2019 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

Best Schools

18,853 results

Trinity School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
50
1 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Parent: Trinity has been an amazing experience for my daughter. She came in 9th grade from an all girls school (Brearley) and my daughter had the fortune of choosing between Trinity, Dalton, Horace Mann and Exeter. We were worried about the academic intensity but my daughter was well-prepared by her time at Brearley and thrived in an environment where students are constantly challenged and pushed to do their very best. She loves her classmates, and finds the school much more diverse than Brearley. Overall a great experience so far!
Read 50 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,001 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Mark's School of Texas
Private School
Dallas, TX
1-12
40
2 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Alum: Attending St. Mark's was the best decision I have ever made. The school made me grow academically, but even more as a young man. With bountiful leadership opportunities through the Community Service Board and Telos, I was able to take full advantage of serving those around me. In addition, the Wilderness Program taught me character and really helped bound my class. The teachers at St. Mark's are first-rate, and they are always available for office hours and really want to get to know the student. The student body is full of compassionate and caring young men, and anyone can fit in. Without my St. Mark's education, I would not be the man I am today.
Read 40 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
863 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Collegiate School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
19
3 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Freshman: Overall incredible experience after my first ten years. Can't wait to see what comes of my last three. My brother goes to Trinity, and we can both agree Collegiate is a way more superior institution. Collegiate is forward-looking, fresh, vigorous, immeasurably fun, and overall great school
Read 19 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
651 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Harker School
Private School
San Jose, CA
PK, K-12
104
4 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Alum: I graduated from Harker having gone here since kindergarten. Harker is a truly unique place because of its combination of school culture, top-level academics, and burgeoning athletics. While there is a sense of competitiveness and stress (mostly seen in the high school level), the teachers and students that go to this school are all wonderful, kind people who come from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. As a student, you'll find so many options to choose from here: the multitude of clubs and student-run organizations, nationally-ranked speech/debate programs, business/entrepreneurship programs, sports (both varsity and JV), and musical (both singing and instrumental) departments. And I haven't even mentioned the academics, which is the biggest reason for Harker's success over the years. I've had the best experience here for over a decade, and I am ready to go to college safe in the knowledge that I've been very well prepared to make my mark on the real world.
Read 104 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,048 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Horace Mann School
Private School
Bronx, NY
K-12
106
5 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: Going to Horace Mann challenged me both mentally and emotionally. I had never experienced a curriculum as stimulating prior to me going to Horace Mann. Their facilities, resources and academic opportunities have allowed me to be both socially and politically conscious of the environment around me. The students that you meet strive for nothing less than perfection. But I will admit that this yearning for perfection can be emotionally and mentally taxing on students. It can be hard to be in a school where almost everyone is a perfectionist and where the school grooms you for college from the very beginning. It can be overwhelming and tiring to have such expectations placed on you. But without the pressure put on by teachers and administration, I would not be as ready for college as I am now. Horace Mann guided me every step of the way through the college process and helped tremendously with anything I needed financially. The challenge is worth it, and so is attending Horace Mann.
Read 106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,694 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Polytechnic School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
K-12
91
6 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
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 91 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
859 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sidwell Friends School
Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-12
43
7 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: Sidwell Friends School has been an amazing place to foster my intellectual growth. Sidwell is a Quaker school and Quaker values (especially community and integrity) are very present within the school environment. Students are very involved in the school community and participate in various activities including club, plays, athletics, orchestra, chorus, and jazz. Teachers are always available to help and foster students that are sensible, compassionate and bright. At Sidwell I have been surrounded by students that genuinely care about whats going on the world around them, want to change the world, and are using their education to do so.
Read 43 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,145 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dalton School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
63
8 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Parent: Dalton offers an incredibly challenging academic environment for it’s students. As a School with a progressive philosophy expect students to be charged with managing there studies and responsibilities on there own from a very young age. Music and arts a a focus but sports are somewhat of an afterthought. A quick poll of parents will have you believe that every child is easily getting A’s. Don’t believe it. The use of tutors is pervasive. The amount of homework is staggering. I have a student there and the teachers share test and project grade averages. Trust me when I say all kids are not getting A’s. For those kids who can cope with the homework and absorb the material Dalton will turn them into super students. Word on the street is that after Dalton, college is a breeze for these kids. Then again all those kids may have been the ones that easily got A’s :-)
