The Best Private Schools in Winters, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Winters. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peregrine School
Independent
Peregrine School is a highly-regarded progressive private school located in nearby Davis, serving families throughout Yolo County including Winters. The school offers a unique project-based curriculum that integrates arts, sciences, and Spanish language immersion from preschool through elementary grades. With small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning, Peregrine emphasizes critical thinking and creativity. The school features modern facilities including dedicated art studios, science labs, and outdoor learning environments. Parents consistently praise the school's innovative approach and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention to students.
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St. James School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. James School is a well-established Catholic private school in Davis that serves students from Winters and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive education combining strong academics with faith formation for students in preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, and robust music and arts education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, gymnasium, and sports fields. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of preparing students for competitive high schools. Parents appreciate the tight-knit community and the balance of academic rigor with character development.
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Holy Rosary School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
Holy Rosary School in Woodland serves families throughout Yolo County, including Winters residents seeking private Catholic education. The school offers preschool through 8th grade education with a strong academic foundation enhanced by technology integration and faith-based values. The curriculum includes comprehensive core subjects, Spanish language instruction, music, art, and physical education. The campus features updated classrooms, computer labs, a library, and playground facilities. The school provides extended care options to accommodate working parents and maintains an active parent community. Reviews highlight the school's caring environment, dedicated teachers, and strong preparation for high school academics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Winters, California
What are the primary private school options available within the city limits of Winters, California, and what are their educational philosophies?
Within Winters, CA, parents have three main private school options. **Peregrine School** is a progressive, independent school emphasizing project-based learning, environmental science, and arts integration, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. **St. James School** is a private Catholic school offering a faith-based education for grades TK-8, focusing on academic excellence within a values-oriented community. **Holy Rosary School**, also Catholic, provides a traditional parochial education for grades K-8, with a strong emphasis on spiritual development and service. Notably, for high school, families typically look at private options in nearby Davis, Woodland, or Sacramento, as there are no private high schools located directly in Winters.
How does tuition for private schools in Winters, CA, compare to the broader Bay Area and Sacramento region, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Winters is generally more affordable than in the major metropolitan areas of the Bay Area or Sacramento, reflecting the town's smaller size and lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for K-8 programs typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic schools (St. James and Holy Rosary) often have parish subsidy programs for active members. Additionally, California's **California Credit Union School Scholarship Fund** and similar localized scholarships can be applicable. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages, deadlines, and any income-based sliding scale tuition options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Winters private schools offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in Winters uniquely integrate the town's agricultural heritage and natural surroundings. **Peregrine School** is particularly notable for its on-site garden and farm program, where students engage in hands-on sustainability projects and environmental science tied to the local ecology of the Putah Creek watershed. **St. James and Holy Rosary Schools** often incorporate community service projects that connect with local organizations and farms, emphasizing the values of stewardship and community. Furthermore, proximity to UC Davis allows for occasional educational partnerships and field trips that enrich STEM curricula, an advantage specific to this Yolo County location.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Winters, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Winters' private schools generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) **Fall Open Houses** (October-January), 2) **Application Submission** (deadlines often between January-February), 3) **Student Assessments/Class Visits** (for applicable grades), and 4) **Admission Decisions** (notified by March). Due to the small size of these schools, especially in sought-after grades, waitlists are common. Sibling and parish member (for Catholic schools) applicants typically receive priority. It is highly recommended to initiate contact with schools by October to ensure you meet all deadlines and understand specific requirements.
For families considering the Winters Public School District, what are the key factors that might lead them to choose a private school in Winters instead?
The decision often centers on class size, educational approach, and specific program offerings. The **Winters Joint Unified School District** has well-regarded public schools, but private options offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), allowing for more individualized attention. Families may choose **Peregrine** for its progressive, inquiry-based model not available in the public system, or **St. James/Holy Rosary** for a structured, faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum. Additionally, some parents seek the continuity of a TK-8 program in one intimate setting, as opposed to transitioning between separate public elementary and middle school campuses in Winters.
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