2020 Best Private High Schools in Orange CountyAbout this List

Sage Hill School

• Private School
• Newport Coast, CA
• 9-12
• 70 reviews

Junior: I love the sense of community and small class sizes! Town meetings every Monday morning are really fun. There's lots of time to do work, like during conference and X-Block. Advisories are a great way to make friends and talk to the same group of people for all four years. Freshman retreat is very fun. The academics are challenging, but if you're a motivated student it's very valuable.
Read 70 Reviews

• A+

• 545 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

TVT Community Day School

• Private School
• Irvine, CA
• PK, K-12
• 147 reviews

Parent: Amazing!Oldest gained amazing self confidence and leadership skills as a pres of 2 clubs, varsity athlete and Natl AP scholar after jr year(passed 9 AP's after jr year 13 after sr yr).Quality of AP and gen ed instruction can't be overstated.He just graduated Stanford U BS and MS degrees in 4 yrs (less then 2% of Stanford grads are able to do this).Was a leader on the campus+ is off to WashDC after writing a book with a US nl security advisor.Success is directly attributable to the excellence at TVT,nurturing faculty and learning how to approach and work collaboratively with adults!A dual education format with up to 8 courses that really prepares each student for success at the next level!2nd son is on pace to graduate USC in 3-3.5 yrs+exceeded all expectations we had in HS again because of faculty support.I have a current 8th student- the school has only improved since older boys attended!State-of-the-art Eng, Math+ Film.Truly a blessing to have #1 US Jewish school in our community!
Read 147 Reviews

• A+

• 617 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

• Private School
• San Juan Capistrano, CA
• PK, K-12
• 42 reviews

Junior: What I liked about the St.Margaret's experience is how much it is preparing me for a four-year university. Coming to this school as a freshman was a bit overwhelming because of the high pressure that is placed on academics and extracurriculars, as well as the strange social dynamics. The stress and fear that students face on tests, SATS, and college applications is palpable, and it is not uncommon that some students have anxiety and depression (but you don't hear about it a lot, it's kept under the rug).

Other than that, this is a great school! I've made great friends and I love it here!
Read 42 Reviews

• A+

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

Fairmont Preparatory Academy

• Private School
• Anaheim, CA
• 9-12
• 51 reviews

Parent: Fairmont Preparatory Academy is a wonderful school with great teachers, faculty and staff! The students and families are wonderful as well! I am grateful and truly appreciate the school's diversity, college readiness, safety, resources, and sincere love and support of all the teachers and faculty.

This is truly a wonderful school and my family is blessed to be apart it. Thank you Fairmont Preparatory Academy, for providing many positive and memorable opportunities and experiences, but most importantly for making a difference in our children's lives!
Read 51 Reviews

• A+

• 577 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

• Private School
• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
• 9-12
• 286 reviews

Senior: SMCHS is an amazing high school experience with an emphasis on academics, athletics, well-being, safety, and community. Highly recommend! From freshman orientation to these final days of high school, I have enjoyed my teachers, coaches, club leaders, campus ministry, and administration. Top notch! I learned and experienced something new every year with an engaging classroom experience, strong swim team and water polo teams, diverse clubs and programming that offers something for everyone. SMCHS promotes a strong and positive community filled with respect, kindness, and love for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. I truly enjoyed my high school experience. It’s always a great day to be an Eagle!
Read 286 Reviews

• A+

• 1,638 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

JSerra Catholic High School

• Private School
• San Juan Capistrano, CA
• 9-12
• 167 reviews

Senior: I am confident that the JSerra Medical Magnet has properly prepared me to begin my major in nursing next year. I love visiting the hospital weekly, practicing medical procedures during class, and creating a bond with my medical class. Through the JSerra choir, I have developed my musical talent and made so many wonderful friends. Every teacher I have had in this school shows tremendous regard for my success, and promote both academic and character growth. I am blessed to be able to attend a school that promotes academics and faith equally, and I enjoy going to weekly masses every Wednesday. I am truly grateful I spent the last four years of my life in this amazing school.
Read 167 Reviews

• A+

• 1,250 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rosary Academy

• Private School
• Fullerton, CA
• 9-12
• 166 reviews

Parent: 2 of our daughters graduated from Rosary and our 3rd is a current student. All have received an excellent education in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. What stood out to us about Rosary was that our daughters could be themselves in a single gender school. Rosary has helped each of them identify her gifts and strenghs and given them the confidence to be successful in their academic environments, on the playing field, as leaders in our community and church, and continued success in college. Rosary Academy does not rest on their laurels but continues to strive to improve each year. We are grateful that their focus is on the whole person: body, mind, and soul. We will always be grateful to Rosary Academy for partnering with us parents in the raising of our beautiful daughters!
Read 166 Reviews

