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2020 Best Catholic Schools in the San Francisco Bay AreaAbout this List

Explore the best Catholic schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 156
Best Schools
156 results

  1. Woodside Priory School

    • Private School
    • Portola Valley, CA
    • 6-12
    • 63 reviews
    #1 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: I love talking about my time at priory and I spend every summer working on campus at Mountain Camp Woodside.

    If you are looking for a small school where you will be known respected and valued; teachers that go out of their way to ensure your success; a strong arts program as well as incredible athletics: Priory is the place for YOU.

    Built on the values of Community Individuality Spirituality Integrity & Hospitality, there is support for every student, every interest, and every struggle. Our Monks are the foundation of our community. Their unconditional love and acceptance knows no borders. Their energy motivates every activity. Their patience allows them to listen with the ear of their heart.

    Priory prepared me for hard pre-med classes. If you are considering Priory, you are considering an amazing college predatory school, community, and an alma matter you won't regret!

    If you don't believe me, watch my video: www.priory48.com/happy

    Chris Gregory ‘14
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 382 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Bellarmine College Preparatory

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 186 reviews
    #2 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: Attending Bellarmine was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has excellent teachers, fantastic athletics, a wonderful campus--all the things that you'd expect of a school of its caliber. But what makes Bellarmine really special--what makes it truly unique from other high schools--is the profoundly deep and enduring sense of brotherhood you develop while attending. I know for a fact that because I went to Bellarmine, I've learned incredibly valuable lessons from some of the best educators the country has to offer, I've taken part in some of the most exhilarating sports experiences I'll ever have, and I've been prepared for college at a level that's significantly beyond that of my current classmates. But more than that, I know I've made lifelong friends with whom I can spend time with and enjoy for decades to come. As always, Go Bells.
    Read 186 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,643 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

    • Private School
    • Atherton, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 97 reviews
    #3 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: I attended Sacred Heart Schools from 2016-2019. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed every second of it. There are tons of extracurriculars if you're a sports person, and the robotics team is pretty good this year. If you like dance, theater, art, science, english, social sciences, robotics, sports, community service, or religion, Sacred Heart is the school for you. The science program is relatively amazing, and social sciences department is totally rocking it. If you like religion, you'll love the religious studies department. The English department is also doing their job really well. Pretty much all the juniors here take AP English Language and Composition, and Sacred Heart definitely prepares everyone for college really well. The counselors here are actually really good overall, and the community is generally very supportive. There's definitely room for growth at Sacred Heart (like it would be nice to offer more math classes), but overall, I totally love this school.
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,180 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Notre Dame High School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 225 reviews
    #4 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Parent: This is our daughter’s and the best decision we made was to send our her to ND. This shelter in place has solidified our decision! We are impressed by the professionalism and quick action the school community took to transition to the online platform. Well done everyone!

    Other questions we have received about being at this school is...
    1. How do we feel about the downtown location? It’s really great. The girls are given practical advice when venturing off campus for snacks and they take full advantage of DTSJ.

    2. What’s the homework load like? Not bad at all. My daughter took four honors classes her freshman year and was able to stay on top of it. As a sophomore, she’s picking and choosing the classes where she wants to challenge herself.

    3. What are the strengths of NDSJ? There are many, but the admin, staff, and teachers are all incredibly helpful and understanding. The counseling department is dedicated to the WHOLE student as an individual person.
    Read 225 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 325 reviews
    #5 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: Saint Ignatius is a very good school, and the teachers are the best part of it. They are supportive, encouraging, and caring. However, the school does need to work on their clique problem and mental health issues because many of the students have severe depression and anxiety from the pressure to "fit in" and perform well academically. There are many creative and enjoyable clubs to join as well that are sources of community and belonging for many students. The theatre and fine arts department is absolutely amazing, and have exceptional performances. The sports and athletic teams are generally positive and compete at a high level. The school is in a safe area of San Francisco and accessible by Muni which is very convenient for the "city kids", but it isn't too much of a hassle to commute from Marin or the Peninsula either.
    Read 325 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,476 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. St. Francis High School

