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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#1 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Nueva School
The Nueva School, nestled in the picturesque hills of Hillsborough, CA, is a beacon for gifted learners from Pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its innovative approach to education, Nueva emphasizes project-based learning, design thinking, and social-emotional development, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally intelligent and creative problem solvers. The school boasts a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a curriculum tailored to individual passions and strengths. With its stunning campuses, award-winning sustainability practices, and a community that fosters a love for lifelong learning, The Nueva School stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a holistic and forward-thinking education for their children.

#2 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Crystal Springs Uplands School
Crystal Springs Uplands School, located in the serene town of Hillsborough, CA, is a premier private institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant community. With a strong emphasis on both intellectual and personal growth, students are encouraged to explore their passions through a balanced curriculum that includes robust humanities and STEM courses, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a welcoming environment where every student can thrive and feel valued. Graduates of Crystal Springs Uplands School are well-prepared for top-tier colleges and universities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for their children.

#3 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Castilleja School
Castilleja School, located in the heart of Palo Alto, CA, is a distinguished all-girls institution that has been empowering young women since 1907. With a strong focus on academic excellence and personal growth, Castilleja fosters an environment where students become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders. The school’s unique blend of rigorous college preparatory programs and a supportive community ensures that each student can thrive both intellectually and emotionally. Known for its commitment to the 5 Cs—conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity—Castilleja prepares its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the world.

#4 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The College Preparatory School
The College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA, is a prestigious coeducational day school for grades 9-12, celebrated for its rigorous academics and vibrant community. Nestled in the Rockridge neighborhood, the school offers a dynamic curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing students for success in college and beyond. With a low student-teacher ratio and a faculty dedicated to personalized education, students receive the support and mentorship needed to excel. The school’s innovative programs, including hands-on STEM and social justice initiatives, provide real-world learning experiences that inspire students to make a meaningful impact.

#5 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Kehillah Jewish High School
Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, CA, is a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces students from diverse backgrounds. Known for its exceptional academic program, Kehillah combines rigorous college preparatory courses with a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and self-discovery. The school’s commitment to values such as empathy, creativity, and community is evident in every aspect of student life, from the classroom to extracurricular activities. With passionate educators and a dynamic curriculum, Kehillah prepares students to create extraordinary futures and make meaningful contributions to the world.

#6 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Head-Royce School
Perched in the scenic Oakland hills, Head-Royce School offers a transformative K-12 educational experience that blends academic rigor with a nurturing community. With a rich history dating back to 1887, the school is committed to cultivating lifelong learners who lead with joy, purpose, and compassion. The expansive 22-acre campus provides flexible learning spaces, supporting a dynamic curriculum that includes hands-on activities, innovative STEM programs, and a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities. Boasting an impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Head-Royce ensures personalized attention, preparing students to excel in college and beyond.

#7 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Menlo School
Menlo School in Atherton, CA, is an esteemed private institution that offers a dynamic and engaging educational experience for students in grades 6-12. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, Menlo provides a stimulating environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills. The school’s vibrant community is enriched by a wide array of extracurricular activities, including award-winning athletics and arts programs, ensuring a well-rounded education. Known for its supportive faculty and innovative curriculum, Menlo School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a top-tier education.

#8 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Quarry Lane School
The Quarry Lane School, located in Dublin and Pleasanton, CA, is a distinguished private institution offering a comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. With four campuses—Pleasanton East, Pleasanton West, Dublin West, and Dublin East—Quarry Lane provides a diverse and enriching learning environment. The school’s interdisciplinary approach emphasizes experiential learning and real-world problem-solving, integrating the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and advanced placement courses. Known for its supportive community and dedicated faculty, Quarry Lane ensures that each student is well-prepared for college and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking top-tier education.

#9 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Branson School
The Branson School, located in the charming town of Ross, CA, is a prestigious co-educational high school that offers a transformative educational experience for students in grades 9-12. Known for its rigorous academic programs and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Branson provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive both intellectually and personally. The school’s beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Tallant Science Center and the LEED Platinum-certified Student Commons, supporting a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement, Branson prepares its graduates for success in top-tier colleges and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a well-rounded education.

#10 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Marin Academy
Marin Academy, situated in the vibrant city of San Rafael, CA, offers an exceptional high school experience that blends rigorous academics with a commitment to experiential learning. Known for its innovative curriculum, Marin Academy encourages students to think critically, engage deeply with complex issues, and develop into compassionate global citizens. The school’s unique programs, such as the Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC) and the Transdisciplinary Leadership Program (TLP), provide students with opportunities to conduct college-level research and solve real-world problems. With a supportive community and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Marin Academy ensures personalized attention, preparing students for success in college and beyond.

#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.