2024 Best Middle Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  71 reviews

Middle school student: Nueva is one of the best schools I have ever been to. My first year attending was in 6th grade, and I am currently a middle school student at the Hillsborough campus. Nueva offers a multitude of opportunities for everyone attending, from those interested in math to individuals pursuing the arts, and with many clubs and electives available with topics ranging from building a lap guitar to creative writing, we can choose what we wish to pursue. An important part of our wonderful learning environment is the supportive, kind faculty: The teachers are mostly extremely trustworthy and know how to cater to everybody's needs and learning style. Our community is also quite nice—our student environment is not very cliquey, and parents are greatly involved in the path of our school. Additionally, from the Hillsborough campus, many acres of beautiful, lush hiking trails are easily accessible, and one can admire the rolling hills that border the school. Nueva is such a wonderful place!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  65 reviews

Alum: Castilleja was the best choice I have ever made, and I am eternally grateful that my parents made the sacrifice to send me there. Castilleja has made me the person who I am today and has given me lifelong friends. I believe there are very few schools in the world that instill the same love of learning, confidence, and camaraderie among women. When I compare my high school experience to that of my college friends, I understand that Castilleja is incredibly unique. The traditions, experiential classes, global programming, connection to the community, and brilliant fellow students encouraged me to be the best version of myself. The teachers at Castilleja are some of the best people I have ever met. They truly care deeply about their students' learning inside and outside of the classroom. I am still friends with my former teachers to this day. Every job I have earned post grad I learned about through a Castilleja alumni—the network is incredible and expansive.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: Pros: An extremely close-knit student body. Strong humanities program that will overprepare you for college. State-ranked sports teams in golf, track, cross country, tennis, etc. Passionate teachers. Pretty good lunch food. Cons: High tuition. Support for STEM programs is still growing right now, which is actually a pro if you're a self-motivated, hard-working student that can take advantage of the situation. Almost too strong of an emphasis on DEI that only seems to be growing---mandatory, bi-weekly affinity spaces based on race so that we can socialize with others "of our race" is overkill. (If this is a pro for you, that's great! Personally not my favourite thing.) What makes Crystal different than other schools is its kind, caring community. No other high school that I've visited or been to on the entire peninsula/Bay Area has as nice of a student body as Crystal does.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: Head Royce School in Oakland is exceptional! The dedicated teachers, engaged parent community, and focus on holistic student development make it an outstanding choice. Our 4th and 2nd graders have thrived here since kindergarten, benefiting from top-notch education, inclusive environment, and diverse extracurricular activities. Highly recommended!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  198 reviews

Alum: Since 2016, Quarry Lane School has been an integral part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the education and support it provided. The dedicated teachers and staff members created a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that not only helped me achieve academic success but also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Quarry Lane's tight-knit community and inclusive culture fostered personal, social, and emotional growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue my passion for computer science at Harvey Mudd College this fall and beyond. I express immense gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had at Quarry Lane School. It has truly become a second home to me!... Read 198 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 975

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: Menlo School definitely encouraged students to start learning how to be independent. One of the most useful things I learned was how to communicate with my teachers/professors instead of depending on my parents to do it all for me. This sense of communication led to my teachers being understanding and supportive, no matter the situation. The lunch scene is pretty good. The main entree, so to say, was served right onto a plate, where each student could ask for what they specifically wanted. There were vegetarian options, although students did always ask for more variety. Pizza, soup, a sandwich bar, and a salad bar were also available. The drinks options were pretty healthy, with juice, milk, and water ready. But most importantly, for the students, of course, there were almost always dessert options. In terms of education, Menlo went above and beyond. As an alum, going into college was scary but I soon realized I was more than prepared for the workload and the work itself.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 796

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I attended Harker from Kindergarten through High School. Harker's repute as a powerhouse of intense and thorough academics is well-earned– students are constantly challenged in the classroom. However, this academic rigor does not come at the cost of a full-fledged extracurricular experience. Harker's many extracurricular departments provide an all-encompassing vocational education that seamlessly accompanies students' academic experience, including athletics, arts, journalism, engineering, and much more. Unfortunately, while Harker's culture encourages growth and self-improvement, it lacks support for students' mental and physical health. Students often prioritize their academic work above other important aspects of life, such as sleep, health, and socializing, and this culture often contributes to burnout and mental health problems. Overall, if you are searching for a school that will exceedingly prepare you for college and beyond, I recommend Harker with confidence.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,982

