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.

#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.