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.

#31 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Drew School
Drew School, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a dynamic high school experience that emphasizes experiential education and hands-on learning. Founded over 20 years ago, Drew is renowned for its innovative curriculum that encourages active engagement and real-world problem-solving. The school’s vibrant campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic amenities, fostering a well-rounded educational environment. With a strong commitment to equity, social impact, and personal growth, Drew School prepares students to become confident, empathetic leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.

#32 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Lycée Français de San Francisco
Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF), with campuses in San Francisco and Marin, offers a premier bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. Established as a leading French immersion school, LFSF combines rigorous academics with a multicultural environment, preparing students to excel in both the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The school’s vibrant community embraces over 50 nationalities and 30 languages, fostering a global perspective and deep cultural understanding. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to nurturing adaptable, innovative thinkers, LFSF equips students to make meaningful contributions to an ever-changing world.

#33 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Bishop O'Dowd High School
Bishop O’Dowd High School, located in Oakland, CA, offers a holistic educational experience that nurtures students to discover their potential and make a meaningful impact in the world. Established in 1951, O’Dowd is known for its rigorous academic programs, including a wide array of courses in Humanities, STEM, Religious Studies, and the Arts. The school’s vibrant campus features a unique 4-acre Living Lab, which supports environmental education and hands-on learning. With celebrated co-curricular opportunities spanning athletics, visual and performing arts, and student-led clubs, Bishop O’Dowd High School provides a dynamic environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

#34 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School
Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, located in the charming city of Alameda, CA, offers a dynamic and rigorous college preparatory education within a faith-filled and diverse community. Established in 1881, the school has a rich history of nurturing students to become confident, open-minded leaders who are ready to live lives of faith, scholarship, and service. The beautiful tree-lined campus provides a warm and nurturing environment, where students engage in a wide array of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. With a strong emphasis on justice, equity, and community service, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School prepares students to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to the world.

#35 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Living Wisdom School of Palo Alto
Living Wisdom School of Palo Alto, with campuses in Palo Alto, CA, offers a unique K-12 education based on the Education for Life philosophy. This holistic approach emphasizes intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth, ensuring that each student is seen as a unique individual with their own strengths and interests. The school’s curriculum includes personalized learning plans, project-based learning, and experiential education, fostering a deep love for learning and personal development. With a supportive and joyful community, Living Wisdom School prepares students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, compassion, and creativity.

#36 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Saint Francis High School
Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, CA, is a distinguished coeducational Catholic institution rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Saint Francis provides a diverse curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, honors classes, and unique electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The school boasts over 80 clubs and activities, ranging from robotics and speech and debate to music ensembles and community service, fostering a vibrant and engaging student life. With a strong emphasis on faith, leadership, and social justice, Saint Francis High School nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to excel in college and make a positive impact in the world.

#37 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, located in the heart of San Francisco, CA, is a renowned Catholic high school with a rich history dating back to the 1850s. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. SHC’s vibrant campus life features a wide array of clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities, ensuring students have a well-rounded and engaging high school experience. With a strong emphasis on faith, service, and leadership, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory prepares students to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

#38 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Terra Schools
Terra Schools in San Francisco offer a progressive and immersive educational experience from preschool through 8th grade. Located in the Richmond District, Terra Schools combine early language immersion in Mandarin or Spanish with a nature-based curriculum, ensuring students develop fluency and a deep appreciation for the environment. The school’s innovative Earth Education program includes weekly outdoor excursions, where students learn leadership and social-emotional skills through hands-on exploration and unstructured discovery. With a strong focus on project-based learning and social-emotional development, Terra Schools prepare students to become curious, compassionate, and confident global citizens.

#39 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

BASIS Independent Fremont
BASIS Independent Fremont, situated in the vibrant city of Fremont, CA, offers a world-class education from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous and globally benchmarked curriculum, the school combines advanced STEM offerings with a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. The two beautiful campuses—Lower School on Kearney Street and Upper School on Mission Boulevard—provide state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic learning environment. With a commitment to fostering self-reliance, accountability, and a love for learning, BASIS Independent Fremont prepares students to excel in top colleges and universities worldwide.

#40 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Pacific Bay Christian School
Pacific Bay Christian School, located in the scenic coastal town of Pacifica, CA, offers a comprehensive education grounded in Christian values. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, including 17 AP courses and over 60 electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for college and beyond. The 37-acre campus provides a serene and supportive environment, featuring unique outdoor education activities such as surfing, archery, and skateboarding. With a strong focus on spiritual formation and character development, Pacific Bay Christian School nurtures students to become self-reliant, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact in the world.