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Danville, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  86 reviews

Parent: We have been a part of Athenian for over 12 years! 3 kids starting in the Middle school and matriculating to the upper school. Our experience leaves us raving fans of the school. Something special happens in the middle school. It’s such an amazing dynamic of teachers working together crossing curriculums giving the students this amazing educational experience. As they move to the upper school, obviously they get older, but the programs are perfectly situated to the transition from high school to college and to life beyond. I can’t say enough about what our kids have experienced. I am 100% certain that they would not have gotten this anywhere else.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 537

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: I had two kids at KLS for more than 6 years. We love the focus on mastery-based learning, the great teacher-student ratio, its focused, highly collaborative learning environment and the dual enrollment option with Foothill. We loved the small school environment and the parent-staff community: As parents, the admin staff was always open to hear concerns, feedback and improvements happened fast and without major admin headache. Your child will learn to become a self-directed learner and teacher to other kids while challenging themselves. It's a wonderful experience and having sent my kids to college, I am very happy to see how well they have adapted and thrive in an academically challenging environment.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 294

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Portola Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  76 reviews

Middle school student: Everyone here is so nice. For the admissions process, I understand that it's difficult to get into but that's because it is such a great school and lots of people want to get in. We have so much fun activities and people there would help you in a second. + the beautiful campus. It isn't a very serious catholic school in case you are wondering. Theology is basically talking about what you are spiritual.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 426

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  85 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 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Lafayette, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  129 reviews

Parent: We are new to Bentley this year - our eldest son is in Kindergarten - and so far we have had a fantastic experience. Our son comes home every day happy and chattering about all he learned at school. His writing and drawing have taken off and he’s very engaged. The school has provided a great mix of both challenging him academically and also supporting him socially and emotionally during a big transition year. The kindergarten teachers are wonderful and real pros, striking a great balance between being nurturing and fun loving but also no nonsense so the kids respect them. And beyond K, the quality of teachers seems wonderful as is the breadth of speciality classes from music to movement and garden, art, PE, mandarin, library etc. After-school til 6p is at no extra cost which is a big plus! Most importantly we’ve found a wonderful active diverse community at Bentley. Our son has made great friendships and we have really enjoyed getting to know other families and classmates.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: This is a great school with a booming community. Everyone here is so welcoming and contributed to the tight-knit community while everyone explores their interests, hobbies, and passions with the many many opportunities here whether it be the arts, sciences, robotics, politics, and much more.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 639

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  122 reviews

Parent: BISV is a splendid educational haven for my kids, offering a warm, engaging environment enhanced by skilled teachers and diverse activities like the World Festival, School Carnival, and Spirit Week. The standout feature is its STEM curriculum, arguably the Bay Area's best. The school maintains a strong academic emphasis, effectively reducing distractions. This focus offers parents peace of mind and allows students to concentrate on their learning. The effectiveness of BISV's methods is seen in their graduates' success, with many joining prestigious colleges like Stanford, Yale, MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard. Above all, witnessing my kids grow as happy, involved learners in this supportive setting has been the greatest reward. It's a place where kids not only learn but also relish the process. As a parent, I couldn't ask for more.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,190

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Anselmo, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: As educators, my husband and I know what to look for in terms of "style versus substance" of schools that claim to be able to focus on academics, social emotional learning, diversity, inclusion, equity, mindfulness, kindness and respect. We are blown away at how exceptional SD is at providing all of these things for our daughter. My husband was literally in tears at the back to school night after hearing about the details and intentionality around the lesson plans and approach to literacy and math, as well as the social and emotional aspects of learning in and out of the classroom. The teachers are masters and know what they are doing, and they are provided with the resources and professional development to provide an excellent research-based curriculum to the students. I've worked at many independent schools for more than a decade and SD stands out as one of the best schools that I've encountered in my history as an educator. We are so grateful that our daughter has SD!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  32 reviews

