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

#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.