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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#41 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Presentation High School
Presentation High School, located in San Jose, CA, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic institution dedicated to providing a transformative college preparatory education. Established in 1962 and run by the Sisters of the Presentation, the school fosters intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social growth within a supportive and inclusive community. Presentation High School offers a diverse range of over 60 clubs, teams, and programs, including a nationally recognized Robotics Club, ensuring students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. With a strong emphasis on faith, justice, and leadership, Presentation High School prepares young women to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to society.

#42 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Almaden Country Day School
Almaden Country Day School, located in San Jose, CA, offers a joyful and balanced educational experience for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. With a philosophy of discovering the unique gifts in every child, ACDS combines rigorous academics with a wide range of enrichment programs, including art, music, theater, hands-on science, and world languages. The school’s beautiful campus provides a nurturing environment where children can thrive both intellectually and emotionally. Committed to social-emotional learning and character development, Almaden Country Day School prepares students to excel in high school, college, and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

#43 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco High School of the Arts
San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts), uniquely situated just steps from Golden Gate Park, offers an unparalleled education for students in grades 6 through 12. As the only private arts school in the Bay Area, HSArts integrates intensive arts training with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, allowing students to excel both artistically and academically. The school provides specialized programs in dance, music, visual arts, media arts, fashion design, and musical theatre, fostering creativity and discipline. With a strong emphasis on character development and individualized support, San Francisco High School of the Arts prepares students to pursue their passions and succeed in top universities and beyond.

#44 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Moreau Catholic High School
Moreau Catholic High School, located in Hayward, CA, offers a transformative college-preparatory education rooted in the values of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Known for its rigorous academic programs, the school provides a diverse curriculum that includes 22 Honors and 24 Advanced Placement courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including art studios, a dance studio, a theater, and a newly renovated gym, creating an inspiring environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on faith, community service, and personal growth, Moreau Catholic High School nurtures students to become responsible and compassionate leaders in a global society.

#45 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Maybeck High School
Maybeck High School, located in Berkeley, CA, offers a unique and personalized college-preparatory education for students in grades 9-12. Known for its small class sizes and seminar-style teaching, Maybeck fosters a close-knit community where students are encouraged to explore their intellectual and creative passions. The school’s vibrant curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, from rigorous academics to arts and outdoor education, ensuring a well-rounded experience. With a strong emphasis on individuality and community, Maybeck High School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, cultivating critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.

#46 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The King's Academy
The King’s Academy, situated in Sunnyvale, CA, is a Christ-centered college preparatory school serving students from grades 6 through 12. Known for its rigorous academic programs, TKA offers a diverse curriculum that includes 18 Advanced Placement courses and a robust Visual and Performing Arts program. The school’s state-of-the-art STEAM building, opening in Fall 2024, will feature new science labs, robotics rooms, and a spacious Makerspace, enhancing the learning experience. With a strong emphasis on servant leadership, spiritual growth, and community service, The King’s Academy prepares students to excel academically and make a positive impact in the world.

#47 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

German International School
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV), with campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco, offers an exceptional bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. Combining the best of German and American curricula, GISSV prepares students for global citizenship with both the German International Abitur and the California High School Diploma. The school’s comprehensive programs include rich project-based and differentiated learning experiences, fostering intellectual curiosity and cultural appreciation. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, creativity, and community, GISSV equips students to thrive in both American and European educational systems.

#48 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Fremont Christian School
Fremont Christian School, located in Fremont, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education from early education through high school. Established in 1968, the school is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to spiritual growth, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive both intellectually and spiritually. The 16-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including computer and science labs, a music hall, athletic fields, and a full-size gym, supporting a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on community, compassion, and excellence, Fremont Christian School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, fostering well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

#49 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Holy Names High School
Holy Names High School, located in the picturesque Oakland Hills, is a prestigious Catholic all-girls college preparatory institution. Founded in 1868, the school is dedicated to empowering young women through a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong emphasis on leadership and service. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic amenities, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. With a commitment to social justice, community engagement, and spiritual growth, Holy Names High School prepares its students to excel in college and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

#50 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Archbishop Riordan High School
Archbishop Riordan High School, located in San Francisco, CA, is a distinguished Catholic institution with a rich history dating back to 1949. Known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, Riordan offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 15 Advanced Placement courses and a unique four-year honors engineering program. The school’s vibrant campus life includes a variety of extracurricular activities, such as spirit rallies, drama productions, and a comprehensive athletics program, fostering a well-rounded student experience. With a strong emphasis on Marianist values of faith, community, and service, Archbishop Riordan High School prepares students to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners.

#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.