2024 Best Private K-12 Schools
2024 Best Private K-12 Schools
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#66 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Apostles Lutheran School
Apostles Lutheran School, located in San Jose, CA, offers a well-rounded and comprehensive education for students from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, the school provides a variety of Advanced Placement courses and enrichment programs that challenge students academically and foster personal growth. The beautiful campus features modern facilities and hosts a popular eight-week summer activity camp, as well as a free one-week Vacation Bible School, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. With a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community engagement, Apostles Lutheran School prepares students to excel in higher education and beyond.

#67 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Mercy High School
Mercy High School in Burlingame, CA, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic institution set in the historic and picturesque Kohl Mansion. Established over 90 years ago, Mercy is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, as well as a nationally recognized Visual and Performing Arts program. The school’s vibrant community fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and tradition, encouraging students to explore their passions through numerous extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. With a commitment to faith, values, and holistic development, Mercy High School prepares young women to excel academically and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

#68 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sterne School
Sterne School, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a unique and personalized educational experience for students in grades 4-12. Known for its strengths-based program, Sterne tailors its curriculum to meet the individual learning profiles of each student, fostering both academic and personal growth. The school’s college preparatory program emphasizes autonomy and critical thinking, while providing the necessary support to ensure every student thrives. With a vibrant community and a commitment to joyful learning, Sterne School prepares students to excel in higher education and beyond.

#69 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, located in Palo Alto, CA, offers a vibrant and enriching education for students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school combines rigorous academics with Jewish values, fostering intellectual curiosity, ethical growth, and a strong sense of community. The curriculum includes innovative project-based learning experiences, such as the “Ir Shalom” project, where students design and build a peaceful Jewish city, integrating lessons in architecture, community, and social services. With a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School prepares students to excel academically and become impactful leaders in their communities and beyond.

#70 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Marin Christian Academy
Marin Christian Academy, located in Novato, CA, offers a nurturing and faith-centered education for students from preschool through 12th grade. Established over 40 years ago, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and character development, providing a challenging and diverse curriculum that fosters critical thinking and a love of learning. The beautiful campus features modern facilities and a variety of enrichment activities, including music, art, technology, sports, and student government, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. With a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and community involvement, Marin Christian Academy prepares students to become compassionate, confident, and successful individuals.

#71 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco Christian School
San Francisco Christian School, located in the heart of San Francisco, CA, offers a comprehensive Christian education for students from preschool through 12th grade. Established in 1971, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, such as Bible studies, English, math, science, history, physical education, art, and music, ensuring a well-rounded education. With a strong emphasis on community service, character development, and preparing students for college and beyond, San Francisco Christian School is an excellent choice for families seeking a faith-based and academically rigorous education.

#72 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Palo Alto Preparatory School
Palo Alto Preparatory School, located in Mountain View, CA, offers a personalized and supportive educational environment for students in grades 8-12. Founded in 1984, the school is dedicated to serving complex learners, including those who are neurodivergent, school-avoidant, or experiencing social anxiety, ensuring they feel safe and accepted. The curriculum includes unique electives such as rock climbing, scuba diving, and aviation, providing students with immersive learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. With a strong emphasis on individual strengths, personal growth, and a close-knit community, Palo Alto Preparatory School prepares students to thrive academically and personally, ready to take on the challenges of higher education and beyond.

#73 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, located in the Sunset District of San Francisco, CA, is a prestigious Catholic institution with a rich history dating back to 1855. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The beautiful 11.4-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center, creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment. With a strong emphasis on Jesuit values of faith, service, and leadership, St. Ignatius College Preparatory nurtures students to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#74 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Marin Catholic High School
Marin Catholic High School, located in Kentfield, CA, is a prestigious co-educational Catholic institution founded in 1949. Known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The beautiful 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, knowledge, and service, Marin Catholic High School nurtures students to become compassionate and responsible leaders in their communities.

#75 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Averroes Institute
Averroes Institute, located in Fremont, CA, is a distinguished private Islamic high school dedicated to providing a holistic, college-preparatory education. Founded in 2010, the school integrates rigorous academics with Islamic studies, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes a variety of Advanced Placement courses and opportunities for students to earn college credits through local community colleges, ensuring they are well-prepared for higher education. With a strong emphasis on community, moral development, and personalized learning, Averroes Institute nurtures responsible, compassionate young adults ready to excel in college and beyond.

