South Hills Academy Photo #10 - Athletics at SHA go beyond the scoreboard-they teach teamwork, focus, and grit.

South Hills Academy

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South Hills Academy Photo #1 - Students start the day ready to learn.
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South Hills Academy Photo #1 - Students start the day ready to learn.
South Hills Academy Photo #2 - Summer camps focus on expanding students' knowledge, enhancing physical fitness, and cultivating independent thinking and self-discipline. Therefore, summer camps primarily consist of hands-on practical activities, with a diverse range of activities such as soccer, swimming, language learning, cooking, arts, music, and various field experiences. These activities help students develop outgoing, optimistic, explorative, and proactive personalities. They also provide excellent opportunities
South Hills Academy Photo #3 - Our values are part of our daily environment-faith, respect, and a love of learning are woven into every lesson
South Hills Academy Photo #4 - South Hills Academy Campus Bird Eye
South Hills Academy Photo #5 - SHA's Playground and Blacktop
South Hills Academy Photo #6 - SHA Chapel
South Hills Academy Photo #7 - At South Hills Academy, we believe that childhood development should take place in the context of families and communities. The SHA Preschool program nurtures creativity while providing opportunities for inquiry and discovery.
South Hills Academy Photo #8 - Our teachers strive to build confidence and academic excellence. Each classroom teacher diligently plans instruction that targets individual learning needs by using a variety of academic resources and teaching strategies.
South Hills Academy Photo #9 - Valentine's Day Spirit Week at South Hills Academy!
South Hills Academy Photo #10 - The South Hills Academy middle school curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the standards currently established by California. We are a liberal arts school, which means all subjects are given equal significance.
South Hills Academy Photo #11 - Small class sizes help students build deep, lasting friendships.
South Hills Academy Photo #12 - Athletics at SHA go beyond the scoreboard-they teach teamwork, focus, and grit.
South Hills Academy Photo #13 - Our students explore beyond the classroom through enriching, educational field trips that spark curiosity and real-world learning.
For over 67 years, South Hills Academy has maintained a reputation for high academic achievement.
Though each of our four schools features its own personality and cognitive-level program, we continue to operate as one cohesive family showcased throughout the school year by several whole-academy activities that brings together students, family members, and staff from all of our programs.
At SHA, students are able to develop from age 2 to college-ready young adults.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 408 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,100
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

South Hills Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language-based
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
Campus Size
5

Student Body

Total Students
408 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
95%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
South Hills Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
31 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government & Politics, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French Language & Culture, AP German Language & Culture, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Spanish Literature & Culture, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History, AP World History: Modern
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Preschool Half Day $8,430 Preschool Full Day $9,510 Preschool Extended Day $10,600 Elementary (Kinder-5th) $8,100 Middle School (6th-8th) $8,500 High School (9th-12th) $9,900 International Elementary (Kinder-5th) $26,800/year International Middle School (6th-8th) $29,750/year International High School (9th-12th) $32,600/year
Summer Program Cost
$220
Summer Program Cost Notes
Local Academic Program Tuition Cost Varies by Classes 7 weeks Summer ProgramInternational Summer Program Customized ClassFor program costs please reach out to summerschool@shacademy.org .
% on Financial Aid
10%
Acceptance Rate
77%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Denise Martinez
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
8 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Challenge, Art Club, Board Game Club, Cheerleading, Chess Club, Chinese Club, Coding Club, Cooking Club, Cup Stacking Club, ESL, Math Club, SAT Prep, Science Club, Spanish Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Worship Band

