The Best Private Schools in Westminster, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westminster. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Bonaventure Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving Westminster and surrounding communities. Established in 1962, the school offers comprehensive education from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, rigorous academic program, and strong community atmosphere. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, STEM initiatives, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs.
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St. Hedwig Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. Hedwig Catholic School has been serving Westminster and Los Alamitos families since 1964 with exceptional private education. The school offers transitional kindergarten through 8th grade with a balanced curriculum that emphasizes academic rigor, spiritual development, and character formation. Notable features include a dedicated STEM lab, comprehensive Spanish language program, competitive sports teams, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for preparing students well for high school and beyond. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields.
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St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
St. John the Baptist Catholic School provides outstanding private education to Westminster and Costa Mesa communities since 1966. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school combines strong academic preparation with Catholic values and community engagement. The curriculum features advanced academic programs, comprehensive technology integration, robust arts education, and mandatory community service components. Parents frequently highlight the school's nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and excellent student-to-teacher ratios. The campus includes modern classrooms, science facilities, and dedicated spaces for arts and physical education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westminster, California
What are the primary private school options available in Westminster, CA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Westminster, CA, is primarily served by faith-based private schools, with a strong presence of Catholic institutions. The top schools include St. Bonaventure Catholic School (TK-8), St. Hedwig Catholic School (TK-8), and St. John the Baptist Catholic School (K-8). These schools integrate a rigorous academic curriculum with Catholic values and character education. While secular private options within Westminster city limits are limited, families often also consider nearby institutions in neighboring cities like Huntington Beach or Fountain Valley. The educational philosophy in Westminster's core private schools emphasizes a traditional, structured learning environment combined with spiritual development.
What is the average tuition for private elementary schools in Westminster, CA, and what financial aid options are available?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for the Catholic elementary schools in Westminster typically ranges from approximately $6,500 to $8,500 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. This is generally lower than the statewide average for California private schools, reflecting the parish-subsidized model. All schools offer financial aid, primarily through the parish itself and the Fulcrum Foundation, which provides tuition assistance for families in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Additionally, California's School Choice programs, like the California Tax Credit Scholarship Program, can provide further assistance for eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school's office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
How does the enrollment process and timeline for Westminster, CA private schools differ from public school registration?
Enrollment for private schools in Westminster, particularly the popular Catholic schools, is highly proactive and often begins a full year in advance. Most schools open applications for the following academic year in the fall (October-January), with priority typically given to siblings of current students and active parish members. This contrasts sharply with Westminster's public school registration, which is based on residency and occurs closer to the start of the school year. The private school process usually includes a submitted application, family interview, student assessment (for certain grades), and submission of past academic records. Waiting lists are common, so early inquiry is strongly recommended.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Westminster, CA private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Westminster's private schools often incorporate the city's diverse cultural fabric and proximity to major Southern California resources into their programs. Many emphasize bilingual education or robust Spanish language programs, reflecting the large Vietnamese and Hispanic communities in the area. Furthermore, schools like St. Bonaventure often have strong STEM initiatives and participate in regional academic competitions through the Orange County Diocese. Extracurriculars may include traditional sports, choir, and community service projects that partner with local organizations like the Westminster Rose Center or the city's annual Tet Festival, fostering a strong sense of local civic engagement alongside academic growth.
For a family moving to Westminster, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and religious instruction. Westminster School District (K-8) and Huntington Beach Union High School District offer public education with no tuition. Private schools in Westminster provide smaller class sizes (often 20:1 or lower), a consistent values-based education, and a structured environment. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a faith-based foundation and is willing to invest in tuition. Academically, both sectors can be strong, but private schools may offer a more standardized curriculum across grades. Additionally, for families not residing in a top-rated public school attendance zone within Westminster, private school can provide an alternative without needing to relocate. Visiting both a local public school and a private school like St. Hedwig is the best way to feel the difference in community and approach.
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