The Best Private Schools in Barrigada, Gu
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barrigada. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint John's School
Independent
Saint John's School is Guam's premier private college preparatory institution, serving students from Barrigada and across the island. Established in 1966, this independent school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Saint John's emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The comprehensive extracurricular program includes competitive sports teams, performing arts, and community service initiatives, preparing students for top universities worldwide.
Programs:
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School
Catholic Schools of Guam
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school conveniently located near Barrigada in Sinajana. Founded in 1970, BBMS provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, and language arts, supported by modern technology integration across all grade levels. The campus features well-maintained facilities including a chapel, library, computer labs, and athletic fields. Known for its strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, BBMS emphasizes moral development and academic achievement with numerous graduates attending competitive colleges.
Programs:
Santa Barbara Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Guam
Santa Barbara Catholic School serves families from Barrigada and northern Guam communities with a strong reputation for academic excellence and character formation. Established in 1982, this Catholic private school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on foundational skills and moral development. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, a library, and playground facilities. Santa Barbara emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and experienced teachers who provide comprehensive instruction in core subjects complemented by music, art, and physical education programs. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its welcoming community and commitment to student success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barrigada, Gu
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Barrigada, GU, and what are their educational philosophies?
Barrigada is centrally located on Guam, providing convenient access to several of the island's top private schools. The most prominent options include Saint John's School (co-educational, college-preparatory with a strong emphasis on academics and extracurriculars), Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School (Catholic, serving middle school students with a focus on faith and community), and Santa Barbara Catholic School (Catholic, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade with a values-based education). While not all are physically within Barrigada's village limits, their proximity makes them primary choices for local families seeking private education with distinct religious or rigorous academic frameworks.
How does tuition for private schools in the Barrigada, GU area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Guam residents?
Tuition varies significantly among Barrigada's accessible private schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Santa Barbara Catholic School typically has the most accessible tuition for elementary grades, while Saint John's School, as a premier K-12 institution, commands a higher tuition reflective of its extensive facilities and programs. A key financial consideration specific to Guam is the availability of the "Håtsa" Educational Savings Account program for eligible families, which can be applied to private school tuition. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current fee schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Barrigada students offer that leverage Guam's cultural and geographic context?
Private schools near Barrigada often integrate Guam's unique Chamorro culture and Pacific Island environment into their curricula. Saint John's School, for example, may offer advanced placement courses alongside Chamorro language studies and history. Many schools emphasize environmental science and marine biology projects that utilize Guam's coral reefs and tropical ecosystems as living laboratories. Extracurriculars frequently include traditional dance groups (e.g., *baile*), outrigger canoe paddling, and competitive sports leagues within the Guam Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association (GIIAA). This blend of rigorous college-prep and cultural preservation is a hallmark of the area's private education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Barrigada, GU area, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools on Guam, including those serving Barrigada, often begins nearly a year in advance. Primary application periods typically open in September or October for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and completing a family interview or student assessment. Given limited seats, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, schools like Saint John's and Bishop Baumgartner often have waitlists. It is highly advisable for Barrigada parents to initiate inquiries by early fall and attend open houses, which are commonly held between October and January.
For a family in Barrigada, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Barrigada is home to a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school for eligible military-connected families, which is a public school option with a distinct profile. For non-military families, the local Guam Department of Education (GDOE) school is Luis P. Untalan Middle School (for older students). Key considerations include: private schools often have smaller class sizes, more robust facility resources, and specialized curricula not always available in GDOE schools, which may face systemic challenges. However, private school requires a significant financial investment and possibly a commute. Many Barrigada families value the structured environment, college counseling, and specific religious or academic focus of private institutions as a primary reason for choosing them over the public system.