The Best Private Schools in Verdugo City, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Verdugo City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Sacred Heart Schools
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a prestigious Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school serving the Verdugo City region. Founded in 1931, the school offers a rigorous academic program on a beautiful 41-acre hillside campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and holistic education with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Students consistently achieve high college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
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Mayfield Senior School
Holy Child Schools
Mayfield Senior School is an exceptional independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls located in nearby Pasadena, serving families throughout the Verdugo region. Founded in 1931, the school combines rigorous academics with strong arts and STEM programs in a supportive, all-girls environment. The historic campus features modern academic facilities, science centers, art studios, and beautiful chapel. The school emphasizes leadership, spiritual growth, and academic achievement with small class sizes and personalized attention.
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St. Francis High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Francis High School is a highly-regarded Catholic, all-boys college preparatory school serving the greater Verdugo area. Established in 1947, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with advanced placement courses, extensive extracurricular activities, and competitive athletic programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college counseling services and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Verdugo City, California
What are the primary types of private schools available in Verdugo City, California, and what distinguishes them?
Verdugo City, located in the greater Los Angeles area, is notably home to several prestigious private institutions, primarily single-gender, college-preparatory schools. The top schools include Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (all-girls, Catholic, boarding/day), St. Francis High School (all-boys, Catholic), and Mayfield Senior School (all-girls, Catholic). These schools are distinguished by their rigorous academic curricula, strong emphasis on character and faith-based education, and exceptional arts and athletics programs. Unlike many areas, Verdugo City's private school landscape is heavily defined by this cluster of highly-regarded, mission-driven institutions rather than a wide variety of secular independent schools.
How does tuition for private schools in Verdugo City, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Verdugo City's premier private schools is generally at or above the California state average for private secondary education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $45,000, with boarding options at Flintridge Sacred Heart costing more. Recognizing the high cost of living in California, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as schools like St. Francis and Mayfield allocate significant funds to assist qualifying families. Additionally, some schools may offer merit scholarships.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private high schools in Verdugo City?
The enrollment process for Verdugo City's top private high schools is highly structured and competitive, beginning over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves attending open houses in the fall (September-October), submitting applications by early January (often including essays, recommendations, and transcripts), and completing student interviews and entrance exams (like the HSPT or ISEE) in January. Admissions decisions are typically released in mid-March. Given the limited seats and high demand, especially for incoming 9th graders, it is crucial for families to start researching and visiting schools in the spring of 7th grade or fall of 8th grade.
Beyond academics, what unique extracurricular or community-based programs are highlights of Verdugo City private schools?
Verdugo City private schools leverage their Southern California location and campus resources to offer exceptional programs. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, perched in the hills, offers a renowned robotics team and an extensive visual and performing arts program. St. Francis High School has a storied athletics tradition, particularly in football and basketball, competing in the tough Mission League. Mayfield Senior School emphasizes its "Holy Child" education with signature programs in social justice and community service, often involving partnerships with Los Angeles-area organizations. All schools benefit from proximity to Pasadena's cultural institutions and have strong outdoor education components, taking advantage of California's diverse geography.
For families considering both options, what are key factors when comparing private schools in Verdugo City to the public schools in the Glendale Unified School District?
The decision often centers on educational approach, resources, and class size. Verdugo City is served by the highly-rated Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), which offers strong academic programs, including magnets and language immersion. Key differentiators for private schools include significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+ in public), a specific religious or values-based education framework, and a guaranteed college-preparatory track with extensive counseling. Private schools also often have more flexibility in curriculum and fewer state-mandated testing requirements. However, GUSD public schools are tuition-free and may offer more diverse student populations and specific advanced programs like IB. The choice heavily depends on a family's priorities for community, values, and individualized attention.
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