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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#71 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco Christian School
San Francisco Christian School, located in the heart of San Francisco, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education for students from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1971, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, such as Bible studies, English, math, science, history, physical education, art, and music, ensuring a well-rounded education. With a strong emphasis on community service, character development, and preparing students for college and beyond, San Francisco Christian School is an excellent choice for families seeking a faith-based and academically rigorous education.

#72 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Palo Alto Preparatory School
Palo Alto Preparatory School, located in Mountain View, CA, offers a personalized and supportive educational environment for students in grades 8-12. Founded in 1984, the school is dedicated to serving complex learners, including those who are neurodivergent, school-avoidant, or experiencing social anxiety, ensuring they feel safe and accepted. The curriculum includes unique electives such as rock climbing, scuba diving, and aviation, providing students with immersive learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. With a strong emphasis on individual strengths, personal growth, and a close-knit community, Palo Alto Preparatory School prepares students to thrive academically and personally, ready to take on the challenges of higher education and beyond.

#73 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, located in the Sunset District of San Francisco, CA, is a prestigious Catholic institution with a rich history dating back to 1855. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The beautiful 11.4-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment. With a strong emphasis on Jesuit values of faith, service, and leadership, St. Ignatius College Preparatory nurtures students to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#74 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Marin Catholic High School
Marin Catholic High School, located in Kentfield, CA, is a prestigious co-educational Catholic institution founded in 1949. Known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. With a strong emphasis on faith, knowledge, and service, Marin Catholic High School nurtures students to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#75 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Averroes Institute
Averroes Institute, located in Fremont, CA, is a distinguished private Islamic high school dedicated to providing a holistic, college-preparatory education. Founded in 2010, the school integrates rigorous academics with Islamic studies, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes a variety of Advanced Placement courses and opportunities for students to earn college credits through local community colleges, ensuring they are well-prepared for higher education. With a strong emphasis on community, moral development, and personalized learning, Averroes Institute nurtures responsible, compassionate young adults ready to excel in college and beyond.

#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.