Read 63 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,322 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Milton Academy
Private School
Milton, MA
K-12
94
9 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: Milton Academy is one of the best things in my life, but also the most stressful. The opportunities at Milton are endless and I feel incredibly privileged to have teachers that care about my well being, activities and clubs, a beautiful campus, and a seemingly endless supply of resources (such as art supplies, computers labs, food).
Our food selection is incredible with a food for every person in any mood. The staff is always kind which just adds to the joy of lunchtime.
While there are teachers I have heard about that are hard to work with or learn from(which happens anywhere), I have been very lucky to only have dealt with one teacher I didn't like (out of more than 25). I appreciate the skill level that the teachers have and the personal relationship that students can build with them throughout the year.
I think that the faculty is very fair and thorough when dealing with disciplinary issues and I completely agree with the standards of respect and honesty that we are held up to.
Read 94 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,000 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Westminster Schools
Private School
Atlanta, GA
K-12
150
10 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Sophomore: In order to succeed or even survive at Westminster you need to be a very specific type of learner (the standardized test target). The decision to switch to four classes per day really helped everyone focus on each individual class more easily, though. The main problem at this school is stress. Even the smartest students are under immense pressure. On the forefront of everyone's mind is college applications, which may seem good, however this is the main contributor to Westminster's inherently competitive environment. You can tell the deans/grade chairs mean well when they sign you up for sites that tell you whether or not you'll get into college, but this constant reminder that students aren't perfect enough does more harm than good. To add onto that, Westminster's competitive environment tends to make any friendships/relationships inherently toxic, as you will constantly be comparing yourself to everyone around you. It’s like a cage fight--two hundred go in, one goes to Oxford.
Read 150 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,874 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Head-Royce School
Private School
Oakland, CA
K-12
52
11 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: I've absolutely loved my experience at Head-Royce. There are a few things that I'd want to change. As a minority at a predominantly white school, I can often feel alienated and without a voice. Minority students either abandon their culture completely or are extremely cultural, both of these being ways of survival in an environment thta does not look like them. There really is not a middle ground. but it is relatively easy to find small group of close friends and teacher who will support you. The academics are absolutely amazing, and the college counseling team is stellar. You're sure to attend an amazing university, if you attend Head-Royce.
Read 52 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
875 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Brearley School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
36
12 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Parent: Brearley School is wonderful K-12 school which has a diverse community. The school has a terrific financial aid policy and helps support all each girl's endeavors. The teachers here are incredible. The curriculum is well thought out and the faculty does an excellent job of working closely with each and every student. Every family who comes here feels very welcome in the Brearley community. The school prepares students exceptionally well for college. The school is one of the safest out there, excellent security. There are many clubs and activities for the students to get involved in. Academics are top notch and the girls who come here have fun while learning!
Read 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
719 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cranbrook Schools
Private School
Bloomfield HIlls, MI
PK, K-12
201
13 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Junior: The teachers and administration really do care about your well-being. Sometimes that manifests itself as tough love but you always come out a better person after. They also want to help you in any way they can. Personally, my advisor has worked with me to get me in the classes I want and encouraged me to take risks with classes I hadn't thought about before. The college counseling is top-notch. The campus itself is extremely nice, but the girls' bathrooms leave something to be desired. The student body is incredibly diverse; I have close friends of all colors, from places like Russia, Vietnam, China, Korea, etc. The diversity of perspective is the diversity of the campus ten-fold. The people I have encountered here are some of the nicest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. They are outgoing, accepting, everything you could want from classmates. Overall, my experience here has been amazing, and I highly recommend this school to others.
Read 201 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,659 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Private School
Chicago, IL
PK, K-12
106
14 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Parent: Plus:
Extreme college prep (getting tired of other parents telling me how their child thinks MIT was easy after Lab), theme of asking "why" in addition to "what" in every pursuit, general consistency in teaching excellence, well-organized academic programs, culture of excellence among students, nifty vibe on UChicago campus, good facilities, no-cut athletic programs

