2022 Best Private High Schools in Orange County

Sage Hill School

• Private School
• NEWPORT COAST, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: Sage offers a Socratic style of learning. I often converse with my peers and I am never afraid to ask questions if I do not understand. Most of my peers are brilliant. If I ever need to know something I can just simply ask, and even if they do not know the teachers are always there to help you. The college counselors are also really good. They review your college essay with you and really helps you make a great one. Of course, they will not write it for you or offer you suggestions of what to put or not to put, but simply advise you and that has been super helpful. They make the college process 10 times easier. All in all, the campus is beautiful, learning is a breeze, and the college counseling staff are awesome!...Read 93 Reviews

• grade A+

• 545 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

TVT Community Day School

• Private School
• IRVINE, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.41 out of 5  164 reviews

Parent: Under the difficult period of Covid-19, everyone is struggling to adapt to rapid changes. When times like this extend, individual strength slowly fades away. Where shall we draw strength from? The school shows parents and students logical decisions and correct measures: medical expert support, professional testing procedures, disinfection and sanitation, wearing masks, social distancing, daily health checks, parents communication... These measures ensured a safe environment for students to return on campus...TVT as the forerunner, gave us some very good examples of smart decision making. We draw strength from it and we‘re very proud to be a part of TVT!Read 164 Reviews

• grade A+

• 741 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fairmont Preparatory Academy

• Private School
• ANAHEIM, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.29 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: Fairmont Prep is an amazing school that combines amazing and first class academics with so many opportunities for students. Where else can you go and take high level math and science courses, participate in ASB, Visual and Performing arts, and yes, amazing sports. In fact, my son is on the basketball team which is division 1 and won CIF two years ago and went to the finals this year. Fairmont Prep is an academic powerhouse, sports powerhouse, and actually an awesome school for all students from average to highly academic. This is the best school for my son, bar none!...Read 73 Reviews

• grade A+

• 433 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

• Private School
• SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: I have 2 children at St. Margaret's and I can't say enough good things about the school and the environment. They really do try to develop the whole child. It isn't just a factory trying to turn out 4.0 students with 1600 SAT scores! Yes it is competitive, but in a good way. Many of the students have been at the school since pre school! The facilities are amazing - better than 99% of the colleges out there. The teachers really care and for the most part, the parents are great. Yes, there are the occasional obnoxious parent, but they usually get chopped down to size cuz there is always someone wealthier and more successful than them :-)...If you want your child to develop into a great adult with compassion and drive, then SMES is an excellent place to go.Read 54 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,250 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pacific Academy

• Private School
• IRVINE, CA
• K-12
• Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: My daughter transferred to Pacific Academy when she was 7th grade. She is 12th grade now. She loves PA. In the past 6 years, PA's dedicated teacher, caring staff and family like environment, rigorous curriculum have nurtured my daughter into a happy, confident and passionate person, as well as a motivated and outstanding student. PA has many extra curricular activities. My daughter joined chamber orchestra, volleyball team, and 8 clubs. She also established her own Eco Friendly club and developed great leadership and sense of responsibility. She loves PA's outdoor education, camping trips, she joined 6 service learning trips to Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, etc. She told me, " I didn't know learning can be so fun." My daughter will graduate in June. She already started to miss PA. She said she will always remember her PA family and cherish her lifelong friendship. I am very grateful to Pacific Academy for inspiring and shaping my daughter to who she is today...Read 5 Reviews

• grade A+

• 154 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

• Private School
• RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  319 reviews

Parent: Two years now at SMCHS! We were relocating to the OC. The process of visiting 5 schools was a challenge for our then 8th grader. Nevertheless, SMCHS made top of the list. Students readily accept new friends here. There are lots of opportunities to work together. Parent and family involvement is prevalent. ...Classes are varied for diverse learning and divergent thinking. SMCHS orchestra, steel drums, band, guitar, theatre, dance & art need to be applauded. Sports, robotics, ETV, journalism, many clubs and retreats invite learning and growing. The feeling on campus is a positive. Students are smiling and having conversations with each other. ...AP/ Honors require lots of work. Room for improvement: to get grades posted in a timely manner. Quicker feedback allows students to know if they grasped information correctly, providing time to discuss unclear concepts with the instructors. Through Covid-19, classes were not missed/work required. SMCHS-a positive learning environment...Read 319 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,723 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mater Dei High School

• Private School
• SANTA ANA, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.15 out of 5  556 reviews

Alum: My experience at Mater Dei High School was the best 4 years of my life at a high school setting. Academics at Mater Dei was the number 1 priority for each student and the school provided a great staff to support each student. Mater Dei is filled with many traditions and especially sports, but most of all everyone is involved in any activity. Security kept the school safe 24/7 and if the school felt like there was a danger in the community they would make sure to put that in notice. Mater Dei allowed masses daily and also hosted Mass on major catholic events such as Ash Wednesday. Being both involved in sports and the arts the school helps you balance both so you can do the things you love. By doing these activities I was allowed to create a bond with other students which felt like a big family overall. The biggest priority for Mater Dei was for each student to graduate and getting to their school of choice, but to also feel immersed in the tradition of honor, glory, and love. Go MD!...Read 556 Reviews