    • Private School
    • Mountain View, CA
    • 9-12
    • 261 reviews
    #6 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Freshman: I have attended Saint Francis for one semester and so far I’ve had a great time! The school is a welcoming and friendly environment that makes me feel safe to find a path for myself. We have more than fifty clubs and committees, our sports teams are top-notch, and the school curriculum is college-level. Our campus is absolutely gorgeous and the cafeteria food is so good! We make sure to clean up after ourselves because a clean campus is a reflection of how we take pride in our school. I believe the school should work on diversity and celebrating different cultures. I believe the school can do more to bring out diversity in their student body. If you plan on applying here, be aware that the application process is very selective (interviews, high test scores, 3.5+ GPA) and less than 30% get in. They look for students who want to contribute to their community and bring good change to the world. Overall, this school is amazing and I am proud to be a lancer!
    Read 261 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,755 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Convent & Stuart Hall

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • K-12
    • 68 reviews
    #7 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Parent: My sons attend Stuart Hall and it's been wonderful. If you want your children to avoid the pressure-cooker situation of other independent high schools in the city and to feel supported and loved by schoolmates and teachers alike, this is the place!
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,100 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Archbishop Mitty High School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 137 reviews
    #8 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Niche User: I went to Archbishop Mitty and graduated in 2018. This school is very big on sports, education, and religion, which are the 3 things I prioritized in my teen years. Because of this, I felt that this school was the perfect fit for me. The teachers are great, the games are always exciting and exhilarating, and there are plenty of clubs and extracurricular activities to do. Not to mention Monarch Madness is one of the most fun events I have ever been to. Really great school!
    Read 137 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,735 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bishop O'Dowd High School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 174 reviews
    #9 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Sophomore: I love the community. Everyone there is so supportive and truly has a passion for teaching and learning. They provide endless amounts of resources that help us through the process such as peer tutoring, academic support systems, health and awareness, etc. I'm so glad that I go to a high school where I can be myself and have fun! They constantly put our safety and education first. Overall it is an amazing school!
    Read 174 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,243 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Presentation High School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 201 reviews
    #10 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Parent: My daughter is currently a junior and very well prepared for college. She is engaged academically and has many opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities. Although we live in a highly rated public high school district, we chose Presentation and are very grateful to the dedicated staff and new administration for creating a safe place for young women to reach their highest academic and intellectual pursuits. We are not a religious family. However, our family values support people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Presentation is welcoming for us as well as for others who are not Catholic. The entire Presentation community is actively engaged in service for those in need, especially immigrants. We appreciate the values our daughter is practicing as a member of the Presentation High School community.
    Read 201 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 757 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Notre Dame High School - Belmont

    • Private School
    • Belmont, CA
    • 9-12
    • 106 reviews
    #11 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: I am a senior at Notre Dame and I absolutely love it! Being a small all-girl school, there is such a great sense of community and students are really close with their teachers. I feel academically challenged but I can feel that my teachers want me to succeed.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 468 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Junipero Serra High School

    • Private School
    • San Mateo, CA
    • 9-12
    • 309 reviews
    #12 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Parent: This school has transformed our son! The culture of Serra promotes intrinsic motivation and pairs it with Catholic values. Not only does he have the confidence and the peer support to try new sports and activities, but the classroom environment is ‘safe’ where students can express themselves and engage in academic dialogue freely. The teachers are highly trained and the best in their field: they understand the development of teen boys, have mastery of their subject matter, hold high expectations of students and follow through by challenging boys to push themselves. The population of boys is diverse with respect for all. The administration communicates effectively with families. This school is where men are made. I am proud to say our son attends Serra.
    Read 309 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 807 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 152 reviews
    #13 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep was a great school. I attended all four years and it has a lot to offer. It is pricey and they aren’t all that generous with financial aid, but overall I would have ti say it’s worth it. The faculty is (for the most part) amazing. they form a bond with students and genuinely care about what they teach. The student body is great, but there is a lot of pretty snobby people. That being said, it’s easy to find your people. I would definitely recommend attending!
    Read 152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,325 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School

