2022 Best private high schools in California

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  84 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 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  61 reviews

Sophomore: Nueva is an amazing school! There are so many opportunities all just waiting for anyone who is motivated. There is a 230+ page course catalog and a wide range of extracurriculars to take your passions to the next level. The students are kind and cool (everyone's smart but not everyone's a nerd). There are fun social events like dances, coffeehouses, musical performances, sports games, spirit rallies, and more! Nueva provides excellent STEM education (humanities as well), and the teachers are genuinely interested in you and want you to succeed.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 967

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  155 reviews

Junior: Throughout my five years at Harvard-Westlake, I have come to realize what a unique place it is. Anyone can find a path that suits them: regardless of whether you're a math superstar, a polyglot, or a talented thespian, there's something for everyone! With top-notch academics, incredible clubs and a dedicated student body, anyone can succeed and find their- so to speak- niche at HW.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Redwood City, CA•

• Online School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  155 reviews

Sophomore: Stanford OHS is a rigorous academic environment that promotes curiosity through every academic subject. The courses offered at the school are fascinating and so unique, especially the Core track classes (interdisciplinary courses) that are required for every full time student. The teachers have an amazing curriculum for every class, and a flipped classroom method helps classes be much more engaging and enjoyable. Students prepare before class with readings, homework, and bigger projects, and class time is used more as a discussion space for diving deeper into the material. The community at the school is also very good. All of my peers are so interested in our classes and excited to learn, which is something I’ve found very different from other schools. It is really refreshing to be around people who share my love of learning. Overall, OHS creates an amazing learning environment through every course.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 903

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Castilleja, and I would never choose to attend another high school. When I first came, I was a little nervous as I had heard of Casti's reputation as rigorous and competitive. After four years, I have found that the academic rigor has only improved my experience and has never lead to competition between classmates. With sixty girls in one grade, it would seem that competition would be prevalent, especially during the college process. However, the community is one of care, and everyone at the school aims only to celebrate your achievements and encourage you to put forth your best work. Every single one of my classmates will become amazing women when they grow up, and Castilleja has been instrumental in developing our confidence, poise, ability to express ourselves, and compassion for others. Thank you Castilleja! My life is forever changed and I will bring the lessons you have taught me throughout the rest of my life.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  47 reviews

Freshman: Crystal has been one of the best schools I've ever been to! They have excellent teachers that are always there to help you, the academics are advanced and are made to put you one step ahead of everyone else. If you can come here, do it. It's an experience you won't regret.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 569

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  103 reviews

Parent: So far, so good. Son chose this school over other top schools because he liked the community there. Happy to report that he is loving school and the food and getting acclimated very well. The HS academics are challenging which is a plus but I never got the sense that he is stressed out. It is a healthy and manageable level for him but could be difficult if student is not used to the rigor. The teachers and admins are very supportive and available and most of the students are friendly, nice, and well rounded. We love the school so much that we are excitedly waiting to get our younger one there for 7th!... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Bishop’s. In terms of academics, I know that I was challenged every single day and taught to think critically. I feel more than prepared for my new college work. Additionally, the Bishops community ad a whole is incredibly kind and welcoming. There are only a couple things you should know before enrolling here. 1) Because the academics are very challenging, there is more grade deflation compared to other high schools. It is really hard to stand out academically. 2) If you are looking for a traditional high school experience, we lack in spirit and sports. Overall, the people, academics, college prep/counseling, and small classes make Bishop’s a school that I would highly recommend.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: As a parent of current poly students, I can attest to the quality of the teachers, faculty, student body and facilities. Poly is academically rigorous and sets high expectations for its students while providing the scholastic and emotional support needed to ensure every student has an opportunity to succeed. Poly also does an admirable job incorporating character building into their curriculum. Compassion, service, self awareness, diversity, inclusion, tolerance and integrity are all modeled and reinforced throughout the campus at every grade level. Poly can of course continue to work on its diversity by reaching out to the larger Los Angles community to attract a more broad coalition of students. That said, we could not be happier. Most importantly our children (middle and high school) feel happy, proud, challenged, accepted, supported and seen.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 872

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Carpinteria, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  49 reviews

Parent: Faculties are good. This school is very hard to get the admission acceptance because lot of legacy students. Some employees’ working attitude not friendly, especially the workers in the health center, no patient, no mercy. Also some dorm parents are ex-Cate students whose attitudes are very mean!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  96 reviews

Parent: My daughter graduated from Thacher last year and I must say that it was a truly transformational experience for her. While studying in a rigorous academic environment, she often spoke of how there was a spirit of cooperation amongst her peers and how her teachers were accessible. She was able to participate in many activities - athletics, performing arts, clubs, etc... during her time at Thacher. While busy, she wasn't overwhelmed. That is what I heard most often from her peers at other independent schools in our home town. Thumbs up to Thacher for preparing my daughter well for life!... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  126 reviews

Parent: When we were looking for private school, we were looking for a school not only offers robust academic curriculums, but also emphasizes on character and social-emotional learning. Our daughters have been with Westridge since 4th grade, and our experiences have always been positive. With more than 100 years of history under strong leadership, Westridge is very proficient in providing an environment that's best fit in shaping young, independent girls. The school continuously evolves and does an excellent job empowering young minds to meet new challenges of modern days. Our daughters are continuously challenged intellectually and never be afraid to make a mistake. We are especially impressed by how Westridge takes an early initiative with DEI and encourages the whole community to make a difference. Teachers and administrators are truly supportive and nurturing. With confidence, we know that we are raising intellectual and well-rounded daughters together.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  64 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 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  158 reviews

