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.

#11 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Chadwick School
Chadwick School, located on the picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula in CA, is a renowned independent K-12 day school founded in 1935. The school is celebrated for its rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The expansive 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on character development, global citizenship, and experiential learning, Chadwick School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities and beyond.

#11 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Harker School
The Harker School, located in San Jose, CA, is a top-tier private institution offering an unparalleled educational experience from preschool through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous academics and innovative curriculum, Harker provides students with countless opportunities to explore their passions through advanced placement courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school’s four campuses—Bucknall, Union, Blackford, and Saratoga—each offer state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic and enriching learning environment. With a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement, Harker prepares its students for success in college and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a well-rounded education.

#12 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Fairmont Preparatory Academy, located in Anaheim, CA, offers a unique and comprehensive college-preparatory education for students in grades 9-12. Known for its rigorous academic programs, the school provides a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, as well as specialized programs like the Advanced Science & Engineering Program (ASEP) and the International Business Program (IBP). The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on character development, community involvement, and preparing students for top universities, Fairmont Preparatory Academy is an excellent choice for families seeking a well-rounded and challenging education.

#12 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Urban School of San Francisco
Urban School of San Francisco, located adjacent to the iconic Golden Gate Park, is a forward-thinking college-preparatory high school that has been inspiring students since 1966. Known for its innovative academic programs, Urban employs block scheduling and integrated service learning to foster deep engagement and critical thinking. The school offers Urban Advanced Studies (UAS) classes, which provide college-level coursework, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on collaboration and active participation, Urban School creates a vibrant community where students can thrive both academically and personally.

#13 Best Private School in Los Angeles

The Buckley School
The Buckley School, located in Sherman Oaks, CA, is a prestigious K-12 co-educational day school founded in 1933. Renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, Buckley offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The beautiful 18-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on the Four-Fold Plan of Education—academics, arts, athletics, and moral education—The Buckley School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#13 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Athenian School
The Athenian School, nestled at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA, offers an exceptional boarding and day school experience for students in grades 6-12. Founded in 1965, Athenian is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to experiential learning, including the unique Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE), which challenges students to develop resilience and leadership skills through outdoor adventures. The school’s 75-acre campus provides a stunning backdrop for a vibrant educational community that encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and global citizenship, Athenian prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

#14 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Woodside Priory School
Woodside Priory School, nestled in the serene hills of Portola Valley, CA, offers an exceptional boarding and day school experience for students in grades 6-12. As the only boarding school in Silicon Valley, Priory provides a unique blend of rigorous academics and Benedictine values, fostering a balanced and meaningful education. The school’s expansive 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly renovated boarding facility, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from competitive athletics to a vibrant performing arts program. With a strong emphasis on community, individuality, and ethical leadership, Woodside Priory prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a holistic and enriching educational environment.

#14 Best Private School in Los Angeles

TVT Community Day School
TVT Community Day School, located in Irvine, CA, is a top-ranked independent Jewish school offering a comprehensive education from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to character development, TVT provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive both intellectually and ethically. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, arts studios, and athletic fields, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With a strong emphasis on innovation, community, and Jewish values, TVT Community Day School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

#15 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco University High School
San Francisco University High School, located in the vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood, offers an exceptional college-preparatory education that emphasizes intellectual challenge and personal growth. Established in 1975, the school is known for its innovative programs, including the nationally recognized Summerbridge program and the unique Independent Study opportunities that allow students to pursue self-directed learning. The campus features historic architecture by Julia Morgan, state-of-the-art STEM labs, and the newly opened Paul Goode Field in the Presidio, providing a rich environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement, San Francisco University High School prepares students to become thoughtful leaders and compassionate global citizens.

#15 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Oakwood School
Oakwood School, located in North Hollywood, CA, is a prestigious independent K-12 institution known for its rich history and commitment to academic excellence since its founding in 1951. The school offers a dynamic curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and innovative programs in arts, sciences, and humanities, fostering intellectual curiosity and creativity. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on community, diversity, and personal growth, Oakwood School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.