Child Centered Academic Excellence McDowell School is small, yet incredibly diverse, community, that offers an enriched and enhanced, accelerated curriculum driven by the passion of the students. One class per grade with only 15 students in each class alows us to act as a family.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 146 students
- Yearly Tuition: $1,764
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Mcdowell School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1976
Summer School Offered
Yes
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2005
Student Body
Total Students
146 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
25%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Elementary tuition is $1764.00
Preschool tuition varies by age
Summer Program Cost
$312
Summer Program Cost Notes
per week - ten weeks offered
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Associate
Wendi Pufahl
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
ChessComputer
Science
Arts and Music Programs:
ArtDance
School Notes
- McDowellSchool's philosophy is to reach each child as an individual in order to help him or her grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. We provide each child with an exciting and personal educational experience,and then empower each child to utilize these experiences to become all of which he/she is capable. Our intention is that each student will: read- enjoying all that the ability to read provides; comprehend and utilize math- both in terms of skill and concepts; explore his/her own society and those of other peoples and times; develop and keep in touch with his/her creativity through art, music and drama; experience new areas of thought and action; feel challenged; develop a sense of commitment to his/her environment; and, practice a respect for the dignity and worth of others.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mcdowell School cost?
Mcdowell School's tuition is approximately $1,764 for private students and $312 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Mcdowell School?
The acceptance rate of Mcdowell School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
When is the application deadline for Mcdowell School?
The application deadline for Mcdowell School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Mcdowell School also viewed these schools: Vandamme Academy, Stratford School Mission Viejo, St. Mary's School, Aliso Viejo Christian School and Fairmont San Juan Capistrano.
The nearest high school to Mcdowell School is Armenta Learning Academy (1.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Stratford School Laguna Niguel (0.0 miles away)
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School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 510-4861
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 510-4861
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(949) 458-1776
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
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Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 448-9027
2.3 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 702 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 36 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1 Orion
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 389-0300
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 389-0300
40.8 miles
Gr: K-8 | 423 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition listed
26333 Oso Rd
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 443-4050
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 443-4050
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School Reviews
5 7/24/2015
This is an outstanding school with excellent balance in subjects, a nurturing but achievement culture, outstanding faculty and staff, nice classrooms and great after school classes. There is no obvious weakness after near a year of being a parent of a primary student
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