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2020 Best Private High Schools in CaliforniaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Private High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 810
Best Schools
810 results

  1. The College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 73 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: College Prep has been an amazing experience for me. The classes are engaging, and the teachers are phenomenal—they genuinely care about your well-being, and they are always willing to meet with you outside of class or just chat. The students are wonderful, as well. Each person is unique and interesting to talk to, and the school has an incredibly collaborative atmosphere! I've had a great time at CPS, and I would absolutely recommend this school.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 364 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 133 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Harvard-Westlake's reputation matches reality: it is definitely an extremely challenging school with a lot of competition. You are pushed everyday and it's definitely very challenging. However, I feel like I've grown so much while I've been there. Harvard Westlake has made me feel like I'm prepared for college and I will actually have the skills to succeed. I get great teachers, great students who are all super motivated, and great courses. I'm not looked down upon for actually trying to do well in school, something that I had experienced before going here. When all is said, if you want to challenge yourself and grow to be a better person in every way possible, this is the place for you.
    Read 133 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Stanford Online High School

    • Online School
    • CA
    • 7-12
    • 127 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: The teachers are experts in their subjects and their excitement about the material creates challenging and engaging classes for the students. But make no mistake, these are difficult classes! When my girls have had outside tutors, the common response is awe at the depth of the material they are covering in middle and high school.
    It is a surprisingly social school too! The kids are always on the group chats with OHS friends talking, goofy around or even watching movies together. The families are also great about getting together often and letting the kids visit each other. The best part is that it is cool to be smart and doing something positive and unique. This is the best type of peer influence you could ask for in high school!
    My daughter has taken summer classes in more traditional “work on your own” virtual schools and, while they have their own strengths, if you are looking for a truly challenging school and a real school community, OHS is a great place!
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 804 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Castilleja School

    • Private School
    • Palo Alto, CA
    • 6-12
    • 53 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 434 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 96 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Crystal Springs Uplands School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • 6-12
    • 34 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Crystal prepares students for college!

    The only major downside is that I wish that there was more racial/ethnic diversity. There are only a few African-American students, roughly 5% of the entire school population, and it can be extremely isolating. Additionally, it has also been hard for me due to the fact that I am transitioning to male and as much as the school is trying to support me and understand, I think there is still A LOT of work to be done in regards to supporting LGBT(+) students.

    With that said, the academics are world-class. It definitely gives (and gave) me an advantage in testing, access to higher-level education, study skills, and essay writing.

    To those who are looking to apply, the biggest advice I would give is: Don't be afraid of the cost. The school gives excellent financial aid to those who truly need it.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 539 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 96 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: My experience at Poly has been unforgettable. I entered as a freshman and immediately became involved in the sports and clubs they offered. The school offers several ways for students to follow their passions including student-run clubs, classroom projects, and service opportunities. The school also ensures students grow outside the classroom through international trips and outdoor education trips. I traveled to Nicaragua for a week with peers and teachers to teach the students there English, and it was an eye opening experience. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip, and I'm thankful Poly made it financially possible for me to go too! The teachers are also incredibly supportive and make it their priority to help students reach their full potential. My chemistry teacher met with me before school at 7:30 in the morning just to go over topics that I was struggling with. Overall, Poly is a great place, and I could not imagine high school anywhere else!
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 859 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. The Nueva School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: I genuinely believe the Nueva School is the nation's best. Throughout my Nueva tenure, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research projects, take highly specialized courses such as Drug Design, and socialize with individuals as motivated as they are intelligent. In terms of college preparation, Nueva has outstanding facilities and it reflects in its alumni. We sent 28 students to Stanford University over a three-year span – a positively astounding statistic regardless of how you frame it.

    The teachers, though, are the unconditional feature of this school. I've formed and maintained out-of-classroom relationships with several instructors, ranging from casual conversations to research endeavors. Each of my instructors cares about me as a student. Through engaging (though challenging!) assessments, highly-tailored curriculum, and one-on-one interactions, I've found a way to thrive in every class.

     I'm honored and humbled to have attended this school.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Cate School

    • Private School
    • Carpinteria, CA
    • 9-12
    • 36 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in California

    Sophomore: Cate School is a very unique school, both in terms of its scenic location atop the Mesa, but also the daily life of the student. It boosts an academically competitive environment as well as a forgiving, inclusive community. Most faculty live on campus, making them regularly available to the students and further nurturing a friendship between the two entities. The school motto “Servons” is achieved through the service work that the school persuaded their students to sign up for. It is a really great school and an excellent choice for anyone looking for a home away from home.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Marlborough School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 144 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: I so believe in Marlborough's core values and formative role in contributing to the person I am today. When I was at Marlborough, I took for granted that all or most schools were the same. In college at UCLA, I realized that was not the case. College was easy after all the preparation and encouragement I had received at Marlborough. And now, 25 years out from graduation, I am still in touch with many of classmates and see them regularly - the life long friendships are another bonus!
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 533 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Head-Royce School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • K-12
    • 60 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 875 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. The Bishop's School

