The Best Private Schools in Whittier, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Whittier. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oxford Academy
Anaheim Union High School District
Oxford Academy is a nationally-ranked public magnet school that serves students from multiple cities including Whittier through inter-district transfers. As one of California's top-performing schools, it offers an accelerated curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities and specialized programs in STEM research and humanities. The campus features advanced laboratories, technology resources, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With exceptional academic outcomes and competitive admissions, Oxford provides a challenging environment for high-achieving students seeking rigorous college preparation.
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Whittier Christian School
Whittier Area Community Church
Whittier Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Whittier area with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive arts and athletic offerings. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, preparing students for college and beyond.
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St. Paul High School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
St. Paul High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Whittier and surrounding communities. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college prep curriculum, featuring specialized academies in STEM, arts, and leadership. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Known for its strong community values and academic rigor, St. Paul prepares students for success in higher education with a focus on critical thinking and moral development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Whittier, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Whittier, California, and how do they differ?
Whittier offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as faith-based and secular college-preparatory institutions. Notable examples include Whittier Christian School (K-12, interdenominational Christian), St. Paul High School (9-12, Catholic, all-girls), and Oxford Academy (7-12, public magnet school often considered in private school comparisons due to its highly selective admissions). The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, and student demographics. Faith-based schools often incorporate religious studies and character education within a traditional academic framework, while schools like Oxford Academy focus intensely on STEM and advanced placement pathways. Parents in Whittier should consider which environment best aligns with their family's values and their child's learning style.
How does tuition for private schools in Whittier, CA, compare to the broader Los Angeles County, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Whittier private schools is generally more moderate than in many parts of Los Angeles County, though costs vary significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $18,000 for K-12 day schools. This is often lower than comparable institutions in coastal or central LA areas. Most Whittier private schools, including Whittier Christian and St. Paul High, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, along with merit scholarships and parish subsidies for Catholic families. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 savings plans can be used for K-12 private tuition, and some schools offer monthly payment plans to ease the financial burden for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Whittier that leverage the local community?
Whittier private schools often integrate the city's rich history and cultural assets into their programs. For instance, St. Paul High School offers extensive community service partnerships with local organizations like the Whittier First Day Homeless Coalition and the Interfaith Food Center, embedding service-learning into its curriculum. Whittier Christian School leverages its proximity to the Whittier College and Biola University for dual-enrollment opportunities and academic collaborations. Furthermore, several schools have strong visual and performing arts programs that connect with the Whittier Art Gallery and the Whittier Community Theatre. The local focus provides students with tangible, real-world learning experiences rooted in their immediate community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like St. Paul High or Whittier Christian School in Whittier?
The enrollment process for Whittier's private high schools is competitive and typically begins a full year in advance. Most schools open applications in September or October for the following fall. The process usually includes: 1) Submitting an application with transcripts and teacher recommendations by a January deadline, 2) Taking a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT) hosted by the school in January or February, 3) A family and/or student interview. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in March. For schools like Oxford Academy (a public magnet), the application deadline is even earlier, usually in November, with a lottery-based system for qualified applicants. It's crucial for Whittier parents to attend fall open houses and shadow days to make informed decisions.
For families considering both options, how do the academic environments of top Whittier private schools compare to the Whittier City School District public schools?
The choice often centers on class size, specialized programs, and educational approach. Whittier private schools like those mentioned typically have smaller class sizes (15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public schools) and can offer more individualized attention. They also have the flexibility for specialized religious or moral instruction. Academically, schools like Oxford Academy (a public magnet) rival or exceed private schools in test scores and college admissions, but admission is highly selective. The Whittier City School District public schools offer strong, tuition-free education with diverse programs, but may have fewer resources for advanced learners or specialized support without an IEP. Private schools in Whittier often provide a more structured environment with consistent expectations across the student body, which is a key factor for many local parents.
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