• A+

• 393 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cornelia Connelly School

• Private School
• Anaheim, CA
• 9-12
• 57 reviews

Senior: I loved the close community of my high school. Everyone is extremely caring and supportive. The teachers really do value high level education and never hesitate to help when someone is struggling in a class. I got to participate in so many different activities and hold many leadership positions such as team captain of my swim team as a sophomore, director of our class plays, and also help a position in our student government. Connelly has so many opportunities for students to become involved and they really do teach girls to become well mannered women prepared for college.
Read 57 Reviews

• A+

• 163 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mater Dei High School

• Private School
• Santa Ana, CA
• 9-12
• 505 reviews

Senior: Mater Dei High School is the best thing that has happened to me! Before coming to Mater Dei, I didn’t have a sense of direction on what I wanted out of my high school experience. I wanted to be a student, an athlete, a student leader, and just get involved in everything. Mater Dei allowed me to do all of that and even allowed me the opportunity to create my own clubs. I have had the opportunity to set myself up to go to remarkable universities and have made so many great connections in my four years here. There is no place that I would have rather gone. Mater Dei is my home and my family.
Read 505 Reviews

• A+

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

Servite High School

• Private School
• Anaheim, CA
• 9-12
• 88 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 88 Reviews

• A

• 905 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Crean Lutheran High School

• Private School
• Irvine, CA
• 9-12
• 157 reviews

Junior: Crean Lutheran is a school that actually cares about students' future. Crean has always provided help to students through office hours, great outside resources, and student-led tutoring sessions. Crean is also a super safe school; for instance, there has been nearly nobody doing things that are not supposed to on school ground. Furthermore, the environment in Crean is very clean with great janitors always keeping the school sanitary. Most of the students and teachers do care about the environment and safety on top of all. Academics is rigorous but manageable as well. There are teachers assigning lots of assignments, but they mostly guide students along the way.
Read 157 Reviews

• A

• 700 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Acaciawood School

• Private School
• Anaheim, CA
• 1-12
• 15 reviews

Parent: Acaciawood Preparatory Academy prepares your child academically and also shapes them with the proper character to embrace the challenging world we are living today. I have two children that have been at this school since first grade and now entering middle school and high school. At different events I get compliments of how intelligent they are, how well they interact with others, how they respect the authority, how well they do what is required of them and how much they go beyond what is expected. I owe much of that to the education and training they have received at this school. No matter where my boys end up going to college, I know they will do excellent as they are receiving an excellent and challenging education and they are also receiving the preparation they need to be a person strong in character and high in standard.
Read 15 Reviews

• A

• 119 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

• Private School
• San Juan Capistrano, CA
• PK, K-12
• 49 reviews

Parent: A wonderful, wonderful school with a caring community of teachers, students, staff and administrators! A great academic environment with the priceless value-adds of biblical education and genuine community. If you want "much more than a school" seriously consider #CVCS
Read 49 Reviews

• A

• 429 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orange Lutheran High School

• Private School
• Orange, CA
• 9-12
• 175 reviews

Alum: Orange Lutheran is a phenomenal high school. Throughout my 4 years, the staff and the people around me were so encouraging and kind. Each teacher and staff member made an effort to get to know you and helped me succeed. The friends that I made were there for me each and every step of the way. I have never felt so loved by such a community! The campus itself is so beautiful and has everything you need. The teachers push you to do your best and will do anything to help you excel as a student. The sports teams were also a great way to get involved and to meet new people.
Read 175 Reviews

• A

• 1,330 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Futures Academy - Mission Viejo

• Private School
• Laguna Hills, CA
• 6-12
• 12 reviews

Parent: One on one teaching experience- its the best. Teachers are engaging, fun, and exceptionally well educated. You can make your own schedule and it provides time to do lots of extracurricular.
Read 12 Reviews

• A

• 28 Students
• 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Michael's Preparatory School

• Private School
• Silverado, CA
• 9-12
• 3 reviews

Alum: Looking back on graduating almost 20 years ago, I can say that no other environment transforms boys into responsible young men ready to tackle the world with integrity. The lessons learned go far beyond the classroom.
Read 3 Reviews

• A

• 64 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Heritage Christian School

• Private School
• Lake Forest, CA
• PK, K-12

• A

• 233 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Brethren Christian High School