    • Private School
    • San Diego, CA
    • 6-12
    • 74 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: My experience at the Bishop's School has overall been very positive. It's a very academically challenging institution, and it has been very difficult for me at times, but I believe that has only made me more prepared for college. My least favorite thing about the Bishop's School is that I've noticed at times students and teachers here have an attitude of being superior or somehow better, and it makes the school environment kind of distant from the rest of the world. I've made great friends here, and my teachers have all been wonderful, knowledgable, and engaging.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 800 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. The Harker School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 118 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: I had an amazing experience at The Harker School, partly due to my transformative athletic experience in the high school. Harker's athletic directors and coaches work hard to facilitate a high quality student-athlete experience, and they are constantly improving the facilities so that the available equipment is state-of-the-art. I am sure that the skills of time management and teamwork that I developed as an athlete bolstered my performance in the Harker classroom, and since I was studying so much, it was very healthy for me to be committed to a physical extracurricular activity through team sports. From my experience, like the teachers who work at Harker, the coaches in Harker athletics care deeply about the overall well-being of Harker students and understand that rigorous sports not only can complement but also can support and extend the rigor of intellectual pursuit. I can't recommend Harker athletics and Harker coaches enough!
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,048 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Westridge School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 4-12
    • 105 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: As parents at Westridge, we are incredibly impressed with how much our daughter has grown as a student and especially as a person. I recently asked a friend about her 15-year-old daughter and she rolled her eyes, saying "typical teenager! spends 2 hours on makeup and clothes every morning." I secretly said to myself, "thank goodness for Westridge!" where the girls sleep in those 2 extra hours and focus on becoming their best, boldest selves. Girls on campus have none of those external pressures. Teachers and administrators know each girl so well and are so dedicated to the social and emotional and academic development of each one. Only downside is sports are not emphasized, but this not really a school for jocks.
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. The Thacher School

    • Private School
    • Ojai, CA
    • 9-12
    • 75 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 255 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. The Branson School

    • Private School
    • Ross, CA
    • 9-12
    • 71 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: California has a number of top-rated schools that offer outstanding academics and highly motivated students. Many of those schools also offer a pressure cooker culture, and packs of anxious kids. What differentiates Branson from the rest is that has somehow manages to twin a challenging academic experience with a warm, relatively relaxed environment. This is also a place where kids get a "B" without having a nervous breakdown. This is no small achievement, especially these days!

    What we're also thrilled with Branson's new administration, who in just a couple of years has managed to dramatically improve the student body with regards to all forms of diversity. The classes coming in are more diverse--37% of the 2018-2019 freshman class self-identify as students of color--and, at least as important, are generally pretty nice. The school is only getting better.

    Yes, it's in Marin, which is kind of a pain for us. But it's been worth it. Check it out.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 320 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Windward School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 71 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: Our daughter just finished middle school at Windward and will continue to 9th grade. We could not be more pleased with the faculty, staff, administration, curriculum and the general school ethos. Windward is truly an outstanding school where our daughter has blossomed into a confident, and well-informed young person. There is a wide range of elective offerings that gives the students the opportunity to explore their interests. Windward teachers are the best part of Windward, as they truly support and encourage their students and provide the necessary methodology and environment for students to reach their potential. Most of the teachers have graduate degrees, some have taught at universities. The administration is always cordial, friendly, and forthcoming. Windward is heavily athletics oriented, however, liberal arts are just as vigorously promoted and supported. Strong STEM as well. All things considered, we couldn't have asked for a better school.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. San Francisco University High School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 55 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: The school is rigorous, me well as an alum, but negatively while I was a student. I felt well prepared for my first year because of how intense my last four years were. Although during my high school years, because the school is a pressure cooker, my mental and emotional health constantly took a backseat to my academics. There are a lot of intelligent and supportive faculty and staff at University, and I found people that I could rely on as a student. I still maintain those relationships outside as an alumni. There are a lot of extracurricular activities, which provides students with the opportunity to have a holistic educational experience. The disparity between the marketed diversity at UHS and the reality is gross. For students of color is it often a very taxing and draining school to attend, even though the academic and extracurricular benefits are well funded and resourced. It’s imperative to have a network of people you can turn to when needed.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 410 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 5-12
    • 64 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in California

    Freshman: Niche allows reviews to only be less than 1000 characters, so I'll try to summarize everything.

    Academics/Teachers/Resource: MWAH! The teachers are all qualified and passionate about their respective subjects (many also have PhD's). There are many resources within the school that assist students' academic performance if they wish, such as the peer tutoring program, office hours, or simply having a classmate help you out.

    Clubs: A surprisingly wide variety of clubs. The largest (and arguably best) clubs consist of Speech & Debate, Mock Trial, and DECA.

    Sports: PE only offers the mainstream sports, such as soccer, basketball, and football.

    Diversity: Nonexistent. All Asians.

    Food: Most of the students hate it.

    School Culture: Many of the students are talented and smart, but many of them at the same time are also conceited and condescending, which degrades the school environment by a considerable amount.

    Administration: Slow
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 800 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Urban School of San Francisco

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 50 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: The Urban School is the most wonderful, constructive, supportive environment I've ever found. The community is open-minded and the students work hard, diving into academics as well as clubs, sports, and art. There are so many opportunities for growth. I love it here, I'm so grateful for my time at Urban!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 420 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Lick-Wilmerding High School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 91 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in California

    Sophomore: The campus at Lick is amazing, and the main building was recently renovated. The academics are very good, but the tech and maker's shops on top of everything else are what make Lick unique. There is a classroom, or shop, dedicated to each of the following: tech, woodworking, metalworking, and electronics/jewelry making. There is also a big library, as well as multiple labs and art classrooms. The teachers won't hesitate to make time meeting with students to help them, and the students are very self-driven and motivated, in school and outside with extracurricular activities. Lick is very progressive and conscious, and this is fostered by the guest talks and assemblies outside of the classroom. The sports, dance, and music programs are good. This is the most diverse school in the Bay Area, racially and economically. Lick is also very conscious of how to make sure you are feeling accepted in the community. The upperclassmen to a great job of welcoming in the newer students.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 490 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Woodside Priory School

    • Private School
    • Portola Valley, CA
    • 6-12
    • 63 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: I love talking about my time at priory and I spend every summer working on campus at Mountain Camp Woodside.

    If you are looking for a small school where you will be known respected and valued; teachers that go out of their way to ensure your success; a strong arts program as well as incredible athletics: Priory is the place for YOU.

    Built on the values of Community Individuality Spirituality Integrity & Hospitality, there is support for every student, every interest, and every struggle. Our Monks are the foundation of our community. Their unconditional love and acceptance knows no borders. Their energy motivates every activity. Their patience allows them to listen with the ear of their heart.

    Priory prepared me for hard pre-med classes. If you are considering Priory, you are considering an amazing college predatory school, community, and an alma matter you won't regret!

    If you don't believe me, watch my video: www.priory48.com/happy

    Chris Gregory ‘14
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 382 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. The Quarry Lane School

    • Private School
    • Dublin, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 121 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: I have two children in the Lower School and have been extremely satisfied with our experience. One of my kids is more "academically-inclined" than the other and I can honestly say that they both receive support to fit both of their learning styles. I can see my older one stretching and asserting himself more this year from the encouragement of his teachers and I see the little one, while she needs more help, feels equally confident and not at all stressed about needing/getting more support. And, bottom line (what matters most to me)–they are both happy and thriving. Yes, it is an "academic" school with a challenging curriculum, but both of my children participate in a number of sports and activities and keeping up hasn't been an issue. I know many families choose this school for the academic rigor and are quite pleased, but as a parent that's not laser-focused on academic results, I can say that it is a terrific school for our family!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 700 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Menlo School

    • Private School
    • Atherton, CA
    • 6-12
    • 64 reviews
    #24 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: While I may not have personally had the most amazing experience at Menlo, I cannot deny that it is a phenomenal school. The teachers that I had during my time at Menlo were the most passionate and inspirational people who care so much about their students, not just as students but also as people. While the school is somewhat lacking in advanced humanities classes, the programs for people going into STEM are absolutely amazing. Menlo was undoubtedly difficult both academically and socially, but going into college, that meant I was more than prepared. Thank you to Menlo — even though they weren’t my favorite, my 4 years at Menlo prepared me for college in ways I didn’t realize until I got here.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 795 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Chadwick School

    • Private School
    • Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
    • K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #25 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Chadwick is a great school community that instills confidence and a global perspective in students. As someone who has attended Chadwick since middle school, I believe Chadwick has prepared me for college and beyond. The school's core values of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect and responsibility are truly emulated in every part of the school and the community. I can genuinely say that I have enjoyed every class I have taken at Chadwick. I learn something new every day, either about the world or myself. Some of the teachers I have had as well as other members of the community are people I can go to for advice and encouragement when I need it. Chadwick has been an amazing space for me and my friends to figure out what our passions are, do something with those passions, and celebrate them with one another. Chadwick is a great place for students who want to take ownership of their learning in a strong community centered environment.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 868 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Challenger School - Shawnee

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • PK, K-8
    • 385 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley

    • Private School
    • Berkeley, CA
    • PK, K-8
    • 4 reviews

    Parent: Amazing school that provides top notch bilingual education, plus great special programs to ensure each child realizes their full potential.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • 443 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Foothill Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Temple City, CA
    • 9-12
    • 5 reviews

    Niche User: My husband and I have served as homestays for Foothill Preparatory school’s international students for about 8 years. I have found the school staff warm and very helpful. Over the years, we have had both boys and girls. Since we have two extra bedrooms, we usually have two students. I have found the students very pleasant to be around; however, sometimes we have had to work on their English so they can ask their questions, but in the end it always works out. Each year we attend the school’s graduation and it is a very special occasion. All of my students have gone on to an American college which says a lot about the education they have received at the school. I would highly recommend this school to any parent who wants their child to have smaller classes, caring teachers, and an administration which is dedicated to maintaining a high level of education.
    Susan S.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • 81 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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