Minus:
This school is very religious (religion of liberalism, social justice, and multiculturalism--which are all laudable, but they lay it on very thick), too many helicopter parents, too much homework, superficial diversity (does not represent the actual SouthSide--seems like most of the black/hispanic kids have rich or famous parents. In general, minimal socioeconomic diversity), virtually no school spirt in a traditional sense (sports, school sweatshirts, dances).
Read 106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,051 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Georgetown Day School
Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-12
34
15 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Junior: GDS is in so many ways an ideal learning environment. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and rigorous, the extracurriculars are multifaceted and enjoyable, the athletics are fun and competitive. GDS exemplifies it’s mission, as it leaves students more prepared for life after high school, while instilling them with a crucial sense of right and wrong, and the tools to go out into the world and right some of those wrongs. More than anything else, GDS is what it is because of the students. Collaborative, intellectual, kind, and engaging, the community truly is like no other. People genuinely care about both each other and the school, and that aditude leads to a community that isn’t just in school from 8:15-3:15 and then gone, but one that keeps the building lively at all hours. GDS is truly an incredible place, and I hope that this convinces someone to either apply or attend. I promise you won’t regret it!
Read 34 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,075 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Riverdale Country School
Private School
Bronx, NY
PK, K-12
30
16 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: Beautiful campus! Amazing teacher involvement. Everyone wants the students to succeed and will support them in any way they can. Tons of extracurriculars and sports clubs and teams with amazing facilities. (New Pool is beautiful!)
Read 30 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,154 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Pine Crest School
Private School
Fort Lauderdale, FL
PK, K-12
103
17 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Junior: I have been attending Pine Crest School since I was 4 years old. The educational experience received at Pine Crest is extraordinary. There is an extensive list of extracurriculars for students to get involved with. Although challenging, teachers are always helping students with time management. The school provides students with a College Admissions Office that helps students from choosing their classes freshman year through the college application process. The athletic facilities are top of the line, but the teams aren't all fantastic. The reason for this is because the culture at Pine Crest strongly promotes an academics-first mindset. Overall, I have had a great experience at Pine Crest and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Read 103 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,636 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Chapin School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
70
18 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: Though Chapin is a diverse and open community and has progressed to take more active stands social justice issues over the years, there is always room to improve. I think we need to focus more on action in our community. I have been thinking about this for some time, and I think Chapin should hold its own high-school wide diversity conference during a town hall meeting slot in which we would simulate some of the same discussions and activities from the Student Diversity Leadership Conference for all of us to experience. I think that, if that meeting were successful, it would be eye-opening to then include other inter-school students in this discussion, and host our own Diversity day. Also, as an individual I will of course continue to try to make our community as safe a space as possible both by voicing my own experiences and also, as an ally to other marginalized groups, by giving space for others to use their own voices.
Read 70 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
725 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Germantown Friends School
Private School
Philadelphia, PA
PK, K-12
53
19 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Middle School Student: Academics are very good. Diversity could be improved. Teachers are wonderful. We have plenty of security guards to keep us safe. The school works very hard to create a open and welcoming environment. Sports are good but not great, the coaches are not very educated in the sports they coach. The food selection is very wide and it is good quality and healthy, however it is VERY overpriced (chicken and pasta was $9.25) Facilities could use improvement. In old buildings heat and air conditioning is poor and bathrooms are disgusting.
Read 53 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,017 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Pingry School
Private School
Basking Ridge, NJ
K-12
73
20 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Freshman: Honestly, this school is amazing. I have been here since kindergarten and am now a freshman. There are small things that could be different. I feel Pingry could work on "sheltering" less. I feel like I have not experienced anything "real" because of Pingry. If there's anything would probably be from my personal life, not because Pingry has exposed me to it. This has had such a big impact in my life because I can tell when I am around my friends they act differently towards me than to our other friends. Like sharing something funny on their phones and saying that I wouldn't get it. I love this school a lot, but I feel like I am this perfect little private school girl who has no clue what happens around in other aspects of life. This school does a great job of getting us ready for college in terms of academics, but in terms of social comfort zones, not so much. At my school there's friends groups and cliques.Other people here don't try to be a part of other groups, which to be a problem
Read 73 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,128 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Hockaday School
Private School
Dallas, TX
PK, K-12
117
21 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Junior: There is no other school like Hockaday. Our teachers challenge us with new topics and ideas in our studies, but also come out to support us in sports events and fine arts showcases. The friends that I have made at Hockaday compare to no where else. I always know that I can trust them, and, most importantly, make me laugh. Lastly, I know that after graduating that I will feel prepared to take on the world with both its exciting adventures and challenges with confidence after the Hockaday education I have received on lessons for in and outside of the classroom. Hockaday can at times be challenging but cultivates an inclusive, supportive, and positive community that I am proud to be a part of.
Read 117 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,089 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Greenhill School
Private School
Addison, TX
PK, K-12
74
22 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Alum: As a recent alum, I can say with certainty that Greenhill is easily the top private school in the state of Texas. While its academics are level with those of St. Marks and Hockaday, where the school truly distinguishes itself is in the environment of spirit, inclusion, and pride. The School actively cultivates an environment which fosters both the individual student and community participation. From many discussions with my friends that attend other schools, it's obvious to me that Greenhill's care of each student goes above and beyond her peer schools, and as a student for 13 years, that made all the difference. Greenhill's attitude towards constant improvement also goes markedly against the other schools in the area which often seem to be stuck in outdated traditions. I am now attending a top tier university and feel that my time at Greenhill prepared me academically, socially, and athletically (I'm a D1 athlete) and I could not be more grateful for my time on the Hill.
Read 74 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,315 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hackley School
Private School
Tarrytown, NY
K-12
53
23 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Sophomore: As a sophomore currently in Hackley, I can only highly recommend the school. The academic program is one of the most rigorous out there even if it isn't noticeable in the school. Various AP classes and advanced electives are the common practice beginning sophomore year and beyond and some freshmen may even take some as well.

