2023 Best Private High Schools in Alameda County

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  87 reviews

Senior: I've absolutely loved my time at College-Prep. It's the perfect place for students to be challenged intellectually, yet it's in a safe and welcoming environment. In my experience, there isn't really a culture of competitiveness/cutthroat environment, but, as with everywhere you go, you'll undoubtedly find exceptions to the rule. College-Prep has been perfect for me and has been a place where I've succeeded. I've grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am forever grateful for the faculty, peers, and friends I have met along the way. We get a pretty bad rep for sports, but it's a great place to try out new sports! If you're not an athlete and you want to start a sport, everyone's super nice and there aren't many expectations haha. Still, we do have some teams that tend to do pretty well in league or you could always play club so def not a dealbreaker in my opinion!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: My daughter has had an outstanding high school experience at Head-Royce - I can't imagine a better school for her. I remember thinking, at my initial parent tour, what a remarkably smart, involved, caring, switched on group of adults running this school and inspiring and supporting the kids - this first impression was spot on. The teachers, administrators, deans, advisors, counselors, librarians, etc are superb. The overall vibe of the kids seems great too - lively and fun but also really bright, hardworking and engaged. Go Jayhawks!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  166 reviews

Parent: I would highly recommend the QLS as a parent of two sons after 15 years of being part of it. If you are looking for a safe, supportive, friendly, resourceful, and thriving environment, the QLS is the one! Teachers and staff are always welcoming and supportive to not only students but also to the parents. My sons attended the QLS from kindergarten to high school. The older one is soon graduating from a great college and he already got job offers from well-known companies. My younger one is graduating from QLS this spring. Both of them loved their schools and looked forward to coming back after each summer break. They developed and learned great skills beyond a strong academic foundation. Both have passion for music and art. They give back to their communities. They made life-long friends at the QLS. Above all, I see that my sons are ready for life. So, THANK YOU VERY MUCH QLS!... Read 166 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  206 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 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,243

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I’ve been going to California Crosspoint Academy all of my academic life. From Kindergarten to my Senior year of high school, I have seen myself, as well as the school, grow academically and spiritually. California Crosspoint Academy has-and will always be-my second home as I have been able to be a part of a great, loving community of students, teachers, and friends. California Crosspoint Academy is constantly growing in student population, in building complexes, and in doing the works of Jesus Christ. If your looking for great education, exceptional academics, and long-lasting friendships, California Crosspoint Academy is the place to go.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Berkeley, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: The teachers are incredible here! Their enthusiasm and dedication makes you love what they teach even more. I like the small class size I think it is much easier to learn and go to office hours if needed. There's a lot of freedom to create your own clubs and to be apart of school activities. I feel like my voice is heard here and that I can make a change. A lot of students are very supportive and you can pretty much strike up a conversation with anyone here. Although we don't have a cafeteria there's plenty of shops nearby. Even though we don't have sports teams you could probably make one and the beginning of the year and the end of the year camping trips + other school activities make up for it. If you're thinking about going here I'd sign up for an open house cause personally I've been the happiest I've ever been (in high school) being here at Maybeck! Not alot of little people have heard about Maybeck but I feel like this school is a little gem.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 110

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Fremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Alsion is a great school for students who are willing to put in the initiative and make the leap towards higher education. The duo-enrollment program has allowed me to learn how to communicate with others much better, as well as learn how to reach out to my professors when I need help. As a result, I feel very prepared for college, since all of my classes since 10th grade have been at a community college. This school's culture is geared more towards academics than anything else, and I have formed a tight bond with everyone in my grade.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 65

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Alameda, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  116 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 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Averroes Institute is a school that focuses on understanding mental health as well as academics. The teachers and administrators care about their students and strive to give them a better future and strengthen their mental health and self-confidence. The school provides multiple teambuilding activities and school field days as a respite for the students and stress relief, it also functions as a way to create bonds between students and teachers outside of the classroom.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 49

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  210 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 210 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 825

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fremont, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: We are so thankful for Fremont Christian School for their excellent holistic education! Our kids get to stay home and continue their learning without missing even one day after SIP. When it’s possible to open the school safely in November 2020, they get to go back and enjoy the big field. Best part of all, they can finally meet their teachers and classmates in person in a safe and warm environment! I am so grateful for the carefully designed procedures to ensure the safety and health of all the staff and students! I heard they invested a lot during this tough time to improve learning results for all students whether they choose to go in person or stay home with distance learning! Sports started in late winter season and they even have e sports for kids stay home! Way to go warriors!... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 637

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: The teachers are phenomenal and really care about your education, as well as support you in your personal life or whatever you are going through. The campus is ideally located with a beautiful view and clean buildings and facilities. There are many opportunities to get involved with the school academically, or through extracurriculars. As a small school, the community feels more like a family environment.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Albany, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: My son actually attends Tilden Prep Walnut Creek, but I didn’t see that as an option. The teachers and staff have been absolutely amazing. The teachers are excellent academically and willing to connect on a personal level with their students. This is especially important to kids who have school related trauma. Everyone is very willing to “meet the kids where they are”. My son has become much more confident since attending Tilden and has actually enjoyed going to school.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Castro Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: Redwood is an excellent school! I attended k-12th - graduating in '91, and now am privileged to work there. Great teachers who care about individual's kids' needs and seek to help in every way they can. My children are also reaping the benefits of attending RCS.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A

• Students 701

• 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

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  18 reviews

Niche User: It’s a small private Christian school in town. I enjoy the environment at the school, quiet and peaceful. But since it’s a small school, it doesn’t provide that many activities at school because the small population of the students.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 110

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fremont, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-11

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: We are in our 2nd year at Basis Independent Fremont (BIF). My children are now in 1st grade and 7th grade this year and we love it! The teachers really care about their students and go the extra mile to help them. The administration team works tirelessly and are very attentive and responsive. BIF provides experiences that other schools simply don’t. My children are involved in a wide variety of activities at the school, they are getting a well-rounded experience and is also developing a strong sense of community. The middle school curriculum is above par, compared to other public and private school in the Bay Area. The teachers are top notch and are skilled in delivering their lessons in an engaging manner, without the added pressure of mastering difficult subjects, they make learning fun and useful! We support BIF all the way, and is super excited to see where the school is headed with the opening of high school in 2020 and beyond.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 643

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Berkeley, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 81

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• San Leandro, CA•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 78

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Alameda, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 2.33 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 73

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Berkeley, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Bayhill is a terrific schools for students (9-12) with learning differences. The teachers and administration are all welcoming and helpful. The new location in Berkeley is very nice. My son has done very well at this school and has gained a lot of confidence with his language based learning disability.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 67

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 46

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Leandro, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 30

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1