Looking for small schools in California, any suggestions?

I would love to attend a small school in California that offers a close-knit community, good academic programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities. What schools should I consider?

There are quite a few small colleges in California that have a close-knit community, strong academic programs, and diverse extracurricular offerings. Here are some suggestions you might want to look into:

1. Pomona College: A highly selective liberal arts college and a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Offers a variety of majors, strong academics, and opportunities for research and internships. The consortium allows students to take classes and participate in extracurriculars at the other Claremont Colleges as well.

2. Claremont McKenna College (CMC): Another member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, CMC has a focus on leadership and combines liberal arts with pre-professional preparation. It is particularly strong in economics, political science, and international relations.

3. Harvey Mudd College: Known for its STEM-focused curriculum, Harvey Mudd is also part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Despite its focus on math and science, it also emphasizes the liberal arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education.

4. Pitzer College: Part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pitzer is known for its emphasis on social justice and environmental sustainability. It offers a variety of majors and interdisciplinary programs.

5. Occidental College: Located in Los Angeles, this liberal arts college offers strong academic programs and a tight-knit community. Known for its diverse student body, unique Core Program, and undergraduate research opportunities.

6. Whittier College: A smaller liberal arts college with a personalized approach to education, Whittier College offers a variety of majors and student-led extracurricular activities.

7. Thomas Aquinas College: This Catholic college in Santa Paula follows a classical liberal arts curriculum with a focus on the Great Books tradition. The Socratic Method is used to teach its classes, fostering critical thinking and in-depth discussions.

8. Soka University of America: Located in Aliso Viejo, Soka is a small liberal arts college with a focus on global citizenship and experiential learning. With an emphasis on both international and interdisciplinary studies, Soka offers study abroad opportunities for all students.

When researching these colleges, make sure to visit their websites and reach out to their admissions offices to learn more about their academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and campus life. It's important to find a college that aligns with your interests and goals, so take the time to explore these options to determine which one may be the best fit for you. Good luck!