• grade A+

• 2,159 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Crean Lutheran High School

• Private School
• IRVINE, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.85 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: There were so many unique courses that the school offers that I had considerable difficulty in fitting everything that I wanted to take. There are countless honors courses and AP classes that students can partake that can academically challenge and thus foster growth. There are also cohort programs ranging from those relating to engineering, business, law, and medicine. Being involved in these cohort groups may further allow students to explore their academic interest and potential career paths for the future. ...Crean is also a Lutheran based Christian school that strives for excellence in academics through Jesus Christ. If you want your child to be a well rounded individual who has a positive influence on his community through his/her well developed understanding of love in Christ, enroll him/her at Crean!...Read 170 Reviews

• grade A+

• 959 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Servite High School

• Private School
• ANAHEIM, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.38 out of 5  103 reviews

Parent: As a parent and staff member at Servite, I have been impressed with the quality of teachers, counselors, staff and coaches. I have 2 sons at Servite, and I can honestly say that Servite is the only place I'd want them to be. The faith formation program is great, and there are plenty of opportunities to find something that fits with your sons interests and personality- whether it is sports, leadership roles, clubs, or service projects. There really is something for everybody. The sense of community and brotherhood is very strong at Servite. Many Servite families are quick to volunteer and bond with each other over various events and activities, and I cherish the friendships I have made there. There are so many ways to get involved, which only enhances your family's Servite experience. Come and check out what Servite has to offer! You won't be disappointed! CREDO!...Read 103 Reviews

• grade A+

• 905 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

JSerra Catholic High School

• Private School
• SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  195 reviews

Parent: JSerra is a college-prep school with very challenging curriculum. There are many AP and Honors classes available, as well as such courses as pre-law, pre-med, pre-engineering, and others. Teachers and staff were terrific and always available to help you when you need it. School facilities and grounds were always kept clean and tidy. The only change I would make is to increase on campus parking. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this great school!...Read 195 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,250 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rosary Academy

• Private School
• FULLERTON, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.94 out of 5  190 reviews

Junior: It is a wonderful experience! Something enjoyable about the school is the friendliness and the love that flows in the community! Another thing is being able to express yourself through different activities from theaters, sports to different clubs! Our school makes sure that students have the best opportunities to choose from. Throughout the COVID19 pandemic, our school has made sure to keep us connected and updated on events and things to come! The school does not tolerate bullying or any acts of hate on others! It is a well-rounded school and makes sure that it's students learn how to show respect!...Read 190 Reviews

• grade A+

• 463 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Acaciawood School

• Private School
• ANAHEIM, CA
• 1-12
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  17 reviews

Junior: Acaciawood is an amazing school, with teachers who seek to provide the utmost care for each student. This coming school year will be my 6th year at Acaciawood, and I can testify that the curriculum, although difficult, is extremely beneficial. AWP's curriculum has enabled me to develop a strong work ethic and passion to learn and succeed in all of my studies. Class sizes are small, so each teacher is able to attend to the academic needs for the individual student. You will not regret sending your child to this school...Read 17 Reviews

• grade A+

• 119 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wisdom Mission School

• Private School
• CYPRESS, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: Very intimate and close relationship with students, teachers, and other staff. Very flexible and fitting for individual student.Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• 20 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Waldorf School of Orange County

• Private School
• COSTA MESA, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: After 14 years at WSOC, I can confidently say that my school has better prepared me for my future than other high schools could have. WSOC teaches a holistic style, incorporating a diverse range of multicultural and multi-perspective activities within mandatory art, science, math, English, and history classes. In my metalworking class, we studied techniques of African tribal smithing, and in Shakespeare, we read Hamlet while examining the language and making comparisons to modern-day mental health conversations. I wasn't just taught the facts - I was empowered to use the tools given to me to create change. After reading an article in my Modern World History class about the extreme lack of feminine products in developing countries, I started a women's nonprofit called Eve to fund donations of hygiene products to shelters in my hometown. This project began with the push towards curiosity that WSOC offered me, and ended in a desire for change that still grows in me today...Read 12 Reviews

• grade A+

• 362 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orange Lutheran High School

• Private School
• ORANGE, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.21 out of 5  190 reviews

Parent: Orange Lutheran provides a wonderfully supportive environment for its students that promotes individual and spiritual growth. The staff and faculty loves our kids and is dedicated to their well being. The athletics and performing arts are incredible and we have loved having our kids involved in both. I would highly recommend OLu!...Read 190 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,312 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Futures Academy - Mission Viejo

