2024 Best Private K-12 Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area
2024 Best Private K-12 Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area
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#21 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Bentley School
Bentley School, with campuses in Lafayette and Oakland, CA, offers an exceptional K-12 education that emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth. Celebrating over 100 years of educational leadership, Bentley provides a dynamic curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, college-level seminars, and a variety of extracurricular activities. The school’s beautiful campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities such as an outdoor garden, maker studio, and athletic fields, creating an inspiring environment for students to explore their interests and talents. Bentley’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community ensures that students are well-prepared for college and beyond, making it an outstanding choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching education.

#22 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Domenico School
San Domenico School, located on a picturesque 515-acre campus in San Anselmo, CA, offers a transformative K-12 education rooted in the Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service. As California’s oldest independent school, San Domenico combines rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on personal growth and ethical leadership. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class music conservatory, an equestrian center, and extensive athletic amenities, providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests. With a commitment to sustainability and a diverse, inclusive community, San Domenico prepares students to excel in college and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning and a deep sense of purpose.

#23 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

French American International School
French American International School, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a world-class bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. Combining the best of French and American educational systems, the school provides a rigorous academic program that emphasizes deep understanding and cross-cultural cognition. Students benefit from a vibrant, multilingual community and have the opportunity to pursue both the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. With a strong focus on global education, students at French American International School engage in international expeditions and diverse extracurricular activities, preparing them to become thoughtful and compassionate global citizens.

#24 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Pinewood School
Pinewood School, with campuses in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, CA, offers a comprehensive K-12 education that emphasizes academic excellence and personal growth. Founded in 1959, Pinewood combines a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a strong focus on the arts, athletics, and community service. The school’s beautiful campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts center, athletic fields, and innovative learning spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration. With a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, Pinewood School prepares students for success in college and beyond, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

#25 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Bay School of San Francisco
The Bay School of San Francisco, located in the scenic Presidio National Park, offers a cutting-edge college preparatory education for high school students. Founded in 2004, the school emphasizes a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership. Students benefit from the unique “Immersive” terms, where they engage deeply in a single subject for three weeks, allowing for hands-on, project-based learning. With a strong commitment to community and sustainability, The Bay School prepares its students to excel academically and become compassionate, innovative leaders in a rapidly changing world.

#26 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Silicon Valley International School
Silicon Valley International School (INTL), with campuses in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, offers an exceptional bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1979, INTL integrates Chinese, French, and German language programs with the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, fostering intellectual abilities and global values. The school’s innovative approach includes inquiry-based learning and a strong emphasis on cultural immersion, preparing students to think critically and solve problems from multiple perspectives. With a nurturing environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth, Silicon Valley International School equips students to excel academically and become compassionate global citizens.

#27 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Bellarmine College Preparatory
Bellarmine College Preparatory, located in the College Park neighborhood of San Jose, CA, is a prestigious all-boys Jesuit high school with a rich history dating back to 1851. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Bellarmine offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, unique electives like Marine Chemistry, and nationally recognized extracurriculars such as the award-winning Robotics Team 254: The Cheesy Poofs. The school’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its LEED Gold-certified buildings and eco-friendly initiatives, fostering an environment of environmental stewardship. With a strong emphasis on community service and spiritual growth, Bellarmine prepares young men to become compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a holistic and impactful education.

#28 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Jewish Community School of the Bay
Jewish Community High School of the Bay (JCHS), located in the heart of San Francisco, offers an exceptional college-preparatory education infused with Jewish values and traditions. Founded in 2001, JCHS is renowned for its rigorous academics, vibrant arts programs, and strong emphasis on community and ethical leadership. The school’s state-of-the-art campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a performing arts theater, and a spacious outdoor courtyard, providing a dynamic environment for both learning and personal growth. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deep sense of identity, JCHS prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a holistic and enriching educational experience.

#29 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School, located in the heart of downtown San Jose, CA, is an esteemed all-girls Catholic institution with a rich history dating back to 1851. The school is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and social justice. Notre Dame’s vibrant campus features modern facilities, including advanced science labs, a performing arts center, and collaborative learning spaces, providing a dynamic environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong focus on empowering young women to become compassionate leaders and active global citizens, Notre Dame High School offers an inspiring and supportive community for its students.

#30 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Waldorf School of the Peninsula
Waldorf School of the Peninsula, with campuses in Los Altos and Mountain View, CA, offers a holistic K-12 education that nurtures the mind, heart, and hands of each student. Established in 1984, the school employs the renowned Waldorf method, integrating rigorous academics with hands-on learning and artistic expression to foster intellectual and personal growth. The curriculum spans from early childhood through high school, including unique subjects like Eurythmy, biodynamic gardening, and form drawing, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. With a strong emphasis on community, creativity, and ethical development, Waldorf School of the Peninsula prepares students to become thoughtful, innovative, and compassionate leaders in a rapidly changing world.

