The Best Private Schools in West Sacramento, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in West Sacramento. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jesuit High School
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Jesuit High School is a premier private Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Sacramento area, including West Sacramento families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 26 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. The 33-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Jesuit emphasizes the development of the whole person through its extensive extracurricular programs, community service requirements, and spiritual formation. The school consistently achieves exceptional college placement results and is known for its strong athletic traditions and academic excellence.
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St. Francis Catholic High School
Diocese of Sacramento
St. Francis Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Sacramento region, including West Sacramento. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive athletic programs, and robust arts curriculum. The 13-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, St. Francis maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for its outstanding academic achievements and community involvement.
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Christian Brothers High School
Christian Brothers
Christian Brothers High School is one of Sacramento's oldest and most respected private college preparatory schools, serving students from West Sacramento and throughout the region. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing diverse academic pathways for students. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Christian Brothers emphasizes Lasallian educational traditions while providing innovative programs in STEM, arts, and athletics. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and is recognized for its inclusive community and commitment to developing ethical leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in West Sacramento, California
What are the primary private high school options for families residing in West Sacramento, California, and are there any located directly within the city?
While West Sacramento itself has a limited number of private high schools, families commonly look to neighboring Sacramento for top-tier options. The most prominent are St. Francis Catholic High School (all-girls), Jesuit High School (all-boys), and Christian Brothers High School (co-ed), all located just across the Sacramento River in the Sacramento city limits. These schools actively draw a significant portion of their student body from West Sacramento. There are also various private elementary and middle schools within West Sacramento proper, such as Holy Cross School (PreK-8), but for high school, commuting to Sacramento is the standard expectation for private education.
How does tuition at Sacramento-area private high schools like Jesuit or St. Francis compare to the California average, and what financial aid options are available for West Sacramento families?
Tuition at these premier Sacramento-area private high schools typically ranges from $18,000 to $22,000 annually, which is at or slightly above the California private high school average. A critical factor for West Sacramento parents is that these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. For example, many participate in the Diocese of Sacramento's aid programs and have their own endowment funds. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as a significant percentage of families receive some level of assistance. California also has tax-advantaged savings options like the ScholarShare 529 plan that can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools like Christian Brothers or Jesuit offer that leverage the Sacramento region's environment?
Schools in the Sacramento area often design programs that capitalize on the region's role as California's capital and its proximity to the American River and tech hubs. For instance, Jesuit High School offers a renowned Engineering and Design Institute and robust government/political science programs that include internships at the State Capitol, a major benefit for West Sacramento students. Christian Brothers High School features a strong Visual and Performing Arts program and a "Falcon Fellowship" for community leadership. St. Francis emphasizes STEM and has partnerships with local universities like UC Davis. Many also have unique aquatic sports teams (crew, water polo) utilizing the local rivers.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for West Sacramento students applying to competitive private high schools in Sacramento?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For a fall 9th-grade entry, families should start researching schools in the spring of their child's 7th-grade year. The key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), registering for and taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in December or January, submitting applications by early January, and completing interviews/student visits shortly after. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March. It is strongly advised for West Sacramento families to apply to multiple schools and to ensure transportation plans are considered, as the commute across the I Street or Tower Bridge is a daily factor.
For a family living in West Sacramento, what are the major practical and philosophical considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Washington Unified) and a private school in Sacramento?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Philosophically, private schools offer a specific religious or values-based education (Catholic, in the case of the top local options) and often smaller class sizes. Practically, Washington Unified School District offers the convenience of neighborhood schools and specialized programs like the River City High School International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Choosing a private school adds a daily commute to Sacramento, tuition costs, and potentially a more homogeneous social environment. However, many West Sacramento families choose private schools for perceived college preparatory rigor, extensive extracurricular networks, and to join a longstanding community that extends throughout the greater Sacramento region, which can be a significant advantage for local networking and opportunities.
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