2023 Best Catholic Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Portola Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  72 reviews

Alum: Work Culture: Priory emphasizes balance. The people within this community care about your wellbeing and are more focused on creating great people than producing more robots who fuel Silicon Valley's toxic work culture. But, don't get me wrong, kids still care about academics a lot. For example, in one class, around fifteen kids got into ivy league schools and six kids got into Stanford. Social Life: Your social life is determined by who you hang out with and the general attitude of your class. Luckily, there were a lot of people in my class who loved to host parties or knew kids from other schools who were throwing parties. During my senior year, there were stretches where my friends and I were going to a party every weekend for eight weeks straight. Dating: Dating at Priory is pretty normal, but due to the small class sizes, it's pretty hard to keep your business private. Sports: Basketball, XC, and Girls Soccer are the strongest programs. Campus: Best in NorCal easily.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 382

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  82 reviews

Alum: Convent is a great school for college-driven students. Due to the small size of the school, you are able to have more opportunities to take advanced courses (AP/IB). These types of students have the ability to excel academically and receive all the support they need. In that regard, 10/10. Only reason I did not provide a five star review is due to a lot of the blatant favoritism to students who went to the school for all of their education (K-12) as opposed to students who joined in high school. Convent and Stuart Hall is an amazing institution all around.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  104 reviews

Sophomore: Sacred Heart Schools fosters a loving, challenging, and joyful environment for students to develop their passions and emerge as well-rounded young adults. There are opportunities for everyone, and the faculty is always ready to support the students with the abundance of resources in any way possible.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  212 reviews

Senior: I'm currently a rising senior at Bellarmine. So far my experience has had its ups and downs, but great nonetheless. My only complaint is the phone policy. Recently, as in start of 2021-2022, there was the introduction of a banning of phones during school hours. Students would get detentions if caught using their phones. The thing is, everyone used phones with little enforcement of the policy. Whoever made the policy probably thought that it would get people away from their technology, but it didn't, and it probably never will. Other than my one complaint, Bellarmine is a great school. But it isn't for everyone due to occasional masses (once every few months) and it being all dudes. We have sister schools, but it ultimately comes down to how social you are.... Read 212 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,643

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  250 reviews

Sophomore: My freshman year was better than I could have ever imagined it! Going to an all girls school may seem like a center for drama, but the community built there is wonderful. Everyone at the school is so nice and cares about you. The teachers are wonderful and are skilled at what they do. I definitely feel that I am getting the very best education that I could have here at ND. The classes aren’t too big, so you are really able to get a one on one experience within your classes. School spirit is big at ND, but also super fun. Spirit week at ND was amazing and made me feel proud to be a Regent at ND. I am so happy I chose to go to this school and grateful for all of the opportunities ND has provided me to become a woman of impact and a strong leader in my community.... Read 250 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  362 reviews

Sophomore: I love this school so much! Coming from a public middle school not as much funding, the teachers and education overall were not as great. The support from faculty here is amazing, and so is the community. When walking through the halls, you feel like these people around you will help you if you just ask. That sense of support is a necessity, especially in high school when most students feel alone. Here at SI, I can try new things even if I am terrified of the thought. This past year, I tried new sports, clubs, and even ran for student council! There are numerous new activities you can try out. If you think you will run out of things to try, that is where you are wrong. The campus is beautiful and HUGE. If you are looking for a wonderful college preparatory high school in the bay area, you should look into this one. Starting the school year online and during quarantine was tough, but the faculty was still very supportive and got us back in person as soon as they could.... Read 362 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,476

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  298 reviews

Junior: My experience at Saint Francis was very good. The academics, athletics, campus, religious aspect, and style of the Silicon Valley are what makes this school unique. Academics: the school offers plenty of honors and AP classes, and elective courses geared towards STEM, music, religion, and arts which are taught by nice and approachable teachers. Athletics: highly competitive sports led by very experienced coaches. For boys sports they are in the upper edge in WCAL division, rivaling BCP and AMHS, and girls are consistently extremely good, if not, the best. Campus: new and well maintained classrooms and athletic facilities, a high school that feels like a junior college. Religion: a Catholic school rooted in Holy Cross, students learn to bring hope, respect others, inspire integrity, and celebrate family. The student and faculty bodies are predominantly white but the school has welcomed and encouraged diversity through affinity groups (BSU, Fil-Am, Latinx, and Pride to name a few).... Read 298 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,755

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: My experience at Archbishop Mitty High School was great! The well-qualified teachers and thorough academics prepare us for college. From their sports teams to award-winning performing arts programs, you will always find Archbishop Mitty at the top. Aside from academics, the community is welcoming and inclusive. Their diverse clubs can help you discover or cultivate new interests. And, you can't forget the greatest night to be a Monarch- the Monarch Madness rally! I won't forget my experience at this school, these 4 years were completely worth it.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,768