    • Private School
    • Alameda, CA
    • 9-12
    • 99 reviews
    #14 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Junior: Absolutely love this school. I was a student who took only one honors class my Freshmen year to a Junior who is in high honor roll with multiple advance classes. The teachers are always available: I’ve had times where I would stay after school with my teachers just to get help and that is something you really can’t get anywhere else. Sports here are awesome, I did cross country and we won our league and made it to state :). The best thing about SJND is the community. You have so many kids from so many different schools and ethnic backgrounds that it is really cool to see how we collaborate together with so many different ideas! Definitely worth looking into.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 477 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. St. Mary's College High School

    • Private School
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 9-12
    • 209 reviews
    #15 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: Saint Mary's is a diverse community with teachers who care. I'm a Jewish student who was apprehensive about attending Catholic school, but I really enjoy the monthly mass and prayer in class. It's a great time to meditate and reflect. The school offers interesting classes like "epistemology" and "perspectives on diversity," which I've gotten a lot out of. I've participated in athletics and the arts, and I've found supportive communities that help me learn and grow.
    Read 209 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 630 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Carondelet High School

    • Private School
    • Concord, CA
    • 9-12
    • 266 reviews
    #16 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: Carondelet High School prepares students for the future; a successful college experience and job opportunities. They provide a supportive faculty and staff and an environment that supports students. I am a proud graduate of Carondelet High School and support it all the way. The academics are a priority followed by an excellent sports department all while being grounded in the faith and spirituality of the Catholic religion. It raises girls to all of which women are capable. By the end of the four years at Carondelet we are bonded in the sisterhood and are young women of hear, faith, and courage.
    Read 266 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 800 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Marin Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Kentfield, CA
    • 9-12
    • 102 reviews
    #17 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: My overall experience here at Marin Catholic was very good because of how easily I transitioned from a private middle school. The curriculum is just challenging enough, with enough wiggle room to tailor it to your academic level or level you hope to achieve. Social wise, the school has its issues, and there have been multiple cases of severe drama, but every school has that. The sports teams and the fans are very enthusiastic and the school spirit is high! Great teachers, although I felt judged by some.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 760 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. De La Salle High School

    • Private School
    • Concord, CA
    • 9-12
    • 87 reviews
    #18 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: De La Salle High School is a private Roman Catholic school for boys, that teaches its students of Lasallian values. It is an incredible school as the courses are challenging and rigorous while also engaging. The teachers at the school are a benefactor to the learning experience for the students as they do not only teach the class but also life lessons. Furthermore, the teachers interact with the students, forming a deep connection which makes the learning experience more fun and more valued for the students. There is a sense of community not only between the teachers and the students but within the students themselves. On a daily basis, the students support one another academically and athletically which strengthens the bonds and strive for what students call at De La Salle "brotherhood." De La Salle is an extraordinary school as it prepares its students for the future and mold a student to become a better individual through scholarship, faith, and integrity.
    Read 87 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,050 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Moreau Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Hayward, CA
    • 9-12
    • 189 reviews
    #19 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: I attended Moreau Catholic from 2012 - 2016 and had enjoyed my time there. The family involvement is immense and the involvement between other students is great. They offer many extracurricular activities and you will not see a student not in one. Everyone is welcoming which helped accelerate the transition from junior high. Moreau Catholic offers almost every type of class, while also giving the opportunity of AP classes that go towards college credit. I had a memorable experience at Moreau, from the jam-packed Friday football games and different volunteering experiences in San Francisco that gave perspective. Moreau prepares the students for whats to come in college.
    Read 189 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 851 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Archbishop Riordan High School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 113 reviews
    #20 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    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 113 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 680 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Mercy High School, Burlingame

