2017 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

20,547 results

Phillips Academy
Private School
Andover, MA
9-12
47
Niche User: Andover truly is a special place! The opportunities for learning within the self are endless. I have adopted a true growth mindset at this community, learned from my peers, which represent youth from every quarter. This community is equitable, kind, generous, and truly incredible. My teachers believe in my potential to succeed. #SayYesToAndover #BigBlueNice #WelcomeHome #SmartWithHeart
Read 47 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,150 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Phillips Exeter Academy
Private School
Exeter, NH
9-12
176
Alum: I really loved the academics at this school. The classes that I wanted to take were really amazing, well taught, with plenty of interesting trips and research. The field classes that I took were especially fun to be a part of. I also really enjoyed being part of the sports teams there as a player on a team. The coaches I encountered were fantastic and the sense of family within teams was huge. I struggled a little socially there, but the athletics gave me a chance to connect. Some of the atmosphere of the school can be difficult to manage, it is not for everyone and it takes some adjusting, but it is well worth the effort. I came out well prepared for college academics and challenges.
Read 176 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,085 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Lawrenceville School
Private School
Lawrenceville, NJ
9-12
95
Senior: The Lawrenceville School is considered one of the best high schools in the country for a reason. The academics are among the best. The teachers are all qualified and have extensive experience from the best high schools and colleges. In terms of diversity, Lawrentians are from around the world. At Lawrenceville, students are taught manage the many aspects of their lives, and I feel prepared to transition into college. The facilities are one of a college, including a STEM lab with VR and 3D printing, a building for every subject, and a huge library. The sports are also good here. The mandatory sport for each term brings out a lot of talent in students who would have never tried a sport otherwise. Also, students can participate in clubs, sports, and school sponsored volunteer activities. There is much more that could be said about how good the Lawrenceville School is. But I hope from what you have read, you can see how great a school it is.
Read 95 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
822 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Harvard-Westlake School
Private School
Studio City, CA
7-12
97
Freshman: Harvard-Westlake truly changed my life. Since coming to H-W as a new seventh grader and still, I have had experiences impossible anywhere else. The competitive nature of the community pushes me to go further than I thought I could, and I have become interested in so many topics that I never thought I would be interested in. Due to the large class sizes, I have met and made so many friends with similar interests as I have, and many with different interests that opened me to even more experiences. If you are considering applying, there is definitely something for you here, and you will not regret your decision!
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,593 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Paul's School
Private School
Concord, NH
9-12
46
Niche User: I'd be completely lying if I said I loved my whole time at SPS. I transferred as a new sophomore and wasn't accustomed to the whole idea of what a prep school actually entailed. I felt very lost in athletics, academics, extracurriculars, socializing, and even myself. But that was because I hadn't utilized all my resources. And anybody currently at the school will know who this is when I say this: I became best friends with Humanities IV teacher and he changed my life. Every bit of success I encounter in this lifetime is because of him and his willingness to always be there for me. So before I get all mopey, I'll say this - it wasn't easy at first (but what really is?) but my experience did a full 180 once I started taking advantage of the resources and people St. Paul's had to offer.
Read 46 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
541 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Horace Mann School
Private School
Bronx, NY
PK, K-12
97
Junior: After being accepted in 10th grade, my transition could not have been more easier than with the attention and friendliness of my teachers and fellow colleagues. As I walk into the school, each morning I hear a warm welcome. This contributes to the five core values of the school, which are life of the mind, mature behavior, mutual respect, a secure and healthful environment, and a balance between individual achievement and a caring community. These values aren't just stapled to the walls of the building, but they are shared among all the people of the community.
Even in a great school, there are things that should be given more attention. More specifically, as a Russian speaking student, I think that it would be nice to be able to take a language in school that isn't offered in most high schools. It would not only give students the chance to try out another language, but it would also give native speakers the chance to maintain their knowledge of the Russian culture.
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,694 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The College Preparatory School
Private School
Oakland, CA
9-12
58
High School Senior: I love my school! One of the best things about the school is the community. The school tries to make freshmen feel as welcome as possible when they first start at school. Freshmen are assigned to a CAP group (Connections and Advisory Program) which consists of a faculty advisor, 8-9 other freshmen, and three senior mentors. During the summer, senior mentors write letters, call, and hang out with their freshmen, which helps the freshmen meet their fellow CAP group freshmen and seniors. Also, freshmen have orientation and Freshmen Retreat together before school starts with everyone else, so they really get to know the school and each other before the year begins. Even after freshmen year, everyone is so kind and inviting. I joined sports and dance and met a lot of upperclassmen and, as I got older, younger students, that have continued to be my friends even after they've graduated. I love the students' welcoming nature (I can pretty much have a conversation with anyone) and the overall nice feeling.
Read 58 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
363 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Harker School
Private School
San Jose, CA
PK, K-12
93
Niche User: We have two children at Harker, both in lower school. Our fifth grader has been here since grade 2, our second grader started in Kindergarten, and we are constantly amazed at the level of support teachers provide to students, both academically and emotionally, in terms of character building. When our fifth grader has struggled with academics, teachers reached out to us with concrete advice, invitations to come to extra help in the morning and other suggestions for helping him thrive --and he has done so! Along with kind, calm, sensible *intelligent and thoughtful* teachers who brigh their humanity to the classroom, there is a lower school-wide program that helps students understand their emotions at times of frustration to help them understand how to deal with their concerns effectively. The after school care staff is incredibly polite, attentive and sharp, I've never had any concerns about playground misbehavior as the staff are super vigilant and the equipment is top-notch and well maintained. The kitchen is outstanding and provides healthy snacks (included) before and after school, and students can choose to have a nutritious school lunch prepared on site, or bring their own food from home. Just a great experience all around!
Read 93 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,044 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lakeside School
Private School
Seattle, WA
5-12
68
Alum: Lakeside is not for the fainthearted. I attended the school from the 5th-12th grade. The academics are of course top notch and prepare you well for college courses, but you should study HARD to keep up everything. Fortunately, teachers are more than accommodating and open to meeting with students during their free time. It is all too common to walk into the math office during any hour and see teachers helping students with homework, test/quiz corrections, etc. You must take the initiative to do well at Lakeside, though. You can't be embarrassed to ask questions when you're confused. Sensitivity has no place in the classroom, or at Lakeside in general. The school has a very competitive atmosphere- particularly when applying for colleges. That being said, students are mostly amicable. Sports are big Lakeside, and we generally do well.
Read 68 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
838 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Stanford Online High School
Private School
Stanford, CA
7-12
75
Niche User: My daughter has found her learning community- an exceptional group of students and educators pushing the boundaries of educational technology! The classes are rigorous and the students are competitive, but also kind, engaged, and respectful. While the schedule can be grueling, most students thrive in the OHS environment because they feel like they are learning so much that the hours laboring away are well worth it. Even for highly gifted students, getting straight A's at OHS is difficult. Students, however, seem to care more about the effort they put in to a class, and the passion they have for learning than the grade received. All in all, I would highly recommend Stanford OHS!
Read 75 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
704 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Trinity School
Private School
New York, NY
K-12
36
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 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
998 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Polytechnic School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
K-12
82
Junior: There are so many opportunities at the school, that you can honestly do anything you want to pursue your passion. The teachers are always there for you, and are there to help you improve all the time. The academics are strong, and it's honestly so manageable.

