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

#31 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Drew School
Drew School, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a dynamic high school experience that emphasizes experiential education and hands-on learning. Founded over 20 years ago, Drew is renowned for its innovative curriculum that encourages active engagement and real-world problem-solving. The school’s vibrant campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic amenities, fostering a well-rounded educational environment. With a strong commitment to equity, social impact, and personal growth, Drew School prepares students to become confident, empathetic leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.

#32 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Lycée Français de San Francisco
Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF), with campuses in San Francisco and Marin, offers a premier bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. Established as a leading French immersion school, LFSF combines rigorous academics with a multicultural environment, preparing students to excel in both the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The school’s vibrant community embraces over 50 nationalities and 30 languages, fostering a global perspective and deep cultural understanding. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to nurturing adaptable, innovative thinkers, LFSF equips students to make meaningful contributions to an ever-changing world.

#33 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Bishop O'Dowd High School
Bishop O’Dowd High School, located in Oakland, CA, offers a holistic educational experience that nurtures students to discover their potential and make a meaningful impact in the world. Established in 1951, O’Dowd is known for its rigorous academic programs, including a wide array of courses in Humanities, STEM, Religious Studies, and the Arts. The school’s vibrant campus features a unique 4-acre Living Lab, which supports environmental education and hands-on learning. With celebrated co-curricular opportunities spanning athletics, visual and performing arts, and student-led clubs, Bishop O’Dowd High School provides a dynamic environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

#34 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School
Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, located in the charming city of Alameda, CA, offers a dynamic and rigorous college preparatory education within a faith-filled and diverse community. Established in 1881, the school has a rich history of nurturing students to become confident, open-minded leaders who are ready to live lives of faith, scholarship, and service. The beautiful tree-lined campus provides a warm and nurturing environment, where students engage in a wide array of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. With a strong emphasis on justice, equity, and community service, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School prepares students to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to the world.

#35 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Living Wisdom School of Palo Alto
Living Wisdom School of Palo Alto, with campuses in Palo Alto, CA, offers a unique K-12 education based on the Education for Life philosophy. This holistic approach emphasizes intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth, ensuring that each student is seen as a unique individual with their own strengths and interests. The school’s curriculum includes personalized learning plans, project-based learning, and experiential education, fostering a deep love for learning and personal development. With a supportive and joyful community, Living Wisdom School prepares students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, compassion, and creativity.

#16 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Lick-Wilmerding High School
Lick-Wilmerding High School, located in the vibrant Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco, CA, is a unique private institution with a strong public purpose. The school is renowned for its commitment to developing the head, heart, and hands of its students, blending rigorous academics with hands-on learning and community engagement. Through programs like the Public Purpose Program and the Center for Civic Engagement, students are empowered to address pressing social issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities. With a bustling campus that offers a wide range of clubs, activities, and state-of-the-art facilities, Lick-Wilmerding provides an enriching environment where students can thrive and become compassionate leaders.

#16 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Vistamar School
Vistamar School, located in El Segundo, CA, offers an innovative and dynamic education for students in grades 9-12. Founded with a commitment to rethinking traditional high school education, Vistamar provides a rigorous academic curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The 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 diversity, global consciousness, and community engagement, Vistamar School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#17 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Khan Lab School
Khan Lab School, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a groundbreaking K-12 educational experience that redefines traditional learning. Founded by Sal Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy, the school emphasizes mastery-based learning, where students progress at their own pace and demonstrate competence before moving on. With campuses in Palo Alto and Mountain View, Khan Lab School integrates personalized learning plans, mixed-age classrooms, and project-based learning to foster a deep understanding and love for learning. The school’s innovative approach, combined with a strong focus on social-emotional development, prepares students to become self-directed, curious, and collaborative leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

#17 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Marymount High School
Marymount High School, located in the prestigious Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, is an esteemed independent Catholic all-girls college-preparatory school. Founded in 1923, the school is dedicated to empowering young women through a rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives that foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The historic campus, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, provides an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits, including robust arts and athletics programs. With a strong emphasis on leadership, community service, and personal growth, Marymount High School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#18 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Convent & Stuart Hall
Convent & Stuart Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a unique blend of single-sex and coeducational learning environments rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition. Established in 1887, this historic institution provides a comprehensive K-12 education that emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school’s modern facilities include state-of-the-art makerspaces, theaters, and gyms, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With a strong focus on discovery, justice, and transformation, Convent & Stuart Hall prepares students to become thoughtful, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact on the world.

#18 Best Private School in Los Angeles

St. Margaret's Episcopal School
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, located in San Juan Capistrano, CA, is a premier independent college-preparatory day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1979, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives that foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The beautiful 25-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on leadership, community service, and personal growth, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#19 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton, located on a stunning 63-acre campus in Atherton, CA, offers a holistic education from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1898, this prestigious Catholic institution is dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth of its students through a rigorous academic curriculum and a commitment to service learning. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple athletic fields, performing arts venues, and a working farm and garden, providing a dynamic environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on community, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, Sacred Heart Schools Atherton prepares students to excel in college and beyond, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching education.

#19 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Campbell Hall
Campbell Hall, located in Studio City, CA, is a prestigious independent Episcopal K-12 day school known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. Founded in 1944, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and innovative programs in arts, sciences, and humanities, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The 15-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and the Spielberg Family Arts and Education Center, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on community, diversity, and personal growth, Campbell Hall prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#20 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, with campuses in Sunnyvale and San Jose, offers an exceptional K-12 education that is globally recognized for its academic rigor and innovative curriculum. The school emphasizes a liberal arts and sciences education, integrating advanced STEM offerings and a mastery-based learning approach that prepares students to excel on the international stage. Students benefit from a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, unique Capstone projects, and a vibrant selection of over 90 clubs and athletic activities, fostering both intellectual and personal growth. Known for its impressive student outcomes, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduates are well-prepared for admission to the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a top-tier education.

#20 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Loyola High School of LA
Loyola High School of Los Angeles, located near downtown LA, is a prestigious all-boys Catholic Jesuit college preparatory institution with a rich history dating back to 1865. Renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, Loyola offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The expansive campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and the Hannon Theatre, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on faith, scholarship, service, and leadership, Loyola High School inspires young men to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.