The Best Private Schools in San Lorenzo, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Lorenzo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moreau Catholic High School
Diocese of Oakland
Moreau Catholic High School is a highly-regarded coeducational Catholic college preparatory school serving the San Lorenzo area and greater East Bay. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and competitive athletics programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school emphasizes personalized education and character development. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Over 99% of graduates attend four-year colleges and universities.
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Bishop O'Dowd High School
Diocese of Oakland
Bishop O'Dowd High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school known for academic excellence and strong community values. The school features a 14-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, and the 5-acre Living Lab for environmental studies. With a diverse student body and comprehensive academic programs, O'Dowd offers 19 AP courses and maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. The school emphasizes service learning and character development while preparing students for top universities nationwide.
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Redwood Christian Schools
Redwood Christian Schools System
Redwood Christian Schools is an accredited, interdenominational Christian school system serving students from San Lorenzo and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 program with strong academic foundations rooted in Christian values. The college preparatory high school program includes honors and AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a supportive learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Lorenzo, California
What are the main private school options available for families in San Lorenzo, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
San Lorenzo itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate boundaries, but it is part of a rich East Bay educational landscape. The most prominent local options include Moreau Catholic High School (9-12) in nearby Hayward, Bishop O'Dowd High School (9-12) in Oakland, and Redwood Christian Schools, which has a campus in San Lorenzo serving grades K-8, with its high school in Castro Valley. This means San Lorenzo families often look to neighboring communities like Hayward, San Leandro, and Oakland for a wider array of private elementary, middle, and high school choices, benefiting from the dense concentration of institutions in the region.
How does the tuition for private high schools near San Lorenzo, CA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top-tier private high schools accessible to San Lorenzo families is significant, reflecting California's high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at schools like Moreau Catholic and Bishop O'Dowd High School ranges from approximately $22,000 to $28,000 annually. Importantly, these schools, along with many others in the Diocese of Oakland and independent Christian networks, offer substantial financial aid and scholarship programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as need-based grants, parish subsidies, and merit scholarships can reduce the net cost. California also has programs like the California Credit Union School Loan for education financing.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the San Lorenzo area that leverage the local Bay Area context?
Private schools near San Lorenzo excel in integrating the Bay Area's technological, environmental, and cultural resources into their programs. Bishop O'Dowd High School features a renowned Environmental Science program with a living laboratory on its "Living Roof" and at its Center for Environmental Studies. Moreau Catholic High School offers robust STEM pathways and engineering courses that connect with local tech industries. Redwood Christian Schools emphasize a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian worldview teaching. Many schools also have strong visual and performing arts programs that utilize nearby venues and professionals from Oakland and San Francisco's vibrant arts scenes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving San Lorenzo, CA, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for the most sought-after private high schools in the East Bay follows a strict timeline. The application cycle typically opens in August or September, with deadlines for submissions, including recommendations and transcripts, due in early January (e.g., January 10th). Entrance exams (like the HSPT) are usually held on campus in January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in mid-March. Admission is competitive, particularly at schools like Bishop O'Dowd and Moreau Catholic, which draw from a large geographic area. Strong academic records, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview are critical components. Siblings of current students and active parishioners at affiliated Catholic churches often receive priority consideration.
For a family in San Lorenzo considering the choice between the local public schools and private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiators for San Lorenzo families often center on academic focus, class size, and specific mission. The San Lorenzo Unified School District offers a diverse public education, but private options provide smaller class sizes (often 20:1 or lower), a more structured college-preparatory curriculum from the start, and distinct value-based environments (e.g., Catholic, Christian). Private schools also typically offer more extensive extracurricular and advanced placement (AP) or honors course options at the high school level. The decision may hinge on a family's desire for a religious education, the need for a specific learning environment, or seeking a perceived competitive edge for university admissions. Transportation is also a consideration, as private schools do not provide district busing, requiring carpool or private arrangements.
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