Other: As a previous mathematics teacher of three years at HSA, I can attest to the excellence of this institution. Both administration and faculty are aligned on providing the best possible, holistic education for all students. Teachers cater to each of their students' needs, possible with such small class sizes. Administration is supportive of their staff, students and families, constantly reassessing and experimenting to expand and improve. Students are kind, mature, hard working and driven.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 49

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  110 reviews

Parent: My son attended preK-12, a lifer as they say at FAIS. The bilingual education is a big advantage, most students pick up a third language in middle school. The teachers at FAIS and IHS are top level and many could easily teach college courses but choose the more intimate environment of private high school. FAIS and IHS often take knocks for athletics, but the upside is that most students can participate in multiple sports and not sit on the bench. Many students pursue sports at club level anyway, the school teams being secondary. The college admission advisory team is excellent, being run by highly competent and thoughtful counselors. International travel and exchange programs are well run and round out a solid education. Additions over the past decade to the school campus with an art and music building created a communal space. The downtown location is convenient for most parents. High marks for an urban high school preparing students for college and life.... Read 110 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  50 reviews

Works Here: This school is a jewel. It's a bilingual, inquiry-based International Baccalaureate school from Preschool to high school. The teachers are talented and dedicated, teaching through their bilingual and IB curriculum - French, Mandarin, and German. Aside from the nurturing environment for the little ones and the rigorous academics from elementary to high school -- it's a wonderful community. It's truly international, with families and faculty/staff from across the globe. It's not unusual to hear different languages being spoken in the hallways. There is a sense of collaboration, and above all -- a dedication to students. They have a robust student services team to help children post-COVID, and incorporate a focus on the whole child and their wellbeing. If you're thinking about providing your child with a leg up for their future (college, etc.) and also want them to be culturally agile and happy individuals, this is the school for your kid(s).... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 711

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  30 reviews

Senior: As a recent graduate of the school, I feel the school is quite a good place for education in terms of the freedom of choice and quality of education provided. Teachers genuinely want to see you succeed, and you're allowed to dabble in whichever subject you take interest in. Overall I would recommend!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 79

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  36 reviews

Sophomore: The school is extremely good academically and in terms of college readiness, but I feel that they are lacking in the social aspect of high school that most people look forward to. And though extensively prepared for the top colleges in the world, many students are burnt out at the end of their time at LFSF.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 888

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: After two years of horrible public school experiences (bullying and lack of support from the school), we found Living Wisdom School. From the minute we met the staff we were convinced this was the school for our daughter. They approach each student with care, support, and kindness. We saw our daughter blossom under their care and grow in ways that brought tears of joy. In fact, I cried at every Parent-Teacher conference because the feedback they provided to us reflected how well they knew our daughter--something that didn't happen in the two previous years of high school. I can't recommend this school highly enough. I can't even imagine where we would be today if we didn't have the opportunity to enroll our daughter in this school. Our daughter graduated from Living Wisdom as a whole person -- confident, compassionate, mindful, and ready to take on college!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 88

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pacifica, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: An excellent Christian private school. For a small school, it offers an amazing diversity of challenging academics/APs for college prep but also student support. The motto is that students come first, and every student is known and loved. The administration aims to support struggling students, & that academic and mental health support been especially important at this time. At the very start of the pandemic, while other schools were scrambling to transition to virtual learning or independent study projects, PacBay seamlessly moved learning online over the course of a weekend. The administration did a great job researching and planning. Students attended classes on campus one day, and smoothly transitioned online the next week to minimize learning loss. As restrictions loosened, and vaccinations rose, the school's done a wonderful job re-opening the campus safely. Esp in a time of uncertainty & anxiety, you want to feel confident about where you send your child to school. We do.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: Learning Targets and Evidence Based grading have changed the world. Can't wait to see it all on Schoology.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: We recently moved into the district and both the kids started at Fletcher. It is a breath of fresh air! Teachers are caring, committed to the students' success and take accountability for making them high school ready. The afterschool sports choices could be more and better organized.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: The Waldorf School of the Peninsula is simply fantastic! My child's growth and development have been incredible since joining this school. The teachers are so dedicated and caring, creating a warm and supportive environment. I love how they emphasize creativity and hands-on learning. It's been a well-rounded and enriching experience for my child. I highly recommend the Waldorf School of the Peninsula to any parent seeking a nurturing and engaging educational journey for their kid.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 142

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1