    • Private School
    • Burlingame, CA
    • 9-12
    • 111 reviews
    #21 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    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 111 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 380 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Vallejo, CA
    • 9-12
    • 120 reviews
    #22 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Parent: All 3 of my children received an excellent, well-rounded education, prepared to enter the university of their choice. They made life-long friends through their involvement in a wide array of extra-curricular activities and classes. My husband and I appreciated the care and personal attention given to our daughters by the faculty, staff, and administration. It was the perfect choice for our family!
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 479 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Holy Names High School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 85 reviews
    #23 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum: My experience at HNHS was absolutely incredible. The all-girls experience allows young women at the school to discover themselves academically, socially, & artistically in a safe environment that fosters growth. At HNHS, I explored my passion for theater, leadership, music, & global immersion -- all at once. I was exposed to a variety of opportunities, such as the Peer Mediation program, one that was developed when I was a freshman (2015), that allows students to resolve conflicts in a safe space on campus. When I was a junior (2017-18), I had the lifechanging opportunity to travel to Kenya with a group of students through a program called Powerful Beyond Measure. I would not have been able to experience conflict resolution & immersive travel without the support of the HNHS community. My experience at HNHS was both unique & lifechanging -- & I truly believe that experiences like mine are particular to Holy Names. After all, you cannot receive the Noblesse Oblige spirit anywhere else!
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 152 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Salesian College Preparatory

    • Private School
    • Richmond, CA
    • 9-12
    • 80 reviews
    #24 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: Salesian College Preparatory is a great private institution for kids who are passionate about their academics. The teachers are really caring and want the students to succeed. This is one of the few institutions where teachers really work with the students to make sure they achieve their academic potential. The campus is constantly being renovated, food is alright, and the school really prepares kids for college. Tones of great resources!
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 420 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Mercy High School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 147 reviews
    #25 Best Catholic High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: I really love this school! Coming from a small school of about 26 students, I felt like I would get lost in high school. Going to Mercy made me feel better about my transition into high school. I'm really grateful for this tight-knit community! The teachers really care about you and will almost always make time for you whether it's about an assignment or life in general. Mercy has not only helped me grow as a person in not only finding out what interests me, but also has made me more assertive in my participation in the classroom. Overall, I really love this community and the support I get from my peers and teachers!
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 223 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Junipero Serra High School

    • Private School
    • San Mateo, CA
    • 9-12
    • 309 reviews

    Parent: This school has transformed our son! The culture of Serra promotes intrinsic motivation and pairs it with Catholic values. Not only does he have the confidence and the peer support to try new sports and activities, but the classroom environment is ‘safe’ where students can express themselves and engage in academic dialogue freely. The teachers are highly trained and the best in their field: they understand the development of teen boys, have mastery of their subject matter, hold high expectations of students and follow through by challenging boys to push themselves. The population of boys is diverse with respect for all. The administration communicates effectively with families. This school is where men are made. I am proud to say our son attends Serra.
    Read 309 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 807 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    The King's Academy

    • Private School
    • Sunnyvale, CA
    • 6-12
    • 78 reviews

    Senior: I have attended The King's Academy since seventh grade, and I have had a wonderful time there. The teachers are amazing! They really care about you and they make sure that you understand the lesson. They are always available during school hours and after school. They are approachable and will always make time for you. The students are welcoming and friendly and it's very easy to make friends in your own grade and other grades as well. TKA fosters a family-like community and everyone makes sure you have a group of people that you can trust. Overall, my six years at TKA have been incredible!
    Read 78 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 955 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Cambrian Academy

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 7-12
    • 15 reviews

    Freshman: Cambrian is amazing! I took 8th grade there last year, and am now starting 9th. They put me in the classes I was ready for, so even though I was only in 8th grade they allowed me to take high school classes like marine biology and media studies. They even allowed me to take Algebra 2 and then Precalculus online! I was constantly stimulated, challenged, and engaged. I learned a ton! The small class sizes allow for one-on-one interaction with the teachers. The school is perfect for gifted kids, as well as those who just want a higher quality education or a head start on life.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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