Poly does truly have a really competitive environment. Because the school is so small, you get to know everyone, and you realize the amount of competition that exists within every grade. Sometimes, you really just feel stupid in a class (I know I have). But I love this school so so much, and I have honestly met some of the best people in the whole world. Though it is competitive, everyone is welcoming, and once you feel a part of the Poly community, you feel like you can conquer the world. I am so happy I chose this school and don't regret my decision to come. GO POLY!
Read 82 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
868 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Hotchkiss School
Private School
Lakeville, CT
9-12
36
Freshman: My experience at Hotchkiss has been categorized by a uniquely welcoming community, deeply engaging Instructors, a highly rigorous workload and an abundance of athletic and extra-curricular opportunities. As the school continues to evolve, I hope Hotchkiss is able to maintain the number of sacred traditions that make it so special.
Read 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
632 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sidwell Friends School
Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-12
29
Senior: I had a wonderful experience at Sidwell. I was surrounded by peers of all sorts of backgrounds- economical, racial, sexual orientation, and religion! There I was able to understand who I wanted to be and what I wanted to represent. The school was also extremely supportive of everything and anything students did with criticisms on the school and society as a whole. I really do appreciate everything the school has done and given me.
Read 29 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,145 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Choate Rosemary Hall
Private School
Wallingford, CT
9-12
89
Senior: Great private school. More relaxed and friendlier than the other New England private schools, but just as rigorous. Great teachers and really interesting classes. They are continually doing construction to improve the school so it will only get better with time. The food is leagues better than public school, but it gets tiring after awhile. Some of the classes can be boring or unnecessarily difficult and there will be late nights, along with the occasional really early night because you have almost no homework. Overall, one of the best New England schools.
Read 89 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
862 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Winsor School
Private School
Boston, MA
5-12
47
Senior: Coming to Winsor was one of the best decisions I have ever made. At first, I was hesitant about private school and especially an all-girl's school. When I visited Winsor, though, all of those worries fell away and I completely saw myself as a student there. After spending a few years here, I have good relationships with my peers and teachers and I am a leader in several clubs. I cannot imagine having a different high school experience - I'm really glad I was able to find a great community of people at Winsor.
Read 47 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
437 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Castilleja School
Private School
Palo Alto, CA
6-12
26
Alum: My Castilleja experience prepared me so well for college and life -- the teachers are amazing and care so much about the students! I'm so glad I spent 7 years with such smart, caring, and dedicated women.
Read 26 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
438 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Mark's School of Texas
Private School
Dallas, TX
1-12
30
Niche User: St. Mark's is nationally-recognized for academics, with a challenging curriculum designed to prepare students at their very best. Teachers are often experts in their field, and often are recognized curriculum leaders. While the workload is intense, students are almost always more than capable of handling it, and the school ensures that there is adequate support for the students' success.
Read 30 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
851 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cranbrook Schools
Private School
Bloomfield Hills, MI
PK, K-12
185
Alum: Cranbrook is the best school in the world! After having a terrible time in elementary and middle school in the public school system, I switched to Cranbrook and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Cranbrook helped me to become a strong and confident student. I am now at a top 50 school worldwide and am succeeding at a level that would have never been possible without the amazing faculty and staff at Cranbrook!
Read 185 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,670 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. John's School
Private School
Houston, TX
K-12
57
Senior: This is a wonderful school. I learned so much as a result of being a student at this school: time management, writing skills, studying habits, work habits, multi-tasking, etc.. This school is very challenging and is most definitely not for everyone. If you are a forward-looking student who wants to excel and push yourself, then this is the type of school you should dream of. You are surrounded by incredibly intelligent teachers, overall faculty, and a very caring student body. This is a fantastic place to grow and learn, and I wouldn't trade the four years I spent at this school for anything.
Read 57 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,258 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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National Cathedral School
Private School
Washington, DC
4-12
34
Sophomore: I am thrilled by my school on a daily basis. My peers regularly impress me with their determination, intelligence, and kindness. While my peers can occasionally become over competitive, everyone continues to support and encourage one another. All of the girls are so friendly and enthusiastic about learning. My friends are such interesting people, and I love being able to discuss sophisticated scientific concepts and political ideologies over lunch. NCS offers so many opportunities to its students, from rock climbing, to serving as a class service representative, to dance classes. I am so blessed to be part of such a warm community.
Read 34 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
585 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Deerfield Academy
Private School
Deerfield, MA
9-12
16
Alum: There is too big of a divide between the different races when it comes to social life. Teachers should also be constantly reviewed by the students and made sure that they work to fix their biggest problems so that the teachers become better. While the rumors about certain teachers, such as the talk about how harshly Mr. Henry graded, when it was still around a few years ago or the relatively bad teaching quality of certain teachers, they should have been reviewed by the faculty and worked on so that the students get better education and learn to enjoy the classes that they take.
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
635 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Branson School
Private School
Ross, CA
9-12
61
Parent: Same thing said as in many previous reviews in terms of the academics. Truly demanding - no lie, my daughter was at the top of the best private middle school in Marin, and she has a boatload every week night.

