If you are considering sending your child to a private high school, you may have heard of Xavier College Preparatory High School.

It is one of the most well-known college preparatory private high schools in the Coachella Valley, and it has a good reputation among local parents.

Visiting the school in person, you will find the campus to be clean and calm, making a very good first impression.

The school is located in Palm Desert at 34200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211. Founded in 1963, it is a co-educational Roman Catholic high school that serves grades 9 through 12. The student population is around 550, and the student-to-teacher ratio is about 10 to 1, allowing teachers to provide relatively attentive guidance to each student.

The academic level is also highly regarded in the area. The average GPA is in the mid to high 3s, and the graduation rate is nearly 100%. The average SAT and ACT scores are also above the national average, making it a popular choice for students aiming for college. Notably, a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered, and the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program allows students to gain early experience in engineering and biomedical fields.

Sports and extracurricular activities are also active. Various sports teams, including basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, and swimming, consistently achieve good results in local leagues. The school fosters an environment that values not only academics but also student leadership and community service.

While it is a Catholic school, it does not mean that only Catholic students attend. Religious classes are mandatory, but students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds study together. In fact, there is a significant proportion of Asian students, and there are often Korean students enrolled as well.

The tuition is approximately $17,000 per year. While this is not a small amount, it is relatively less burdensome compared to well-known private high schools in the LA area, which charge $30,000 to $50,000 or more annually. Additionally, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs, so it is advisable to inquire about these during the admissions consultation.

The commute is not overly burdensome either. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Palm Springs, and it is even closer from Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert. The Coachella Valley is not known for convenient public transportation, so most parents either drive their children or arrange carpools with other parents.

In my opinion, Xavier College Preparatory High School is a private school worth considering first for students aiming for college in the Coachella Valley. The academic level, school atmosphere, and balance of sports and various activities are relatively well-rounded. If you are preparing your child for college, I recommend participating in an open house or campus tour to experience the school environment firsthand.