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

#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.

#21 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School, located in Westlake Village, CA, is a premier co-educational college-preparatory institution serving grades 4-12. Established in 2000, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique programs in arts, engineering, and global leadership. The 25-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and the Bedrosian Pavilion for performing arts, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on faith, character development, and community service, Oaks Christian School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#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.

#22 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, is a prestigious Catholic all-girls day and boarding high school founded in 1931 by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Nestled on a stunning 41-acre campus near the San Gabriel Mountains, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with 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, a gymnasium, an aerobics room, and a multipurpose athletic field, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on faith, community service, and personal growth, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy prepares young women to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#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.

#23 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Brentwood School
Brentwood School, located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, is a top-tier independent co-educational K-12 day school known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, innovative class projects, and independent studies through the Brentwood Center for Innovation and Learning (BCIL). The beautiful dual-campus setting features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. With a strong emphasis on community, creativity, and leadership, Brentwood School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#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.

#24 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Elite Open School
Elite Open School, located in Rowland Heights, CA, offers a cutting-edge blended learning experience for students in grades K-12. Established in 2016, the school is known for its personalized approach to education, providing a diverse range of UC-approved college prep, honors, Advanced Placement, and dual credit courses. The innovative curriculum leverages technology, including AI-augmented math and science supplements, to ensure students achieve mastery in their subjects. With a strong emphasis on flexibility, academic rigor, and individual passions, Elite Open School prepares students for college and beyond, fostering a love for lifelong learning.

#25 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Pacific Academy - Irvine
Pacific Academy, located in Irvine, CA, offers an innovative and personalized K-12 education that emphasizes applied and project-based learning. Known for its rigorous academic programs, the school provides a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities and a robust Chinese Immersion program, fostering a dynamic and multicultural learning environment. With a strong focus on character development, community service, and individual passions, Pacific Academy prepares students to excel academically and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#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.