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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#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.

#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.