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.

#1 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School, located in Los Angeles, CA, is a prestigious independent co-educational university preparatory day school with a rich history dating back to 1900. The school spans two campuses: the Middle School in Holmby Hills and the Upper School in Studio City, offering a rigorous academic curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses. The state-of-the-art facilities feature modern science labs, performing arts centers, athletic fields, and a newly renovated library, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. With a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community service, Harvard-Westlake School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

#1 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The Nueva School
The Nueva School, nestled in the picturesque hills of Hillsborough, CA, is a beacon for gifted learners from Pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its innovative approach to education, Nueva emphasizes project-based learning, design thinking, and social-emotional development, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally intelligent and creative problem solvers. The school boasts a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a curriculum tailored to individual passions and strengths. With its stunning campuses, award-winning sustainability practices, and a community that fosters a love for lifelong learning, The Nueva School stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a holistic and forward-thinking education for their children.

#2 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Crystal Springs Uplands School
Crystal Springs Uplands School, located in the serene town of Hillsborough, CA, is a premier private institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant community. With a strong emphasis on both intellectual and personal growth, students are encouraged to explore their passions through a balanced curriculum that includes robust humanities and STEM courses, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a welcoming environment where every student can thrive and feel valued. Graduates of Crystal Springs Uplands School are well-prepared for top-tier colleges and universities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for their children.

#2 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Flintridge Preparatory School
Flintridge Preparatory School, located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, is a highly esteemed coeducational day school serving grades 7-12. Founded in 1933, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and a two-story library, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on community, integrity, and personal growth, Flintridge Preparatory School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, nurturing well-rounded and responsible individuals.

#3 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Castilleja School
Castilleja School, located in the heart of Palo Alto, CA, is a distinguished all-girls institution that has been empowering young women since 1907. With a strong focus on academic excellence and personal growth, Castilleja fosters an environment where students become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders. The school’s unique blend of rigorous college preparatory programs and a supportive community ensures that each student can thrive both intellectually and emotionally. Known for its commitment to the 5 Cs—conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity—Castilleja prepares its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the world.

#3 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Windward School
Windward School, located in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, is a dynamic college-preparatory institution serving students in grades 7-12. Founded in 1971, the school is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, which includes a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The 9.5-acre campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic fields, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on community, collaboration, and personal growth, Windward School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#4 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Polytechnic School
Polytechnic School, located in Pasadena, CA, is a prestigious independent K-12 institution with a rich history dating back to 1907. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Poly offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and unique electives across its Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, providing an exceptional environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a strong emphasis on creativity, community service, and personal growth, Polytechnic School prepares students to excel in higher education and become compassionate, responsible leaders.

#4 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

The College Preparatory School
The College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA, is a prestigious coeducational day school for grades 9-12, celebrated for its rigorous academics and vibrant community. Nestled in the Rockridge neighborhood, the school offers a dynamic curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing students for success in college and beyond. With a low student-teacher ratio and a faculty dedicated to personalized education, students receive the support and mentorship needed to excel. The school’s innovative programs, including hands-on STEM and social justice initiatives, provide real-world learning experiences that inspire students to make a meaningful impact.

#5 Best Private School in Los Angeles

Sierra Canyon School
Sierra Canyon School, located in Chatsworth, CA, offers an exceptional Pre-K through 12th-grade education that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school provides a wide range of Advanced Placement and honors courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education. The expansive campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and top-tier athletic complexes, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. With a strong focus on community, innovation, and leadership, Sierra Canyon School empowers students to excel academically and become compassionate, responsible leaders in their communities.

#5 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Kehillah Jewish High School
Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, CA, is a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces students from diverse backgrounds. Known for its exceptional academic program, Kehillah combines rigorous college preparatory courses with a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and self-discovery. The school’s commitment to values such as empathy, creativity, and community is evident in every aspect of student life, from the classroom to extracurricular activities. With passionate educators and a dynamic curriculum, Kehillah prepares students to create extraordinary futures and make meaningful contributions to the world.