2024 Best Private K-12 Schools
2024 Best Private K-12 Schools
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#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.

#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.

#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.

#6 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Sage Hill School
Sage Hill School, located in Newport Coast, CA, is a premier independent high school known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and innovative programs. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The beautiful 28-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and a recently renovated library designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on community, character development, and personal growth, Sage Hill School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#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.

#7 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Westridge School
Westridge School, located in Pasadena, CA, is a prestigious all-girls independent day school serving grades 4-12. Established in 1913, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum tailored to how girls learn best, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The picturesque campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, creating an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on leadership, community, and personal growth, Westridge School empowers young women to become confident, compassionate leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.

#8 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Marlborough School
Marlborough School, located in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, is the oldest independent girls’ school in Southern California, founded in 1889 by Mary Caswell. Renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, Marlborough offers a diverse range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The unified campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment. With a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community service, Marlborough School empowers young women to excel academically and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#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 Los Angeles

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, located in the vibrant urban area of Santa Monica, CA, offers a dynamic K-12 education that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Founded in 1971, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to social justice, providing a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and performance spaces, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong focus on community service, diversity, and holistic development, Crossroads School prepares students to excel academically and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#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 Los Angeles

The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools, nestled in the picturesque foothills of Claremont, CA, offer an exceptional boarding and day school experience for students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1922, Webb is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, which includes a wide range of Advanced Placement and unique Advanced Studies courses designed by Webb faculty. The expansive 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, the only accredited museum of its kind on a high school campus. With a strong emphasis on community, honor, and moral courage, The Webb Schools prepare students to excel academically and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities and beyond.

#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.