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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#51 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Mount Tamalpais School
Mount Tamalpais School, located in the picturesque town of Mill Valley, CA, offers a comprehensive K-8 education that emphasizes academic excellence and personal growth. Founded in 1976, the school is dedicated to fostering a love of learning through a vigorous, creative, and process-driven curriculum. Students benefit from a unique educational approach where they move between specialized subject classrooms, keeping energy levels high and engagement strong. With a strong focus on kindness, integrity, respect, and self-reliance, Mount Tamalpais School prepares students to excel academically while remaining young at heart, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a nurturing and dynamic educational environment.

#52 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Carondelet High School
Carondelet High School, located in Concord, CA, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic institution founded in 1965 by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The school is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives that prepare students for higher education and beyond. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation and the Cannon Wellness Center, fostering an environment that supports both academic and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on leadership, community service, and social justice, Carondelet High School empowers young women to become confident, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact in the world.

#53 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Valley Christian Schools
Valley Christian Schools in Dublin, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, the school provides a wide range of advanced courses and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic and engaging learning environment. With a strong emphasis on developing purpose-driven individuals, Valley Christian Schools prepare students to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

#54 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

St. Mary's College High School
St. Mary’s College High School, located in Berkeley, CA, is a historic Catholic institution founded in 1863 by Archbishop Joseph Alemany. Known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and honors classes, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The 13-acre 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 community, diversity, and service, St. Mary’s College High School nurtures students to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners.

#55 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Salesian College Preparatory
Salesian College Preparatory, located in Richmond, CA, is a renowned Catholic co-educational high school dedicated to academic excellence and holistic development. Established in 1927, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and honors classes, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The 21-acre 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, community service, and leadership, Salesian College Preparatory nurtures students to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#56 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Tessellations School
Tessellations School, located in Cupertino, CA, offers a unique and challenging educational experience tailored for gifted learners from preschool through 8th grade. Founded with a focus on experiential and project-based learning, the school nurtures individual strengths and encourages deep exploration of subjects through integrated humanities and science curricula known as “Journeys.” The beautiful campus includes a dedicated Nature Campus, where students engage in outdoor education, fostering a strong connection to the environment. With a commitment to social-emotional learning and a supportive community, Tessellations School empowers students to confidently express themselves and pursue meaningful lives.

#57 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Redwood Christian Schools
Redwood Christian Schools, located in Castro Valley, CA, offers a Christ-centered education for students from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Established in 1970, the school is dedicated to equipping students for daily living and eternal life through a rigorous academic curriculum and a variety of enrichment programs. The two campuses—an elementary campus in Castro Valley and a middle/high school campus in San Lorenzo—provide state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic and engaging learning environment. With a strong emphasis on Christian values, community service, and personal growth, Redwood Christian Schools prepare students to excel academically and develop into compassionate leaders.

#58 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

California Crosspoint Academy
California Crosspoint Academy, located in Hayward, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, the school has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence twice, in 2003 and 2016. The 59,000 sq. ft. campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including new buildings for sports and performing arts, providing a dynamic environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on character development, community service, and preparing students for college and beyond, California Crosspoint Academy is an excellent choice for families seeking a nurturing and challenging educational experience.

#59 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

De La Salle High School
De La Salle High School, located in Concord, CA, is a premier all-boys Catholic institution renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and strong emphasis on personal development. Founded in 1965, the school is deeply rooted in the Lasallian tradition, focusing on academic excellence, faith formation, and social justice. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, honors classes, and extracurricular activities, including nationally recognized athletic programs. With a commitment to fostering leadership, community service, and respect for the individual, De La Salle High School prepares young men to excel in college and beyond, becoming compassionate and responsible leaders.

#60 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Mid-Peninsula High School
Mid-Peninsula High School, located in Menlo Park, CA, offers a personalized and inclusive college-preparatory education for students in grades 9-12. Established in 1979, the school is known for its flexible academic programs that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring each student can thrive. The vibrant campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and a gym, providing a dynamic environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on community, creativity, and personal growth, Mid-Peninsula High School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

#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.