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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#61 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Contra Costa Christian Schools
Contra Costa Christian Schools, located in Walnut Creek, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1978, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The beautiful eight-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With a strong emphasis on community, character development, and preparing students for college and beyond, Contra Costa Christian Schools is an excellent choice for families seeking a well-rounded and faith-based education.

#62 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Mountain View Academy
Mountain View Academy, located in Mountain View, CA, is a distinguished Christian college-preparatory high school affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Established in 1922, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education and lifelong success. The campus features modern facilities, including a gymnasium and specialized classrooms, creating an environment conducive to both academic and extracurricular excellence. With a strong emphasis on faith, community service, and personal growth, Mountain View Academy nurtures students to become compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens.

#63 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Junipero Serra High School
Junipero Serra High School, located in San Mateo, CA, is a prestigious all-boys Catholic college preparatory institution founded in 1944. 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 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, leadership, and community service, Junipero Serra High School nurtures young men to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#64 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Presidio Knolls School
Presidio Knolls School, located in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a progressive Mandarin immersion education from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 2008, the school combines a child-centered, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach with rigorous academics, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deep love for learning. The curriculum is designed around Units of Exploration, integrating subjects like English, Chinese, literacy, science, math, and social studies through hands-on, project-based learning. With a strong emphasis on social-emotional development and global citizenship, Presidio Knolls School prepares students to become confident, engaged, and compassionate leaders in an interconnected world.

#65 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Peninsula School
Peninsula School, nestled on a beautiful 6.6-acre campus in Menlo Park, CA, offers a unique and progressive education for students from nursery through 8th grade. Established in 1925, the school emphasizes intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth through its non-competitive, hands-on learning environment. With a rich array of specialist-led programs in fine arts, music, and outdoor education, students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop a lifelong love of learning. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Peninsula School nurtures compassionate, confident individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

#66 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Apostles Lutheran School
Apostles Lutheran School, located in San Jose, CA, offers a well-rounded and comprehensive education for students from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, the school provides a variety of Advanced Placement courses and enrichment programs that challenge students academically and foster personal growth. The beautiful campus features modern facilities and hosts a popular eight-week summer activity camp, as well as a free one-week Vacation Bible School, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. With a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community engagement, Apostles Lutheran School prepares students to excel in higher education and beyond.

#67 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Mercy High School
Mercy High School in Burlingame, CA, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic institution set in the historic and picturesque Kohl Mansion. Established over 90 years ago, Mercy is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, as well as a nationally recognized Visual and Performing Arts program. The school’s vibrant community fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and tradition, encouraging students to explore their passions through numerous extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. With a commitment to faith, values, and holistic development, Mercy High School prepares young women to excel academically and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

#68 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sterne School
Sterne School, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a unique and personalized educational experience for students in grades 4-12. Known for its strengths-based program, Sterne tailors its curriculum to meet the individual learning profiles of each student, fostering both academic and personal growth. The school’s college preparatory program emphasizes autonomy and critical thinking, while providing the necessary support to ensure every student thrives. With a vibrant community and a commitment to joyful learning, Sterne School prepares students to excel in higher education and beyond.

#69 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, located in Palo Alto, CA, offers a vibrant and enriching education for students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school combines rigorous academics with Jewish values, fostering intellectual curiosity, ethical growth, and a strong sense of community. The curriculum includes innovative project-based learning experiences, such as the “Ir Shalom” project, where students design and build a peaceful Jewish city, integrating lessons in architecture, community, and social services. With a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School prepares students to excel academically and become impactful leaders in their communities and beyond.

#70 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Marin Christian Academy
Marin Christian Academy, located in Novato, CA, offers a nurturing and faith-centered education for students from preschool through 12th grade. Established over 40 years ago, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and character development, providing a challenging and diverse curriculum that fosters critical thinking and a love of learning. The beautiful campus features modern facilities and a variety of enrichment activities, including music, art, technology, sports, and student government, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. With a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and community involvement, Marin Christian Academy prepares students to become compassionate, confident, and successful individuals.

#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.