The Best Private Schools in Suisun City, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Suisun City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Diocese of Sacramento Catholic Schools
Holy Spirit Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Suisun City and the greater Fairfield area. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology, STEM education, and fine arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community environment. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and community service opportunities, fostering well-rounded development in a safe, nurturing Catholic environment.
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St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School
Diocese of Sacramento Catholic Schools
St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School is a premier college-preparatory institution serving Suisun City students and families throughout Solano County. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and outstanding visual and performing arts programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate, SPSV prepares students for higher education through personalized counseling and academic support. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school's strong community values and commitment to service learning create a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
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Buckingham Charter Magnet High School
Vacaville Unified School District (Charter)
Buckingham Charter Magnet High School serves students from Suisun City and surrounding communities with a unique educational model that combines rigorous college preparation with flexible learning options. As a public charter school with private school-level academic standards, Buckingham offers personalized learning plans, small class sizes, and extensive college and career guidance. The school features strong STEM programs, career technical education pathways, and dual enrollment opportunities with local community colleges. With a focus on individual student success, Buckingham provides a supportive academic environment where students can excel through traditional coursework, independent study, and project-based learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Suisun City, California
What are the main types of private school options available within or directly serving Suisun City, California families?
Suisun City itself has a limited number of private schools, with Holy Spirit Elementary School being a key local Catholic K-8 option. Many families in Suisun City also look to neighboring areas like Vallejo and Fairfield. St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School in Vallejo is a common continuation for Holy Spirit graduates, offering a college-prep curriculum. Additionally, Buckingham Charter Magnet High School in Vacaville, while a public charter, is a popular tuition-free choice with a rigorous, lottery-based enrollment that attracts families seeking a private-school-like environment. Exploring schools in the broader Solano County region is often necessary for a full range of private options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Suisun City, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Suisun City area is generally below the high averages seen in major Bay Area metros but aligns with or slightly exceeds state averages for similar school types. For the 2023-2024 year, Holy Spirit Elementary's tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000 annually, while St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School is around $18,000. Most local Catholic schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid through programs like the Fulcrum Foundation. California does not have a statewide voucher program, but the California Credit Union and other local institutions often provide education loans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Suisun City residents?
Schools serving Suisun City offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School features a strong engineering pathway, extensive visual and performing arts, and competitive sports leagues within the North Coast Section. Holy Spirit Elementary integrates faith-based education with technology and community service. While not a private school, the nearby Buckingham Charter Magnet High School is notable for its emphasis on environmental science and its unique "Magnet" thematic approach, which appeals to families seeking specialized, focused curricula. Many programs leverage the local environment, with some incorporating studies of the Suisun Marsh and San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools in the Suisun City area?
Timelines are critical and vary. For elementary schools like Holy Spirit, the application process often begins in January for the following fall, with placement decisions made by March. Catholic schools typically require baptismal records, previous school transcripts, and a family interview. St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School has an entrance exam (HSPT) usually held in December or January, with applications due shortly after. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School operates on a public lottery system with a mandated application window in early winter. Given the limited seats, especially for in-parish families at Catholic schools, initiating inquiries a full year in advance is highly recommended for Suisun City residents.
For families considering both, what are the primary differences between Suisun City's public school district and the available private school options?
The Suisun City (Fairfield-Suisun Unified) public schools offer a standardized, tuition-free education with diverse programs. The main differences with private options involve class size, religious education, and specialized focus. Private schools like Holy Spirit offer smaller class sizes, a structured environment with Catholic values, and a consistent K-8 community. St. Patrick-St. Vincent provides a college-preparatory environment with a defined religious identity. A key local distinction is Buckingham Charter, which, as a public charter, offers a unique thematic curriculum and more autonomy like a private school but without tuition. The choice often hinges on a family's desire for religious education, specific pedagogical approaches, and willingness to pay tuition for perceived advantages in community and individual attention.
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