The English Department is considered the bane of most students' existence and goes into such analytical depth that it rivals any AP English course out there.

Transitioning from a public school to this could be difficult, especially if it's into the Upper School. The rigorous curriculum will challenge you, and lower grades than usual will appear. Our strongest science and math students who take on AP Physics C and Multivariable Calculus in senior year are subject to the two most difficult classes in the school, classes that can give test grades as low as 40 on a regular basis. It's worth it though, the experience is unforgettable.
Read 53 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
834 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. John's School
Private School
Houston, TX
K-12
72
24 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Senior: St. John's faculty are super engaged, hands on, and truly passionate about what they are teaching. They seem to genuinely care about every student. They are available to simply talk to whether you need help to understand a concept or are having a bad day. Similarly, the students are almost all just as engaged and interested in what they are learning. I do have some comments/complaints. The school and the students at the school have A LOT of money that is used for the most boujee things imaginable. 10 thousand dollars on cookie cake? Yes. Getting too lazy to water the grass so they spray paint the lawn green? Of course! Building a new baseball field, realizing it faces the wrong way, and then rebuilding it again to make it face the other way? Yep. The school is constantly under construction building many often unnecessary buildings and fields.
Read 72 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,258 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Nueva School
Private School
Hillsborough, CA
PK, K-12
21
25 Best Private K-12 Schools in America
Freshman: This school is awesome! They give you a lot of freedom while learning a lot. They help prepare you while making classes and acitivites fun. No busy work for homework, all homework helps you grasp the material. Also the teachers are amazing and students are amazing. We go on school trips, starting at Peru, Costa Rica then trips in America. And the first year they want you to get a grasp of the content so you don't have grades that go in the college transcript.
Read 21 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
605 Students
4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 755

Trinity School

St. Mark's School of Texas

Collegiate School

The Harker School

Horace Mann School

Polytechnic School

Sidwell Friends School

Dalton School

Milton Academy

The Westminster Schools

Head-Royce School

Brearley School

Cranbrook Schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Georgetown Day School

Riverdale Country School

Pine Crest School

The Chapin School

Germantown Friends School

The Pingry School

The Hockaday School

Greenhill School

Hackley School

St. John's School

The Nueva School