When looking into high schools for your child, you will eventually have to consider whether to send them to a public or private school.

At first, I thought that if you could afford it, private schools would obviously be better, but Riverside isn't necessarily that straightforward.

There are also quite strong public schools, such as Riverside STEM Academy.

First, a well-known private school is Notre Dame High School. It is a Catholic high school and one of the oldest private schools in Riverside.

Since it is not a very large school, the relationship between students and teachers is relatively close, and many praise the strong school community. Although it is a Catholic school, you do not have to be a Catholic to enroll. However, you must respect the school's religious values and educational policies.

The issue, of course, is tuition. For the 2026-27 school year, the annual tuition for domestic students at Notre Dame is $10,100. In addition, there are separate fees for new student registration of $600, IT costs of $300, and more.

Participating in sports may incur additional costs, and expenses for textbooks, AP/SAT tests, labs, and field trips are also separate. So, you shouldn't just think of it as $10,000 a year; you need to budget a bit more comfortably. However, they do offer financial aid and scholarship programs based on income.

The second school is La Sierra Academy. It is a Seventh-day Adventist school that operates from kindergarten through 12th grade. Being in the same community as La Sierra University, it is a familiar environment for SDA families. The school operates a separate tuition schedule and financial aid program for the 2026-27 school year, so it is best to check with the school for the latest costs for the grade you plan to enroll in.

The third school is Woodcrest Christian School. This school is also often considered by families who value Christian education. If you are looking for a school that not only sends students to college but also emphasizes biblical values and school atmosphere, then this type of private school becomes an option. In addition to tuition, private schools may also have registration fees, textbooks, uniforms, sports, and various activity fees, so it is essential to calculate the total costs.

Interestingly, there is also a public option. Riverside STEM Academy is not a private school that charges tuition but a public School of Choice within the Riverside Unified School District. It operates from 5th to 12th grade and focuses on STEM education. The problem is not the cost, but that it is not easy to get in. There are many applicants, and spots are limited, so there is a lottery process. Applications for the 2026-27 school year have already closed.

The high school curriculum is quite rigorous, centered around math, science, and engineering, and they also offer AP courses. However, the freedom to choose subjects may be more limited compared to a typical large high school, and they do not have their own sports teams. If sports are important to your child, this is something to consider.

It is also necessary to compare with general public schools like Martin Luther King High School. If you live in a good public school district and can fully utilize the school programs, you might save the more than $10,000 annual cost of private school for college tuition instead.

Ultimately, in Riverside, the notion that "private schools are always better than public schools" does not seem to hold true. If your child excels in STEM and has a strong desire to learn, Riverside STEM Academy might be a better fit, while if you value religious education and a small school atmosphere, private schools like Notre Dame, La Sierra Academy, or Woodcrest Christian may be the right choice.

Especially in private schools, the total costs over four years of high school can add up to a significant amount. You need to think about what you want to gain from paying that money. Rather than focusing solely on the school's reputation, it is ultimately the most realistic choice to consider your child's personality, desired college path, religious values, and your family's financial situation.