• Private School
• CA
• 9-12
• 40 reviews

Alum: The environment at this school was incredibly welcoming. Coming in as a shy freshman who had only ever been to one school her entire life was a challenge, but I was immediately accepted in like family. The teachers are very approachable and are willing to help you with homework, life, and especially your walk with God. The dress code is very leniant compared to other Christian schools. We didn't have a uniform and I was extremely grateful for that! Our school did have a rampant infestation problem, but Brethren has moved campuses this year, so incoming students won't have to worry about that. Like with any school, you may not like all the teachers. You may not like all the rules. You may not like your fellow students, but Brethren is about as good as it gets. I 100% recommend this school. It was a blessing to my life and I have such fond memories. If I had to relive my high school years, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.
Read 40 Reviews

• A

• 100 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Waldorf School of Orange County

• Private School
• Costa Mesa, CA
• PK, K-12
• 9 reviews

Parent: The Waldorf School of Orange County offers parents and children an extraordinary, progressive education which intertwines Math, Science, Arts, History, Language, Humanities, Handwork, Woodwork, Games and Movement in creative pattern as opposed to seeing these subjects, and the world around us, as separate, isolated experiences. These students graduate as lifelong learners who see the world in unique ways. The future will ask for unique learners to solve world-wide problems we have yet to even consider.

This school is the greatest gift that you could give your child. Our family is devoted as our adult children came through the school from Playgroup to Grade 12 and are out in the world as happy, creative, successful, young adults.
Read 9 Reviews

• A

• 362 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pacific Academy

• Private School
• Irvine, CA
• 7-12
• 3 reviews

Parent: We're the proud parents of a 14 year old son Brandon Pae, who served as the Associated Student Body and Speech & Debate President of Jeffrey Trail Middle School in Irvine during 2016-17. He won 1st Place Speaker at the Orange County Debate League Championship Tournament on May 6, 2017.

He also won Best Delegate at Whitney High School, Model United Nations Conference XIV on May 14, 2016. That summer, he debuted as a solo cellist in Germany and Austria. Brandon has a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and participated in triathlon, water polo, and chess. He's been recognized twice as a Young Master Artist.

Pacific Academy offers outstanding international exposure for those students interested in foreign policy studies, business or STEM.

Come and join us on the journey toward success!
Read 3 Reviews

• A

• 122 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Saddleback Valley Christian School

• Private School
• San Juan Capistrano, CA
• PK, K-12
• 92 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Saddleback Valley Christian School my Junior. It was one of the best decisions I've made. After a near death accident, and a variety of injuries, the doctors recommend I move to a smaller school. I didn't want to change, until I visited Saddleback Valley. The staff and teachers really care about the students both academically and personally. My walk with the Lord has been improved, learning in a Christian based environment. Playing on the baseball team, has been amazing! The coaching staff are fantastic. I've played baseball my whole life, and these are the best coaches I've ever played for.
Read 92 Reviews

• A

• 707 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Orangewood Academy

• Private School
• Garden Grove, CA
• PK, K-12
• 19 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 19 Reviews

• A

• 230 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Whittier Christian High School

• Private School
• La Habra, CA
• 9-12
• 88 reviews

Senior: This school is amazing! I like that the teachers and staff are very approachable and kind. The teachers really care about their students and want to see them succeed. The head of school and the staff are very helpful and involved. I really enjoyed my time at Whittier Christian and not only have I learned a lot, but also have grown in my relationship with God.
Read 88 Reviews

• A

• 525 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eastside Christian Schools

• Private School
• Fullerton, CA
• K-12
• 11 reviews

Senior: Best school in the world! Could not have spent my high school days at a better school. I’ve never felt the love of a community as much as I have at my school. The teachers are not just teachers they’re like parents, they not only teach us academics but they also help prepare us for life. The student body is so kind and you can truly see the love of Jesus Christ in every single one of them. My school is not only a place to learn but it’s a home.
Read 11 Reviews

• A

• 158 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eldorado Emerson Private School

• Private School
• Orange, CA
• PK, K-12
• 13 reviews

Parent: My daughter attended Eldorado from the fourth grade and went on to attend a top Eastern university. Class sizes are small, parental involvement is strongly encouraged and you never get a stock, bureaucratic answer when you ask a teacher or administrator a question. Eldorado is kind of old-school -- it's purpose is to teach, not to be politically trendy and students are given a wide berth to form their own opinions based on what they learn in class.
Read 13 Reviews

• A-

• 163 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio