The Best Private Schools in Yuba City, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Yuba City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Feather River Academy
Independent
Feather River Academy is a highly-regarded private school offering a comprehensive college preparatory education for grades K-12. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, allowing for personalized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive arts education. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's rigorous academic standards and supportive learning environment.
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St. Francis High School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
While located in Sacramento, St. Francis High School is a regional Catholic college preparatory school that serves families throughout the greater Sacramento Valley, including Yuba City. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced placement courses. With state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes, St. Francis provides exceptional educational opportunities. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence with 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients annually. Many Yuba City families choose St. Francis for its rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular programs.
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St. Isidore Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
St. Isidore Catholic School has been serving the Yuba City community for over six decades, providing education from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic preparation with Catholic faith formation, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and Spanish language instruction. Their STEAM program integrates technology and hands-on learning. The campus includes modern classrooms, a chapel, library, and playground facilities. The school is noted for its strong community values and excellent teacher retention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Yuba City, California
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Yuba City, California?
Yuba City offers a select number of established private schools covering different grade levels. For a Catholic education, St. Isidore Catholic School serves students in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, St. Francis High School is a private, Catholic, co-educational option for grades 9-12. Feather River Academy provides an alternative, non-religious private school environment. It's important to note that Yuba City does not have a large number of private institutions, so some families also consider schools in nearby Marysville or the Sacramento metropolitan area for a broader range of options.
How does tuition at Yuba City private schools compare to the California state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Yuba City's private schools is generally below the high averages seen in major California coastal cities but is a significant household expense. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Isidore Catholic School's tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000 annually, while St. Francis High School is around $9,000-$10,000. These rates are often lower than the state's private school average due to Yuba City's lower cost of living. All major local private schools offer financial aid, typically through need-based applications, and many participate in California's tax-credit scholarship programs like the California Credit Union Foundation's "A Scholarship for Kids." Parish subsidies for active church members can also reduce costs at Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Yuba City private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Yuba City private schools often integrate the region's agricultural and cultural heritage into their programs. St. Francis High School, for instance, has a strong focus on agricultural science and Future Farmers of America (FFA), directly connecting students to the surrounding farming community. St. Isidore Catholic School emphasizes community service projects within Sutter County. Furthermore, given Yuba City's significant Punjabi-American community, schools often celebrate cultural diversity through events like the annual Sikh Parade (Nagarkirtan), and some incorporate multicultural studies into their curriculum. Smaller class sizes across these schools also allow for more individualized attention than some larger public school districts in the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Yuba City, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Yuba City private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. St. Isidore and St. Francis High School prioritize parish members and siblings of current students, so applying early within those priority periods is crucial. Most require an application, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. While not all schools have perpetual waitlists like those in dense urban areas, popular grades (especially kindergarten and 9th grade) at St. Isidore and St. Francis can fill quickly. Feather River Academy, with its alternative focus, may have a more rolling admissions process. It's highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office directly by early winter to get specific dates and requirements.
For a family considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Yuba City private schools and the Yuba City Unified School District (YCUSD)?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, religious education, and cost. YCUSD public schools are tuition-free and offer a wide range of programs, including magnet options and extensive extracurriculars, but often have larger class sizes. Yuba City's private schools offer smaller, more intimate learning environments (often 15-20 students per class) and can tailor instruction more readily. The private options provide a specific value-based education—particularly Catholic doctrine at St. Isidore and St. Francis. Academically, private schools in the area often report higher standardized test scores, but YCUSD provides more comprehensive special education services. The decision often comes down to a family's priority for religious education, smaller classes, and willingness to pay tuition versus utilizing the diverse, no-cost programs and specialized services within the public system.
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