• Private School
• LAGUNA HILLS, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: Futures Academy’s easygoing atmosphere, unique approach to learning, and unparalleled one-on-one curriculum allowed me to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. The teachers are easily the best part of the school: incredibly kind and passionate individuals who make genuine connections with their students. Not only did they help me with mastering the material, they also encouraged me to put myself out there. ...This school is very small. If you are coming from a large pubic school and transitioning to Futures, it might take a bit of time to get used to the small campus. The school spirit could be better. If you are looking for a traditional middle/high school experience, you won’t really find that at Futures. But, in my opinion, that’s what makes Futures Academy so special. No one tries to put you in a box. Socially and academically, the competition was neither cut-throat or exceedingly lax. Instead, it was a perfect middle ground. ...Thanks for reading :)Read 13 Reviews

• grade A

• 28 Students
• 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Heritage Christian School

• Private School
• LAKE FOREST, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Our family loves Heritage Christian School! I have a daughter who graduated from HCS and is now thriving at Biola University in their Torrey Honors Program. HCS did a great job preparing her to be successful in college. I also have an 11th and 7th grader still attending HCS. They are getting a Christ-centered worldview and education. I love how all of the teachers clearly care about each student academically, emotionally, and spiritually. The love of Christ is evident throughout the staff and students. I highly recommend this school!...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 233 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eastside Christian Schools

• Private School
• FULLERTON, CA
• K-12
• Rating 4.43 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: Our experience with the school staff and the kids attending here has been great. The teachers give their attention to each child there and make sure they get the education needed. Also, some of the teachers pray for the students in the class. It's a small school but you can see that everyone is friendly and the staff communicates with the families so the students can the best education provided for them. The afterschool tutoring is really helpful, and the bonding at the school events help gives the students some fun. The overall environment is amazing and you can feel the children enjoying themselves at school...Read 14 Reviews

• grade A

• 158 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Whittier Christian High School

• Private School
• LA HABRA, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.94 out of 5  102 reviews

Sophomore: Whittier Christian High School is a tremendous school both academically and spiritually. The teachers and faculty do a superb job in all aspects of the school whether that be teaching, facilitating, or helping. WHCS offers classes for different levels and also has a variety of clubs and groups to join. I personally have grown at Whittier Christian through their academic classes and have learned so much more. I will also begin my journey growing in school activities as is I’ll be joining ASB for my Sophmore year. For anyone interested in WCHS, I would certainly look into it and reach out to the administration as they will clearly guide you into joining. It is a fantastic school and will help you or your child grow academically and spiritually!...Read 102 Reviews

• grade A

• 525 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

• Private School
• SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.49 out of 5  73 reviews

Senior: I have attended CVCS since 4th grade and am now a senior, and I have loved my experience here! Our school is college prep and has challenging academics, so I feel more than prepared for college-level coursework. There are many options for AP and honors classes, and the teachers, no matter which subject, are more than willing to work with students and teach from a Christ-centered perspective. Our academic counselors are very thorough and beyond helpful for college preparation and provide useful resources to make the process easier. I have played volleyball all four years, and played soccer for one, and I have loved my experience with coaches who not only care about athletic performance but about each player's personal lives as well. I have grown not only as a student and athlete at CVCS, but as a person and a Christian as well. Attending this school is an investment that I know I will be able to look back on and appreciate how it has shaped me!...Read 73 Reviews

• grade A

• 643 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orangewood Academy

• Private School
• GARDEN GROVE, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Alum: My experience at Orangewood Academy is something I will never experience again, saying it's a great thing. Orangewood gave me an experience that I will never forget. There were trips, prayer groups, chapel, people that will never find again someplace else. I am really glad that I was able to come to this school. There is none else like it...Read 22 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 230 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fusion Academy Huntington Beach

• Private School
• HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
• 6-12

• grade A minus

• 50 Students
• 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bethel Baptist Church

• Private School
• SANTA ANA, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Bethel is a small private Christian school. The majority of students are Asian, most being international students from Vietnam and other Asian countries. During the few years that I attended, I found that the teachers care deeply about their students and always try to make each student feel welcome. The staff is understanding and forgiving, but also strict and moral. The overall curriculum is advanced and well taught. Bethel excels in the core subjects, especially Math and English. They offer Spanish, Art, Choir, Music, Speech, Drama, and Yearbook. The students have their groups, but they are overall good kids and kind...Read 1 Review

• grade A minus

• 225 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Calvary Chapel High School

• Private School
• SANTA ANA, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  45 reviews

Alum: I attended calvary chapel schools for 13 years of my life and couldn't have had a better experience. Throughout my high school career, I had incredible teachers who encouraged me and helped me achieve an amazing application that prepared me for college. I got to have many amazing opportunities with clubs, missions, and many other schools activities throughout my four years. The school encourages students to participate in sports as well as after school activities which truly made my high school experience incredible. I am so grateful that I got to attend Calvary Chapel!...Read 45 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 1,083 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orange County Christian School

• Private School
• ANAHEIM, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 3.56 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Orange County Christian School is very family-friendly oriented. That's probably my favorite part of the school. You make lifelong friends who are genuine and who truly care about you.Read 18 Reviews

• grade B+

• 183 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio