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.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Middle Schools in San Bernardino for Your Child's Future
If you're a parent in San Bernardino typing "private middle schools near me" into a search engine, you're likely seeking more than just a list of names. You're looking for a specific educational environment for your child during these pivotal years, right here in our community. The transition to middle school is significant, and in San Bernardino County, families have several excellent private options that offer distinct approaches to learning, character development, and preparation for high school. The search for the right fit involves understanding not just the schools' curricula, but also their philosophies and how they integrate with the fabric of our local area.
One of the primary considerations for San Bernardino parents is the value of a smaller, focused community during the middle school years. Local institutions like The Grove School, with its project-based learning model, offer an environment where students are known individually. This can be a powerful antidote to the anonymity some children feel in larger settings, allowing them to build confidence and find their voice. Similarly, Loma Linda Academy provides a structured, faith-based environment that emphasizes service and academic rigor, resonating with many families in the region who value those principles. When evaluating these options, consider how each school's daily rhythm and community ethos align with your family's values and your child's social-emotional needs.
The practicalities of location and routine are also crucial in our spread-out county. A key advantage of finding private middle schools near you in San Bernardino is reducing commute time, which translates to more family time and opportunities for extracurricular activities. Riverside Christian School, while in a neighboring city, is a commute many local families make for its strong college-preparatory focus and athletic programs. When visiting schools, ask about carpools or transportation options that other San Bernardino families use. Also, inquire about after-school programs that can accommodate a later pickup, which is a practical concern for working parents navigating traffic on the 10, 215, or 210 freeways.
Ultimately, the best way to move beyond the generic search for "private middle schools near me" is to experience these schools firsthand. Schedule tours during a regular school day to feel the atmosphere. Observe how students interact in the hallways and how teachers engage with them in the classroom. Speak to administrators about how they handle the specific challenges of early adolescence. Ask current parents from San Bernardino about their experiences with the transition from middle to high school within that institution. Your investment in this research is an investment in your child's formative years, providing them with a supportive academic community right here in our area. The right middle school can set a trajectory of curiosity, resilience, and purpose that lasts well into the future.