That being said, this place truly is magical. Where to start? The campus is beautiful, facilities - both academic and athletic are top notch. The peer group is the highest caliber in the country. I mean that. The school draws the top students from both Marin and San Francisco.

Diversity is surprisingly prevalent here, and there is definitely a huge push by the school. The community is great - there are many opportunities to meet others via events and socials.

For such a small school, athletics are impressive (and competitive). Most students here are active in some sport, many also play at the club level. School spirit is very strong and refreshing for a school this size.

Honestly, no real negatives. The commute in/out of Ross can sometimes be a pain?
Read 61 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
321 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Flintridge Preparatory School
Private School
La Canada Flintridge, CA
7-12
79
Alum: I am an alumni of Flintridge Prep, and I absolutely loved the experience! The community is wonderful- teachers are passionate about their respective fields and will definitely go out of their way to help their students. The students are all very supportive of one another, and despite the academic intensity of the school being pretty high, you never really feel like you're ever competing with anyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that Flintridge Prep is mostly about academics. Students do have other non-academic interests such as sports or performing arts, and Prep certainly has extracurricular programs to meet these interests. However, if you are pretty proficient in an extracurricular activity and/or want to pursue it in college, you are better off looking outside of Prep for proper training in your field of interest.
Read 79 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
500 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Westminster Schools
Private School
Atlanta, GA
K-12
130
Niche User: Our consistent national rankings say it all, and are true. This is a great school academically, teachers are great in their subjects and are usually well-known individuals, hard curriculum, but has variety. Be prepared to work. Also be prepared for that work to pay off once you graduate -- college is extremely easy once you have graduated from Westminster!
Read 130 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,862 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 822

Phillips Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy

The Lawrenceville School

Harvard-Westlake School

St. Paul's School

Horace Mann School

The College Preparatory School

The Harker School

Lakeside School

Stanford Online High School

Trinity School

Polytechnic School

The Hotchkiss School

Sidwell Friends School

Choate Rosemary Hall

Winsor School

Castilleja School

St. Mark's School of Texas

Cranbrook Schools

St. John's School

National Cathedral School

Deerfield Academy

The Branson School

Flintridge Preparatory School

The Westminster Schools