Welcome to Marywood-Palm Valley School, a private coeducational day school nestled in the beautiful Coachella Valley of California. More than just an institution for academic learning, our school is a vibrant community dedicated to holistic student development, offering an inspiring and creative educational environment. Whether your child is beginning their preschool journey or preparing for the challenges of high school, our educational system provides a solid foundation for their future.

History and Mission

Founded in 1952 as a non-sectarian independent school, Marywood-Palm Valley has been committed to delivering exceptional education to students in the Coachella Valley region. Our mission extends beyond academic achievement to encompass moral development, communication skills, and self-discovery. We believe true education should cultivate all aspects of a student's potential, empowering them to face future challenges with courage and pursue excellence.

Educational Philosophy and Values

At Marywood-Palm Valley, our educational approach centers on core values that foster personal growth and character development. We aim to cultivate critical thinkers who, while pursuing knowledge, also develop integrity, compassion, and responsibility. Our warm, supportive community encourages students to explore their imagination, express creativity, and find joy in learning.

We view education as a journey of exploration, self-discovery, and interpersonal growth. Our faculty serve not merely as instructors but as mentors guiding students through their personal and academic development. Through this approach, students learn tolerance and respect while developing the ability to maintain authenticity and responsibility in an increasingly complex world.

Academic Programs and Curriculum

Marywood-Palm Valley offers a diverse curriculum spanning preschool through 12th grade. Currently, we provide 11 Advanced Placement (AP) courses designed for students seeking collegiate-level challenges during their high school years. These courses allow students to engage with university-level material, better preparing them for future academic pursuits.

Our distinguished faculty includes educators with exceptional qualifications—60% hold master's degrees or higher—all sharing a profound passion for teaching. Through interactive and experiential teaching methods, we ensure each student finds success and enjoyment in their unique learning journey.

Recent graduates have achieved remarkable success, with many gaining admission to prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Emory University, New York University, and the University of Michigan. These accomplishments testify to both our educational quality and our students' dedication.

School Community and Culture

Beyond academics, we cultivate a positive school culture where every student experiences belonging. Recognizing each student's uniqueness, we celebrate individual differences while fostering mutual respect. The strong relationships between faculty and students create a nurturing environment where young people can explore and grow with confidence.

Our campus buzzes with creativity and energy. Students are encouraged to participate in diverse extracurricular activities—from arts and music to theater and athletics—enriching their school experience while developing teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.

Support for International Students

Marywood-Palm Valley warmly welcomes international students, who currently comprise 2% of our student body. We provide comprehensive support services to facilitate their transition to American academic life. Our International Student Office offers specialized guidance, helping students overcome language and cultural barriers while integrating into campus life.

Additional fees for international students cover enhanced support services, ensuring they can focus fully on academic and personal growth. These include dedicated student management services addressing both academic and lifestyle needs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2024 academic year, Marywood-Palm Valley's day tuition is $22,449. Recognizing that education represents a significant investment, we offer various financial aid programs to ensure accessibility for all qualified students.

Our Financial Aid Office works closely with families to develop personalized solutions, helping overcome economic barriers so students can benefit from our dynamic, caring educational environment. We encourage all eligible families to explore these opportunities.

Admissions Information

Understanding our admissions process is essential for prospective families. We value connections with diverse backgrounds and share our educational philosophy through campus visits and open houses, allowing families to experience our community firsthand.

The application process includes submitting forms, recommendations, and transcripts, with some applicants participating in interviews. Our Admissions Committee carefully reviews each application, ensuring fair and thorough consideration for all candidates.

Conclusion

At Marywood-Palm Valley School, we champion not just academic success but the complete development of each student. In our supportive environment, young people discover their potential and pursue their aspirations. We look forward to partnering with families to nurture students' growth—whether in classroom learning or extracurricular exploration—as they prepare to make their mark on the world.