Recreational Athletic Programs:
basketball

School Notes

  • School Motto: South Hills Academy strives to provide a Christ Centered atmosphere that enables students to become socially engaged, effective communicators, and critical thinkers in a global setting.
  • School Mascot: Baldwin The Eagle
  • For over 67 years, South Hills Academy hasmaintained a reputation for high academic achievement. Though each of our four schools features its own personality and cognitive-level program, we continue to operate as one cohesive family showcased throughout the school year by several whole-academy activities that brings together students, family members, and staff from all of our programs. At SHA, students are able to develop from age 2 to college-ready young adults.
  • Another major aspect of SHA that bonds all four schools together is our overall philosophy. We focus on guiding and supporting students in theiracademic,social, andcharactergrowth. And we do this primarily with our cross-curricular, project-based approach that aims for maximum student (and staff) engagement so that students "learn by doing."Students who have purpose and the opportunity to actively pursue that purpose thrive in their learning. Please browse our website to see how this approach works in each school. Come visit us to experience for yourself the family environment and active learning that make SHA a welcoming, warm, fun, energetic, exciting, and excellent place to be!
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does South Hills Academy cost?
South Hills Academy's tuition is approximately $8,100 for private students and $220 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of South Hills Academy?
The acceptance rate of South Hills Academy is 77%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
Does South Hills Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, South Hills Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does South Hills Academy offer?
South Hills Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is South Hills Academy's ranking?
South Hills Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for South Hills Academy?
The application deadline for South Hills Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is South Hills Academy located?
South Hills Academy is located in the Walnut Valley neighborhood of West Covina, CA. There are 5 other private schools located in Walnut Valley.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
My son and my daughter love this school ( South Hill Academy)-- from the teachers to the students to the challenging curriculum. (SHA) integrates compassion into their teaching standards, and emphasizes the importance of values!! Teachers are passionate about seeing their students succeed. They are so great about sharing moments of pride they see within your child- their good behaviors and achievements. Great team -- great school!!!!
- Posted by
5  
My children have been in public school all of their education. After all the disappointments in 2020, I was desperate to get them back to a "regular" school day and routine. Both my kid's education was suffering and their frustration was beginning to show in their behavior. Making the commitment to pay for our kid's education wasn't easy, but knowing it was the best choice for them we rearranged our priorities and realized it was within reach. We toured every private school within reasonable driving distance, and South Hills Academy shined the brightest for our family. We originally thought we would get a waiver from the Governor and be able to go back to school full time. We were all so excited. Unfortunately, during this time, things change day to day and all waivers were denied in Los Angeles County. It was a huge disappointment. I wondered what South Hills Academy could possibly offer that my kids that they weren't already getting at public school online... but with the hope they'd have a better plan and a better chance at returning to school sooner, we stayed. It's only a month in. I have to say we made the greatest decision we could have possibly made. The teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to help my girls catch up. They meet after class, after hours, by phone, by email, by zoom and answer all our questions. They make sure my kids know exactly what they are doing. They have so many tools and hands on ways of showing them what they are learning. My youngest could not read just 2 weeks ago... she is sounding out and reading everything now. The education my kids are receiving is far more advanced and accelerated compared to public school. They have specialized teachers in every subject and their Christ centered curriculum has opened my children's eyes to a world of hope, kindness and purpose. Im so grateful we made this choice. My kids won't ever have to feel anxious about switching schools again. They offer preschool to 12th grade virtually and on campus for preschool and kindergarten currently. However, we have hope to reopen on campus learning very soon. If you have any worry or concerns about your children's education or routine and what its doing to their mental health and overall happiness, I highly recommended you touring South Hills Academy and seeing our solution for yourself.
- Posted by
5  
This school's academics is second to none. This school's staff is great, safe environment and now with excellent math and science program, there are no better Christian school out there. Bullying is not tolerated. Principal Jepson, Gilbert the Business manager are constantly working hard to improve the environment. Recently, the school has a winning record at ACSI spelling bee, Math Olymphics and Speech Mate. There are also private classes for foreign language. Now the school is a part of a very large international system of schools dedicated to superior education in math and science. Also the school recently signed up with Sylvan Learning Center to help students with their math tutoring at a discounted price. If you are look for a school with the best curriculum, excellent teachers, great front office and a principal who is enthusiastic about students and parents, look no further. Your child will soar high. Take it from me, I am a proud parent.
- Posted by
5  
Great School, Good teachers, strong christian values and new admin. School is moving in the right direction.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 408 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,100
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Los Angeles County, CA is $17,784 for elementary schools and $22,847 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Los Angeles County, CA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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