for parents to start researching and visiting schools in the September-October prior to the desired enrollment year. Waiting lists are common, so early application is crucial, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th.
For families considering the choice, how do the outcomes and environments of private schools in San Bernardino generally compare to the public school options in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD)?
The comparison often centers on class size, specialized programs, and campus environment. Private schools in San Bernardino typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-35+ in public schools), which allows for more individualized attention. Academically, private schools like those mentioned often have higher standardized test scores and near-100% college acceptance rates, though they serve a self-selected population. SBCUSD offers a wider range of specialized magnet and charter programs (e.g., Pacific High's law and government focus) but can be impacted by larger systemic challenges. The private school environment often provides a more consistent disciplinary climate and a specific value system (e.g., religious or progressive), which is a major draw for families seeking an alternative to the larger, more diverse public system.