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  204 reviews

Senior: Bishop O'Dowd is very good. Their emphasis on school pride, mental health, and the success of their students is very apparent. They have lots of resources in order for the students to be successful in whatever they want to pursue. There are also a lot of clubs and volunteer programs that help not just the school environment but the surrounding Oakland area. The school is clean, the teachers are mostly good, and the cafeteria food is very good. I will say that while our school is diverse, it is still somewhat cliguey. In addition, the cost of school keeps increasing and costs about 18k a year. They do however provide financial aid to those who apply and need it. The administration is top-tier and very kind. This school is also a private catholic school that has a dress code. However, over the years, they have gotten much milder. Polo or O'Dowd tops and yoga pants and jeans. Overall, it is mostly up to the student how much they want to integrate themselves into the school for success.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,243

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  248 reviews

Freshman: I love my experience at Presentation High School. The extracurriculars, including arts and sports, are all very strong and I felt included in everything I joined. The teachers are all passionate about their subjects and working to make sure we understand. Excited to spend the next three years of my life here!... Read 248 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  173 reviews

Alum: AP classes are rigorous and set you up for success in college-- there are test-ins meant to make sure that those who take it are ready, but can punish kids who aren't good at testing. STEM classes have nice lab tables, equipment, live animals, and access to chemicals. The VPA dpt is full of wonderful human beings (kids, but especially teachers). Though it's not competitive by any means, it's a great place that feels like family and can't recommend it enough! Funded well, too. College advising dpt does a great job at guiding kids through the college app process. Teachers are hit or miss, but most genuinely care about students as people and aim to help kids succeed. Very white and affluent, then Asian 2nd most. I never saw a real fight in all 4 years there, and freshmen aren't physically bullied unlike elsewhere (taunted a little though, but never brutally). Admin tries, but often stopped by the Archbishop, esp in regard to LGBTQ issues. Atmosphere non-hostile though.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,325

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Concord, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  288 reviews

Alum: I graduated last year from CHS and can confidently say that I took much of my time there for granted. With teachers that care for your well-being while also pushing you to perform, the welcoming yet competitive environment, classes structured to push you outside of your comfort zone, and a progressive administration designed to educate youth within Catholic values without forcing beliefs upon them — this school builds good people. This school builds successful individuals and prepares them to make the world a better place. This school means the world to me and always will. Go cougars!... Read 288 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Alameda, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  115 reviews

Alum: Over my four years at Saint Joseph Notre Dame, I felt that the school was a top tier high school in comparison to others. SJND has well prepped me for college academically and as a an overall person. The best characteristic of the school is the diversity and inclusiveness of all students. Regardless of each person's background, each student is treated equally and with respect. Another great quality of SJND is the academics as each person coming out of the school will receive a great education. The sports are pretty great, however there is no football team. Some of the cons of the school may include that some teachers are mediocre and the spending budget of the school can be questionable at times. However, my experience there was great overall!... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Belmont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: Notre Dame is a great Private All Girls Catholic School located in Belmont California. They have amazing teachers who will put your daughters learning above all else, the small classroom sizes help with that!... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 468

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Berkeley, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  230 reviews

Senior: Saint Mary's College High School is an excellent school that has helped me to progress as a person. Ever since touring the school in 8th grade, I fell in love with the campus because it really does feel like a college campus. Now, as a rising senior, I feel that I have grown in my academics, social life, and thinking skills. The teachers are always there for their students and the school itself feels like a welcoming community. They also offer many academic opportunities like A-block, allowing around an hour of time for students to go to different teachers to ask for help, as well as using that time for clubs. Saint Mary's College High School is also very diverse and provides an inclusive community for everyone!... Read 230 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 630

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Mateo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  325 reviews

Alum: I am a 1960 graduate of Serra High School of San Mateo, California, my brother graduated from Serra several years later, and my son also graduated from Serra. I have been involved in the school as a supporter for many years. I have gotten to know many members of the staff and many many successful graduates. For Serra to have been ignored, when many other schools which are similar (Archbishop Riordan, for example, is very similarly-situated, not really close academically or otherwise) were ranked and Serra was ignored is really inexcusable.... Read 325 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 872

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  208 reviews

Junior: Because the campus is so large, maintaining it is more important than ever. Although the façade is lovely, the courtyard can get overrun with rubbish when classes are in session. The school may not be the prettiest, the professors are fantastic. The students are very friendly, most of them, at least. Every school has that one nasty clique, but as long as you stay away from them, everything will be great. I was quite anxious as a freshman. However, I've had my happy times, and the school year will fly by if I have pals. In addition to the band and choir, we have some excellent sports teams. Our clubs are also enjoyable. With security patrolling the campus around-the-clock, it is extremely secure. Police are frequently checking things out on the drive. That's all, you won't be sorry for bringing your kid here.... Read 208 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 825