Parent: Our son attended Quarry Lane School (QLS) from kindergarten through high school. From the education that he received at QLS, we can confidently say that its is a top-notch K-12 educational institution. Besides the academic excellence, QLS invests in the personal development and growth of its students. The overall QLS education helped our son grow to be the kind, well-balanced, respectful, passionate, intellectually curious, and honest individual that he is now. Most teachers are some of the best in their field and care a lot about their students. They are willing to help them both inside and outside the classroom. It was very comforting for us that throughout our son's education, we did not have to worry about the quality of the education that he was receiving and the treatment that he was getting at school. We knew he would always be in good hands. At the end, he was able to get admitted to one of the top colleges that he dreamed of and QLS education played a big role in that.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  78 reviews

Senior: Windward excelled my expectations in every possible way. Their sports teams are intense and insane going against the best competition in the country. And the offer and endless stream of activities for your children. The relationship between parents, students, and faculty are all around great. Lots of communication and preparation to ready your children for higher education. The only downside I did notice was every so often our community would be put inside a bubble. Although it’s great to have a nurturing community, someonetimes our children have to see reality for what it is.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  158 reviews

Parent: As a parent, I can not say enough wonderful things about Marlborough. It is truly a top-notch school and affords students not only a superb education but a deep sense of community. The academics are rigorous but the support the students receive to be successful is second to none. The teachers, administrators, faculty, staff, and coaches are beyond excellent. The community is diverse, welcoming, kind, curious, and intelligent. I would highly recommend Marlborough without reservation!... Read 158 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  152 reviews

Junior: Overall Harker is a great school. Of course, the tuition is exorbitantly high, but the facilities, community, and academic opportunities are all pretty great. My favorite spots on campus are the science building (although it gets a bit humid at times) and the performing arts building. In general, teachers are very supportive. A few have frustrating grading standards. There is a (slightly un)healthy amount of academic competition. It's kind of exacerbated by the distinction between A and A+ on student transcripts. And of course, this review would be incomplete without mentioning the diverse options in terms of food.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,972

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Ross, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  80 reviews

Parent: Branson is wonderful school. It's academically challenging, but the teachers and faculty go above and beyond to support the student's success. Our son had an amazing experience throughout his four years at Branson. Some ups and downs? Of course, but all teaching moments for our teens! Great arts and music program, competitive sports, and a gorgeous campus!... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  103 reviews

Freshman: The community at Lick Wilmerding is so strong and beautiful. Everyone on campus is always very welcoming and kind. LWHS is an amazing learning environment, and I’ve loved every second of it!... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: As both an alum and a current parent of Menlo School, I can say that it is a very special place. Menlo provides so many wonderful things, but one that stands out the most is its teachers. I have never seen a faculty so dedicated, interesting, involved, passionate and caring as the ones at Menlo. They are top notch and provide an education unlike any other. They truly make Menlo so incredibly special and prepare its students for not just college, but life beyond school. I am beyond grateful to have been a student at Menlo and to now have my children at Menlo.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 795

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Newport Coast, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  94 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 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  62 reviews

Junior: At San Francisco University Highscool, SFUHS, I had an amazing experience. I made friends quickly through the student of color clubs. The social dynamic of UHS is inclusive, anyone can be anyone they want to me. The academics are rigors and students easily spend 4 hours a night of work. I learned to think at UHS, instead of being a human calculator or grammar checker I was able to learn how to express my ideas and thoughts through literature or use unique methods to solve complex math problems. UHS helped shape me into the person I am, Its an amazing place to spend high school.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Claremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  87 reviews

Alum: Recent alum here, fantastic school for academic development. The teachers here are top notch and the relationships they foster with students is extremely unique at the high school level. We were spoiled at Webb and I constantly am reminded of how much I was blessed to attend a school that is so enriching in several areas. By FAR the best school academically in the area, and nothing within a 40 mile radius offers anything better or even remotely close to the quality and personalization of a Webb education. Beautiful campus, quality location, top notch. The ONLY negative gripe I have with Webb is the college admissions staff and their deceiving system that is inherently unequal. They claim to use a system based on "fit," but instead cater to a practice reliant upon getting as many seniors into 10% of colleges as they can. Telling seniors to not apply to a certain school by claiming lack of "fit," when in reality, they want to cut down competition and cater to their quota.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  95 reviews

Sophomore: Chadwick is a great school. It is challenging, welcoming, supportive, and so much more. I feel at home at Chadwick, I have many friends and great relationships with my teachers. Chadwick has SO MANY opportunities, it's not a question of if there are opportunities, it's a question of how many of them will you take. The only thing I will say is that it is hard to manage pressures and insecurities as a minority, a first-generation Latina, in a predominantly white school. I find myself trying to fit in with everyone, not speaking Spanish, saying words as white as I could make them, and making myself sound as rich as I can (when I'm not). As bad as this might sound, recently Chadwick has started to make slow but sure progress in their diversity aspect. I can say for myself that I'm feeling more at place here than I was at the beginning. Overall, Chadwick is my dream school, with flaws and all, and I would never think otherwise.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  58 reviews

Alum: Urban teaches you what it means to interact thoughtfully with the Bay area and the world! The resources at Urban (trips, community engagement, teachers, clubs, etcetera) empower students to take charge and become leaders. Most importantly, Urban teachers teach you how to think, not what to think. Note: Urban also lets students interview teachers, be on the board of trustees, help with strategic planning, etcetera! There is a huge amount of trust between the students and administration that further empower students to find their place in the world and make a tangible impact!... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1