The Best Private Schools in Upland, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Upland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Damien High School
Damien High School
Damien High School is an acclaimed all-male Catholic college preparatory school serving Upland and the greater Inland Valley region. As a Sponsored Ministry of the Brothers of Holy Cross, the school maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation. The comprehensive curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, a robust STEM program, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 22-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is particularly noted for its strong athletic programs and high college acceptance rates to prestigious universities.
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Western Christian Schools
Western Christian Schools
Western Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Upland area and surrounding communities. With a comprehensive K-12 program, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The college preparatory curriculum boasts strong college acceptance rates, while extensive extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, visual and performing arts programs, and community service opportunities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
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St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School
St. Lucy's Priory High School is a distinguished all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving Upland and the San Gabriel Valley region. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and spiritual growth within the Benedictine tradition. The rigorous curriculum includes extensive AP course offerings, STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic amenities. The school is particularly recognized for its strong sense of sisterhood, excellent college counseling, and development of confident young women leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Upland, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Upland, California, and how do they differ?
Upland, California, offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The most prominent types include faith-based institutions like Western Christian Schools (K-12, interdenominational Christian), St. Lucy's Priory High School (all-girls, Catholic Benedictine), and Damien High School (all-boys, Catholic). These schools integrate religious education with college-prep academics. Upland also has independent secular or non-denominational private options, though they are fewer in number. The key differences lie in religious affiliation, single-gender vs. coeducational environments, and specific curricular focuses, such as Damien's strong STEM programs or St. Lucy's emphasis on leadership and the arts.
How does tuition for private schools in Upland, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Upland is generally competitive with or slightly below the average for the broader Los Angeles and Inland Empire regions, but can vary significantly. For the 2024-25 school year, annual tuition at schools like Damien or St. Lucy's for high school often ranges from $12,000 to $18,000. Western Christian, serving K-12, may have lower elementary rates that increase in upper grades. Most Upland private schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in California's tax-credit scholarship programs like the California Credit Union Foundation's "Award for Excellence" or the Catholic Education Foundation grants for affiliated schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private high schools in Upland that leverage the local Southern California context?
Upland's private high schools capitalize on their Southern California location through specialized programs and partnerships. Damien High School features a renowned Engineering and Applied Science Academy with ties to local universities and industries. St. Lucy's Priory offers unique visual and performing arts programs that utilize proximity to Claremont's arts community and Los Angeles museums. Many schools, including Western Christian, have strong athletics programs that compete in the CIF Southern Section, taking advantage of the year-round climate for sports like soccer, baseball, and track. Additionally, several schools incorporate environmental science and sustainability studies that leverage field trips to local ecosystems like the San Gabriel Mountains and the California Botanic Garden.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Damien or St. Lucy's in Upland?
The enrollment process for top private schools in Upland is structured and often begins over a year in advance. For fall admission, the timeline typically starts with open houses in September-October. Application deadlines are usually in early January (e.g., January 10-15). Required steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and for schools like Damien and St. Lucy's, taking a standardized entrance exam (often the HSPT) on a specified Saturday in January. Interviews and/or shadow days for students usually follow in February. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in mid-March, with enrollment contracts due by early April. It's highly advised to attend fall open houses and connect with the admissions office early, especially for sought-after grades like 9th grade.
For families considering both options, how do the academic environments and resources of Upland's private schools compare to the highly-rated Upland Unified School District public schools?
The choice between Upland's private schools and the well-regarded Upland Unified public schools (like Upland High School) often comes down to specific family priorities. Public schools offer a diverse, comprehensive education with extensive AP course offerings, large-scale athletics, and performing arts at no direct tuition cost. Upland's private schools typically provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+), more personalized attention, a values-based education framework, and a consistent college-preparatory culture across all grades. Private schools may have more flexibility in curriculum but potentially fewer elective choices than a large public high school. For some families, the single-gender environment or specific religious instruction is a decisive factor. It's recommended to tour both types of schools to assess the campus culture, talk to current parents, and evaluate which environment best aligns with your child's learning style and your family's educational goals.
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