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Concord, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  92 reviews

Alum: Far from just a "football school". De La Salle prepares its students for future academic endeavors and for life in general. I have had more rigorous classes here than I did in college. De La Salle provides a well-rounded education based in Lasallian tradition, how to be a good person, do what is right, and to take care of each other. The Brotherhood extends to the entire student body, not just the athletes. Overall, the teachers are excellent. The only downfall of a De La Salle education is that the school shelters you from the evils you find elsewhere. For example, I did not experience racism or other forms of discrimination until I went to a California public university.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,050

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Kentfield, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  118 reviews

Senior: Marin Catholic offers a great community of people with invested teachers and an all-around quality education. Despite the name, one does not have to be religious to attend and will generally take 1 of 7 classes as Theology. There are numerous advanced courses and diverse electives to interest students. Sports and extracurriculars are great ways to meet new people both within one's own grade and outside it. MC campus ministry is also a great way to connect with one's faith and attend retreats which are easily the highlight of all my four years!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A

• Students 760

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  94 reviews

Alum: I really liked the diverse student population, the supportive nature of the students and faculty, and the small classroom environment. Holy Names offers a stellar experience for women in the Bay Area who are looking to focus on academics, develop their leadership skills, and make amazing connections with counselors and teachers. Before coming to Holy Names, I was terrible at math and science. Holy Names empowers women to go into STEM and offers fabulous math and science departments. I would say that my only criticism of the school is that the administration should try to build a connection with a local all-boys school. Girls here don't have a lot of social connections outside of school.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  126 reviews

Parent: My son is a sophomore at Archbishop Riordan and he absolutely loves school. As an all-boys school, the focus centers on guiding boys to become young men. There is a mandatory "frosh" skills class, where students learn skills such as shaking hands, balancing a checkbook, taxes, ironing a dress shirt, creating a resume, and more. The fact that Riordan is all-boys, means that the instruction targets specifically how they learn and the distractions faced at a co-ed school don't exist. Overall, we are so happy with the school and we highly recommend!... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Students 968

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Burlingame, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  115 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Mercy a few years back and have nothing but great memories from my time there. The friendships I made and still have, the teachers that helped me find the best path for me, and the many resources available to students to prepare us for college are just a few of the many reasons I enjoyed my years there. Because of the science classes I took, I pursued a degree in Chemistry and am currently in graduate school and would not be here today if it weren't for the teachers and curriculum at Mercy. Participating in student council allowed me to find my voice and am forever grateful for all of the opportunities that were given to us. I would highly recommend Mercy to all young women looking for a great and memorable four years!... Read 115 reviews

• grade A

• Students 425

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richmond, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  88 reviews

Alum: I attended Salesian College Preparatory only in my senior year and it was amid the pandemic. My previous school was closed due to lack of funds. To not compare with the old school, Salesian is one of the largest private high schools in Richmond, California. Classrooms are new, huge and well-equipped. Teachers to me are extremely helpful and well-prepared before each lesson/lecture. The whole year was remote but I was able to use provided resources to fulfill homework and extracurriculars. The exterior is nowhere to be complained about. I wish I attended Salesian throughout high school, even before Covid 19 hit.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Vallejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  133 reviews

Parent: St. Patrick-St. Vincent is an amazing place to be! I like the school because it has a close community, a college-prep environment, friendly faculties and staffs that encourage your student to be involved. The school also has an Augmented Reality Sandbox, which is a great tool for my kid who is interested in geology. And my kid also participates in the instrument class to develop his interest. Plus, the police station is right across the street that makes the school area a very safe place.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A

• Students 479

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  269 reviews

Senior: I am a senior currently in ICA and have been applying to colleges that I would like to attend. ICA has there super helpful college counselors that guide us in the right direction for what, how, where, and when we are supposed to submit these applications for our colleges. My experience that I have learned from the last 4 years that I've spent in this highschool were leadership skills, responsibility, and hard work. Leadership, to me, means being a role model. The type of role model that I want to be is to show courage, overcome challenges, and prioritize academics. It is not about being out front to be seen. It is more about having the valuable experience to offer others who may need encouragement to do their best and never give up. Furthermore, ICA has placed me in internships such as Salesforce, and Manatt Phelps & Philips. I used to work there to gain knowledge of the "real outside world" and understand how opportunities like this can work. ICA is great and fun just the way it is!... Read 269 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1