People move to Orange County for many reasons. The coastal views are unmatched, its cities offer abundant opportunities, and parents can find ideal places to raise their children. When it comes to education, Orange County contains dozens of high-quality private schools in addition to its well-rated public school systems. With so many possible choices, it’s not always clear how to select the right school (or schools) for your kids.
Families considering education before moving to Orange County have to start somewhere. Often, when moving to a new area, an expert local realtor is the best resource on the question of private schools. Let Domaine Luxury Properties guide you as you navigate the nuances of Orange County real estate, including the following list of the area’s best private schools.
Lower private schools
The following schools are quality options for families with young children.
Fairmont Schools
- Campus locations in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and San Juan Capistrano
- Students graduate and attend schools like UCLA, USC, and Stanford
- A+ overall niche.com grade
Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim has earned its reputation as a leader in college preparatory education. Families considering Anaheim in their Orange County real estate endeavors often prioritize Fairmont Preparatory Academy for its academic prowess and commitment to student success.
Harbor Day School
- The first independent school in Orange County
- Considered the best school in Newport Beach
- Programs in World Languages, STEM, and 3D Design
Harbor Day School stands out for its academic excellence and desirable location. Its six-acre campus in Corona del Mar supports over 400 students in grades K through 8. The school motto, “Gradatim ad Summum,” means “step-by-step to the top,” an apt description of the challenging and rewarding learning environment.
The Parish School at St. Edward
- Private co-ed Catholic school
- Robust programs in STEM, the arts, and sports
Recognizing each student learns differently, St. Edward brings out the best in every child. Its well-qualified teachers and staff fulfill the school’s mission to cultivate responsible leaders, prepared individuals, high achievers, and Christ-centered persons.
The Pegasus School
- Emphasis on extracurricular activities
- Incredible 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Situated in the coastal community of Huntington Beach, The Pegasus School offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in academic excellence and innovation. Known for its emphasis on STEM education, The Pegasus School is a notable institution for families considering moving to Huntington Beach.
St. John’s Episcopal School
- 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Preschool programs starting at age eight weeks
- A+ overall niche.com grade
St. John’s emphasizes its concentration on STEAM, which includes arts and humanities, as opposed to STEM. A community as well as a school, St. John’s provides families with many ways to volunteer and get involved in parish life and their children’s educations.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
- Only pre-K to 12th-grade Christian school in Orange County
- Ranked 2nd-best Christian high school in California
- A+ overall niche.com grade
St. Margaret’s is one of the best schools in Orange County. Students excel at the arts and athletics while participating in community service and leadership initiatives. The school is also noteworthy for its “culture of innovation,” which incorporates everything from the St. Margeret’s Board of Trustees to its youngest students.
St. Serra Catholic School
- Highly rated private Catholic school in Rancho Santa Margarita
- Over 1,000 students in grades pre-K through 8
- Beautiful facilities with the latest technology
Since opening in 1995, St. Serra has seen its student body quadruple to over 1,000 learners. Its eight core values are informed by Catholic scripture and are highly visible on blue banners outside the school’s Chapel Gate.
TVT Community Day School
- #1 ranked Jewish school in America
- Separate campuses for lower and high school
- The most extensive collection of Jewish books in Orange County
TVT is simply a one-of-a-kind school in Irvine. Its beautiful 21.5-acre campus won the prestigious “Honor Award” from the American Institute of Architects. Students balance challenging academics with ethical formation, extracurriculars, and capstone trips to Israel and Poland.
Private high schools
Throughout Orange County, many students move on from the lower schools in the previous list to the following high schools.
Crean Lutheran High School
- 100% graduation rate
- 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- A+ overall niche.com grade
Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine fosters a strong sense of community and academic rigor. The school emphasizes faith-based values and a comprehensive college preparatory program in the service of well-rounded individuals.
J Serra Catholic High School
- A+ niche.com grade for academics and college prep
- Co-ed, independent Catholic school
- Regular individual meetings with college counselors
Founded in 2003, JSerra is a relatively new high school in Orange County. Students praise the faith-centric aspects of their education, including religion classes and volunteer opportunities.
Mater Dei High School
- Highly-rated private Catholic school
- 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- A+ overall niche.com grade
Known nationally for its basketball and football programs, Mater Dei excels across the board. Students can choose from a virtually endless selection of class options, and many form lasting bonds working together on extracurriculars, from robotics and theater to sports teams and visual arts.
Orange Lutheran High School
- An uncommonly large number of niche academic programs
- Convenient location in Orange just off 55
- Service-based Mission trips worldwide
Orange Lutheran prepares students for college without losing sight of today. The school encourages students to serve classmates and people in their community without making it a requirement. Club Rush makes it easy for new students to find their niche in the school’s various clubs and activities.
Sage High School
- #1 ranked private high school in Orange County
- One of the county’s few excellent non-religious high schools
- Average class size of 14
Sage High School has earned its reputation as one of Southern California’s best. The 28-acre campus is nothing short of inspirational. Sage Hill alumni show an exceptional talent for entrepreneurship, with six graduates featured in the annual Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
- Ranked California’s best school for athletics
- Offers online and in-person programs
- Wide range of IB and AP courses
This co-ed Catholic school has a beautiful campus against the Saddleback Valley Mountains. Santa Margarita students enjoy a well-rounded educational experience extending to academics, sports, tech, social justice, and the arts.
Servite High School
- #4 best all-boys high school in California
- Many niche arts and theater courses, including classical guitar and playwriting
- 100-hour per student community service requirement
Unique among area Catholic schools, Servite High School is operated by the Order of Servants of Mary (OSM) rather than the Diocese of Orange. The student body is grouped into eight student-led communities called “Priories” and 48 smaller student-led communities.
Domaine Luxury Properties understands education-centric real estate
As a prominent team working within Orange County real estate, Domaine Luxury Properties recognizes the symbiotic relationship between education and community. As a family, education is likely a high priority when buying a home. Our team makes your family’s education an integral part of its services. We can provide information about homes and neighborhoods that integrate local schools and all your other preferences.
Domaine Luxury Properties goes beyond the classroom, offering a comprehensive understanding of the lifestyle nuances of each community. From the beachy elegance of Newport Coast to the cultural vibrancy of Irvine, the agency provides a holistic perspective that considers both educational and lifestyle preferences. Contact Domaine Luxury Properties today.
