2023 Best Private High Schools in Orange County

• Newport Coast, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  98 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 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  172 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 172 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 802

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  98 reviews

Parent: My children’s abilities and accomplishments never cease to astound me. We both absolutely adored the time they spent at Fairmont Preparatory Academy! We highly recommend and endorse this facility so if you are deciding, you need to pick this place for your own children.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  56 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 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 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+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  330 reviews

Parent: Best teachers. Incredible coaches. Administrators who care about your student’s (and family’s) overall experience. World class arts program. Our son does Steel Drums as an elective and has also participated in several sports — Cross Country, Volleyball, Track. The concerts are next level — so much talent, so fun to watch! The coaches have all been tremendous and have taken their teams to CIF and State champs. They really care about the kids and are great leaders. There’s just so much love here. They say “Find it Here” and that’s so true…there’s really something for every interest.... Read 330 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  180 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 180 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 959

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  573 reviews

Alum: I was the first of my family to attend Mater Dei and I fell in love with the school. I made so many great memories from the football games to the amazing friends I made. I thought the classes prepared me for college tremendously and made it very easy to transition into college. Although, the tuition is expensive I think every penny was worth it. The teachers were amazing and always made the subjects fun and exciting to learn about. I think the opportunities I received by being a Mater Dei Alumni also made the high school worth it. When you become a Monarch you will always be a Monarch and everyone in that community is aware of that. You are not only joining a school, you are joining a great big family! Go Monarchs!... Read 573 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,159

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  104 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 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 802

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  210 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 210 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Cypress, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Loved my experience here because the student-teacher ratio was very small at the time. In turn, I received a lot of specialized, individual help. I never thought I would be a student that could pass let alone get 5's on AP tests but the personalized manner in which I was taught and supervised allowed me to excel. Also with the current state of the world, I don't really have a lot of faith in the public school system, so whenever I have kids I would love to send them to a school like this one.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 20

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 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+

• Students 119

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: This school is stellar when it comes to arts, community, leadership, teamwork, uniqueness, and student to teacher ratio. Everyone here gets equal opportunity for everything! I only wish that there were more options in terms of the academics. Every class the student takes from kindergarten through 10th grade is required, and in 11/12th grade the student only gets two electives.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 362

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: My overall experience of all four years at Futures Academy has been amazing. All the teachers treat you more then a student, you all have a special place in their mind. You will meet many different students that will also take you in like family.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Orange, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  199 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 199 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,394

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: At the beginning of the 2nd semester of 9th grade, our son became very sick. He missed 10 weeks of school falling so far behind that it wasn't possible for him to complete 9th grade. A counselor at his school suggested we reach out to Futures Academy in Mission Viejo to see if they could help. Futures Academy was fantastic. They are responsive. Futures developed an individualized learning plan that accommodated my son’s physical challenges, while at the same time kept him on track to complete 9th grade. Today, my son continues to attend Futures and is in 10th grade. He needs accommodations for his illness, but Futures has become an important part of his overall recovery. They are flexible about his learning schedule while maintaining high academic standards. His teachers challenge him in his learning, and he often reports he’s enjoying his classes. Futures has made it possible for our son to continue in school while facing a tough challenge in life.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  192 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 192 reviews

• grade A

• Students 463

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: My daughter is in 6th grade at Eastside. It is truly nothing less than perfection. I couldn't ask for a more nurturing, safe, educational, adventurous, prepatory and comprehensive educational experience for her. My biggest regret is not enrolling earlier. She is absolutely thrilled to go to school every morning and I am equally thrilled to drop her there, knowing she's getting the best education while having the time of her life. If you're looking for an amazing school for your child, this is it.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle School Student: I attended Veritas Classical Academy from 2013 to 2016, after coming to the US with my family and father, who attended college here to get a second degree. Back then, I was inexperienced in most aspects, especially English and in developing relationships with other people. Veritas was still a very small school when I attended, and their method of letting both young and old students mingle, and interact with each other was such a shock and very different from what I experienced in Korea. And yet, the method seems to have worked perfectly; I was surprised to find out that bullying and violence was common in most middle-and-high-schools, since I'd never experienced anything of the sort at Veritas. I thought all American schools were that nice! Overall, attending Veritas was a real blessing in my life, because it allowed me to get a good education, which allowed me to open my eyes to the world, think a tier above "other kids", and follow God. I recommend it. I look forward to its future.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 108

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Lake Forest, CA•

• Private School•

• 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

• Students 233

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  82 reviews

Senior: Really love it! I've been going to CVCS since 5th grade, and my experience there so far has been wonderful. I'm going into my senior year of High school and I couldn't have asked for a better school. The school has grown tremendously which allows for so much education and friendships. We have new programs like Business and marketing that really allow students to do what they love. One of my favorite things about CVCS is the retreats. Once a year, we take a retreat up to the mountains and spend time making new friends, while also getting closer to God. I've made so many good memories at those retreats, and it's going to be the one thing that I'm going to miss when I graduate. I just wished that we were able to take a 2nd semester retreat to have even more fun. Truly love CVCS!... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Orange, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: The 2021/2022 school year has been my family's first year at Spirit and it has been a great year! I have a son in 1st, a daughter in 3rd, and a daughter in 5th grade. This school is a wonderful option for families that want to homeschool but also want the on campus experience for their kids. Spirit does a great job with organizing many fun events throughout the year including field trips, monthly "stay and play" activity-filled after school days, a Thanksgiving party, a Christmas concert, and a talent show. The teachers do an incredible job of staying connected with the parents to keep on track with the curriculum and classwork. My family has really enjoyed connecting with the other families at this school. It is a very unique and wonderful community. There is so much support here. We are so thankful to have found such a wonderful school and we look forward to returning for the next school year.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 137

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• La Habra, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  104 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 104 reviews

• grade A

• Students 525

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• grade A

• Students 50

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Garden Grove, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: I had a really great experience at Orangewood Academy and it will always be home. It truly is a family away from home. Additionally, the leadership skills that I learned were really key to my college career and set me up really well to excel in both of my degree programs. I felt prepared for the college curriculum and prepared to move forward. I was able to visit the college I eventually graduated from as a result of the pre-existing relationship with Orangewood Academy and the college. I am proud to be a Spartan and proud to be an Orangewood Academy Alumni.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 288

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1