A parent in West Covina was momentarily speechless after receiving a private school brochure. Adding the costs of tuition, textbooks, and activity fees made the financial burden greater than initially expected. Therefore, they decided to also check nearby public school options. Rather than making a decision based on a single brochure, it seemed wiser to compare the two schools item by item.

The private school often mentioned in the area is South Hills Academy. This school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and has been operating since 1957. It offers 31 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has dedicated college counseling staff.

On the public side, South Hills High School is frequently compared. It is part of the Covina-Valley Unified School District and received an 8 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools. The AP participation rate is 45 percent, and it also runs an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a gifted program. The IB program is a college preparatory curriculum that, like AP, can earn college credit.

Let's go through the items to check in order.

• For private schools, confirm additional costs for textbooks, activity fees, and meals.
• For public schools, ensure that the assigned address is accurately within the school district.
• Compare the number of AP courses offered by both schools to gauge the breadth of their curriculums.

Housing prices should also be considered. The housing value in West Covina is $773,122 (according to Zillow, a 3.2 percent decrease from the previous year). The median sale price in June was $865,000, while the median listing price in July was $819,000. Specific rental prices were not confirmed in this survey, so if considering renting, it is advisable to check with local agents for individual listings.

If choosing a home based on the public school district, the assigned address is key. If focusing on private schools, the commuting distance is crucial. Depending on which factor is prioritized, the neighborhoods to consider will differ. For families with siblings, it's also wise to calculate that tuition costs can double.

The average annual tuition for private high schools in Los Angeles County is around $23,972. Since South Hills Academy does not publicly disclose its tuition information, it is best to confirm directly with the school before applying.

West Covina is considered a relatively quiet residential area within the San Gabriel Valley. If resale is a consideration, it's worth noting that blocks with a good reputation in the school district tend to maintain steady demand when selling in the future. However, this is a general trend and does not guarantee the future value of specific properties.

Whether choosing private or public schools, it's important to view tuition and housing costs as a single budget. If private school tuition is burdensome, consider lowering housing costs, and if assigned to a public school, allow for more flexibility in the housing budget.

Let's highlight one more item to check. Private schools often accept new applicants each year, making it difficult to feel secure until admission is confirmed. It's safer to finalize a sale or rental agreement after receiving admission approval rather than proceeding with a move first.

West Covina is noted for its good freeway access, making it a convenient location for families commuting to several nearby cities. By considering not only the schools but also the parents' commuting routes, families often find higher satisfaction in their living situation after moving.

If the decision between private and public schools is taking longer, the first step should be to apply for tours at both schools. It's difficult to assess the classroom atmosphere or the fit for your child based solely on numbers in documents or websites.

School district boundaries can change each year. Before signing a contract, please verify the assignment and application criteria directly with both the Covina-Valley Unified School District and the schools. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting with a professional before any actual contracts is recommended.