#11 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Harker School
The Harker School, located in San Jose, CA, is a top-tier private institution offering an unparalleled educational experience from preschool through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous academics and innovative curriculum, Harker provides students with countless opportunities to explore their passions through advanced placement courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school’s four campuses—Bucknall, Union, Blackford, and Saratoga—each offer state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic and enriching learning environment. With a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement, Harker prepares its students for success in college and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a well-rounded education.

#12 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Urban School of San Francisco
Urban School of San Francisco, located adjacent to the iconic Golden Gate Park, is a forward-thinking college-preparatory high school that has been inspiring students since 1966. Known for its innovative academic programs, Urban employs block scheduling and integrated service learning to foster deep engagement and critical thinking. The school offers Urban Advanced Studies (UAS) classes, which provide college-level coursework, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on collaboration and active participation, Urban School creates a vibrant community where students can thrive both academically and personally.

#13 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Athenian School
The Athenian School, nestled at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA, offers an exceptional boarding and day school experience for students in grades 6-12. Founded in 1965, Athenian is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to experiential learning, including the unique Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE), which challenges students to develop resilience and leadership skills through outdoor adventures. The school’s 75-acre campus provides a stunning backdrop for a vibrant educational community that encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and global citizenship, Athenian prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

#14 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Woodside Priory School
Woodside Priory School, nestled in the serene hills of Portola Valley, CA, offers an exceptional boarding and day school experience for students in grades 6-12. As the only boarding school in Silicon Valley, Priory provides a unique blend of rigorous academics and Benedictine values, fostering a balanced and meaningful education. The school’s expansive 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly renovated boarding facility, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from competitive athletics to a vibrant performing arts program. With a strong emphasis on community, individuality, and ethical leadership, Woodside Priory prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a holistic and enriching educational environment.

#15 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco University High School
San Francisco University High School, located in the vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood, offers an exceptional college-preparatory education that emphasizes intellectual challenge and personal growth. Established in 1975, the school is known for its innovative programs, including the nationally recognized Summerbridge program and the unique Independent Study opportunities that allow students to pursue self-directed learning. The campus features historic architecture by Julia Morgan, state-of-the-art STEM labs, and the newly opened Paul Goode Field in the Presidio, providing a rich environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement, San Francisco University High School prepares students to become thoughtful leaders and compassionate global citizens.

#16 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Lick-Wilmerding High School
Lick-Wilmerding High School, located in the vibrant Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco, CA, is a unique private institution with a strong public purpose. The school is renowned for its commitment to developing the head, heart, and hands of its students, blending rigorous academics with hands-on learning and community engagement. Through programs like the Public Purpose Program and the Center for Civic Engagement, students are empowered to address pressing social issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities. With a bustling campus that offers a wide range of clubs, activities, and state-of-the-art facilities, Lick-Wilmerding provides an enriching environment where students can thrive and become compassionate leaders.

#17 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Khan Lab School
Khan Lab School, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a groundbreaking K-12 educational experience that redefines traditional learning. Founded by Sal Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy, the school emphasizes mastery-based learning, where students progress at their own pace and demonstrate competence before moving on. With campuses in Palo Alto and Mountain View, Khan Lab School integrates personalized learning plans, mixed-age classrooms, and project-based learning to foster a deep understanding and love for learning. The school’s innovative approach, combined with a strong focus on social-emotional development, prepares students to become self-directed, curious, and collaborative leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

#18 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Convent & Stuart Hall
Convent & Stuart Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a unique blend of single-sex and coeducational learning environments rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition. Established in 1887, this historic institution provides a comprehensive K-12 education that emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school’s modern facilities include state-of-the-art makerspaces, theaters, and gyms, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With a strong focus on discovery, justice, and transformation, Convent & Stuart Hall prepares students to become thoughtful, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact on the world.

#19 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton, located on a stunning 63-acre campus in Atherton, CA, offers a holistic education from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1898, this prestigious Catholic institution is dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth of its students through a rigorous academic curriculum and a commitment to service learning. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple athletic fields, performing arts venues, and a working farm and garden, providing a dynamic environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on community, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, Sacred Heart Schools Atherton prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching education.

#20 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, with campuses in Sunnyvale and San Jose, offers an exceptional K-12 education that is globally recognized for its academic rigor and innovative curriculum. The school emphasizes a liberal arts and sciences education, integrating advanced STEM offerings and a mastery-based learning approach that prepares students to excel on the international stage. Students benefit from a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, unique Capstone projects, and a vibrant selection of over 90 clubs and athletic activities, fostering both intellectual and personal growth. Known for its impressive student outcomes, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduates are well-prepared for admission to the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a top-tier education.