#36 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Saint Francis High School
Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, CA, is a distinguished coeducational Catholic institution rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Saint Francis provides a diverse curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, honors classes, and unique electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The school boasts over 80 clubs and activities, ranging from robotics and speech and debate to music ensembles and community service, fostering a vibrant and engaging student life. With a strong emphasis on faith, leadership, and social justice, Saint Francis High School nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to excel in college and make a positive impact in the world.

#37 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, located in the heart of San Francisco, CA, is a renowned Catholic high school with a rich history dating back to the 1850s. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. SHC’s vibrant campus life features a wide array of clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities, ensuring students have a well-rounded and engaging high school experience. With a strong emphasis on faith, service, and leadership, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory prepares students to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

#38 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Terra Schools
Terra Schools in San Francisco offer a progressive and immersive educational experience from preschool through 8th grade. Located in the Richmond District, Terra Schools combine early language immersion in Mandarin or Spanish with a nature-based curriculum, ensuring students develop fluency and a deep appreciation for the environment. The school’s innovative Earth Education program includes weekly outdoor excursions, where students learn leadership and social-emotional skills through hands-on exploration and unstructured discovery. With a strong focus on project-based learning and social-emotional development, Terra Schools prepare students to become curious, compassionate, and confident global citizens.

#39 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

BASIS Independent Fremont
BASIS Independent Fremont, situated in the vibrant city of Fremont, CA, offers a world-class education from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Renowned for its rigorous and globally benchmarked curriculum, the school combines advanced STEM offerings with a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. The two beautiful campuses—Lower School on Kearney Street and Upper School on Mission Boulevard—provide state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic learning environment. With a commitment to fostering self-reliance, accountability, and a love for learning, BASIS Independent Fremont prepares students to excel in top colleges and universities worldwide.

#40 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Pacific Bay Christian School
Pacific Bay Christian School, located in the scenic coastal town of Pacifica, CA, offers a comprehensive education grounded in Christian values. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, including 17 AP courses and over 60 electives, ensuring students are well-prepared for college and beyond. The 37-acre campus provides a serene and supportive environment, featuring unique outdoor education activities such as surfing, archery, and skateboarding. With a strong focus on spiritual formation and character development, Pacific Bay Christian School nurtures students to become self-reliant, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact in the world.

#41 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Presentation High School
Presentation High School, located in San Jose, CA, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic institution dedicated to providing a transformative college preparatory education. Established in 1962 and run by the Sisters of the Presentation, the school fosters intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social growth within a supportive and inclusive community. Presentation High School offers a diverse range of over 60 clubs, teams, and programs, including a nationally recognized Robotics Club, ensuring students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. With a strong emphasis on faith, justice, and leadership, Presentation High School prepares young women to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to society.

#42 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Almaden Country Day School
Almaden Country Day School, located in San Jose, CA, offers a joyful and balanced educational experience for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. With a philosophy of discovering the unique gifts in every child, ACDS combines rigorous academics with a wide range of enrichment programs, including art, music, theater, hands-on science, and world languages. The school’s beautiful campus provides a nurturing environment where children can thrive both intellectually and emotionally. Committed to social-emotional learning and character development, Almaden Country Day School prepares students to excel in high school, college, and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

#43 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

San Francisco High School of the Arts
San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts), uniquely situated just steps from Golden Gate Park, offers an unparalleled education for students in grades 6 through 12. As the only private arts school in the Bay Area, HSArts integrates intensive arts training with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, allowing students to excel both artistically and academically. The school provides specialized programs in dance, music, visual arts, media arts, fashion design, and musical theatre, fostering creativity and discipline. With a strong emphasis on character development and individualized support, San Francisco High School of the Arts prepares students to pursue their passions and succeed in top universities and beyond.

#44 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Moreau Catholic High School
Moreau Catholic High School, located in Hayward, CA, offers a transformative college-preparatory education rooted in the values of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Known for its rigorous academic programs, the school provides a diverse curriculum that includes 22 Honors and 24 Advanced Placement courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including art studios, a dance studio, a theater, and a newly renovated gym, creating an inspiring environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on faith, community service, and personal growth, Moreau Catholic High School nurtures students to become responsible and compassionate leaders in a global society.

#45 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Maybeck High School
Maybeck High School, located in Berkeley, CA, offers a unique and personalized college-preparatory education for students in grades 9-12. Known for its small class sizes and seminar-style teaching, Maybeck fosters a close-knit community where students are encouraged to explore their intellectual and creative passions. The school’s vibrant curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, from rigorous academics to arts and outdoor education, ensuring a well-rounded experience. With a strong emphasis on individuality and community, Maybeck High School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, cultivating critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.