The Best Private Schools in Travis Afb, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Travis Afb. 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
Holy Spirit Elementary School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and is located approximately 15 minutes from Travis AFB. As part of the Diocese of Sacramento Catholic school system, the school provides faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and religious education, supplemented by technology integration and enrichment programs. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and offers extended care services to accommodate military family schedules.
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St. Catherine of Siena School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Catherine of Siena School offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a classical Catholic approach, located about 25 minutes from Travis AFB. The school emphasizes traditional academic excellence combined with modern technology integration. Features include a comprehensive Spanish language program, competitive sports teams, and strong parent community involvement. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, and outdoor recreational facilities. The school has a reputation for academic rigor and character development, making it a popular choice for military families seeking quality private education.
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Vacaville Christian Schools
Vacaville Christian Schools
Vacaville Christian Schools is a comprehensive PreK-12 Christian school located just 10 minutes from Travis AFB. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, competitive athletics programs, and robust fine arts education. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college admissions to top universities. Military families appreciate the supportive community and comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Travis Afb, California
Are there any private schools located directly on Travis AFB, and what are the primary off-base options for military families?
There are no private schools physically located on Travis Air Force Base itself. Military and civilian families living on or near the base primarily look to the surrounding communities, especially Vacaville and Fairfield. The top-rated options include Vacaville Christian Schools (Preschool-12), Holy Spirit Elementary School (K-8) in Fairfield, and St. Catherine of Siena School (K-8) in Vallejo. These schools are all within a 15-20 minute commute from the base gate, making them convenient choices for base personnel.
How does California's state financial aid programs, like the California Credit Union School Choice Scholarship, affect private school tuition for families at Travis AFB?
California offers unique financial aid options that Travis AFB families can utilize. The most notable is the California Credit Union School Choice Scholarship, which provides need-based awards to K-12 students attending private schools. Additionally, many local private schools participate in variable tuition programs or offer their own need-based scholarships. It's important to note that military-specific scholarships (like those from the Children's Education Foundation for military children) can often be stacked with state programs. Families should directly contact schools like Vacaville Christian to discuss a combined financial strategy.
What specialized academic or support programs do private schools near Travis AFB offer for frequently transitioning military children?
Recognizing their proximity to a major Air Mobility Command base, several private schools have developed specific supports for military families. Vacaville Christian Schools, for example, has a dedicated counseling team experienced in helping students adjust to mid-year transfers and parental deployments. St. Catherine of Siena and Holy Spirit Elementary also emphasize community-building and flexible academic assessment to smooth transitions. While not all are "DoDEA" schools, their experience with the military community is a significant local advantage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for private schools serving the Travis AFB community, and how does a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) mid-year affect it?
The primary enrollment period for most Solano County private schools (like VCS, Holy Spirit) runs from January to March for the following fall, with placement decisions made by April. However, schools near Travis AFB are highly accustomed to mid-year enrollments due to PCS moves. They generally maintain rolling admissions and will assess students for grade-level placement at any time. It is critical to contact the school's admissions office as soon as you have PCS orders to initiate the process and secure any necessary records from your child's previous school.
How do private schools in the Travis AFB area compare to the highly-rated public schools in districts like Travis Unified or Vacaville?
This is a key local consideration. The Travis Unified School District, which serves the base and surrounding area, is consistently high-performing. The choice often comes down to educational approach and environment. Private schools like Vacaville Christian offer a comprehensive faith-based education (Preschool-12) on a single campus, which provides stability. Public schools offer robust, tuition-free programs and may have more diverse extracurricular offerings due to larger size. For many Travis AFB families, the decision hinges on seeking a specific religious foundation, smaller class sizes, or a continuity of curriculum that can withstand frequent moves, which private schools in the area are structured to provide.
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