The Best Private Schools in Agana Heights, Gu
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Agana Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's School
St. John's School
St. John's School is Guam's premier private college preparatory school offering a comprehensive International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curriculum. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, St. John's maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. The school's diverse international faculty and student body create a globally-minded educational environment.
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Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, computer facilities, and athletic programs. Academics are enhanced by a biblical worldview integration across all subjects, with particular strengths in STEM education and fine arts. The academy maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and mission opportunities. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development.
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Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School
Catholic Schools of Guam
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School serves students in grades 6-8 as part of the Catholic Schools of Guam system, providing a rigorous middle school education that prepares students for high school success. The school emphasizes academic achievement within a faith-based environment, featuring modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. BBMS offers honors courses, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive language arts programs alongside strong extracurricular offerings in sports, music, and community service. The school is known for its dedicated faculty and strong sense of community, consistently producing well-prepared graduates for Guam's top high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Agana Heights, Gu
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Agana Heights, Guam, and what are their educational philosophies?
The primary private school options serving Agana Heights and the greater Hagåtña area are St. John's School, Harvest Christian Academy, and Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School (BBMS). St. John's is a prestigious, non-sectarian college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. Harvest Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered education with a strong emphasis on biblical integration across its curriculum. Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School is a Catholic institution operated by the Archdiocese of Agana, providing faith-based education within the Catholic tradition. While located in nearby Sinajana, BBMS is a key option for many Agana Heights families. The choice often hinges on a family's preference for secular college prep, evangelical Christian, or Catholic educational environments.
How does tuition for private schools in Agana Heights, Guam, compare to mainland U.S. schools, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Tuition for private schools on Guam, including those serving Agana Heights, is generally lower than comparable schools in major metropolitan areas of the mainland U.S., but it remains a significant investment for local families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually depending on the school and grade level. Financial assistance is primarily offered through individual school-based scholarship funds and need-based aid programs. Notably, the "Ayuda I Famagu'on" (Help for Children) program, administered by the Archdiocese of Agana, provides tuition assistance for families enrolling in Catholic schools like Bishop Baumgartner. Parents should inquire directly with each school's admissions office about application deadlines and eligibility for their specific financial aid and payment plan options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Agana Heights area offer that leverage Guam's cultural and geographic context?
Private schools in the Agana Heights area integrate Guam's unique Chamorro culture and Pacific Island location into their programs. St. John's School features a robust Chamorro Studies program and a renowned Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, utilizing Guam's coastal environment for hands-on marine science. Harvest Christian Academy emphasizes community service projects that engage with local villages and organizations. Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School incorporates Catholic social teachings with a focus on serving the local community and celebrates Mes Chamorro (Chamorro Month) with cultural activities. All schools typically offer mandatory or elective Chamorro language courses, which is a distinctive feature compared to most mainland U.S. private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Agana Heights, Guam, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Guam's private schools is cyclical, with primary application periods opening in January and closing by March for the following academic year. St. John's School has a highly competitive admissions process involving entrance exams, academic records review, student interviews, and often a waiting list. Harvest Christian Academy and Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School also have selective processes based on testing, prior report cards, and sometimes pastoral or character references. A key local consideration is sibling priority, where current students' siblings are often given first preference. Given limited seats, especially in the early grades, parents in Agana Heights are advised to begin inquiries and campus tours a full year in advance to understand each school's specific requirements and deadlines.
For families in Agana Heights, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) public schools with private school options?
The key consideration for Agana Heights families is eligibility. DoDEA schools on Guam (like Adacao Elementary or McCool Middle/High School) are federally funded and offer a high-quality, tuition-free education, but they are exclusively for children of active-duty military, Department of Defense civilians, and eligible contractors. Most Agana Heights residents are not eligible for DoDEA schools and therefore compare Guam Department of Education (GDOE) public schools with private options. The primary advantages of private schools in this context are often smaller class sizes, more resources, specialized programs (like advanced STEM or arts), and perceived greater stability compared to the publicly reported challenges within the GDOE system. The decision ultimately balances the significant financial commitment of private tuition against the desired educational environment and specific program offerings.