2024 Best Private Schools in Bayview

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  67 reviews

Freshman: I love it here! I have never been more supported at school. There's tutorials, teachers are always flexible to meet anytime. You can email, sign up on calendly, or find them anytime at their desk. There is also WRC writing tutoring support as well as student peer tutors in all kinds of subjects. It's really just a safe environment where you feel comfortable talking to anyone of all ages, whether it's the college counselor, admissions officers, or cracking jokes with the head of school. And I'm excited that trips this year are out of state again!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: I love Lick! It's an incredible institution that places the value of developing the soul over simply learning material. If you want to learn about yourself, be challenged, and explore new things, Lick might be the place for you.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  59 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 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: I have two children at the school. They have been very well supported and they are getting a great education. They do have a significant amount of homework but they are still able to be very involved with their sports and other extra-curricular activities. Both of my kids are involved with the sports and music programs at school. The work load is manageable and they have plenty of time to spend with their friends on the weekends. It is academically challenging but my children are thriving. I feel they are well prepared for college. They have both made great friends amongst their classmates and have no regrets about attending UHS. Also, the new head of schools is great and really accessible.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: Convent is a great school for college-driven students. Due to the small size of the school, you are able to have more opportunities to take advanced courses (AP/IB). These types of students have the ability to excel academically and receive all the support they need. In that regard, 10/10. Only reason I did not provide a five star review is due to a lot of the blatant favoritism to students who went to the school for all of their education (K-12) as opposed to students who joined in high school. Convent and Stuart Hall is an amazing institution all around.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  32 reviews

Other: As a previous mathematics teacher of three years at HSA, I can attest to the excellence of this institution. Both administration and faculty are aligned on providing the best possible, holistic education for all students. Teachers cater to each of their students' needs, possible with such small class sizes. Administration is supportive of their staff, students and families, constantly reassessing and experimenting to expand and improve. Students are kind, mature, hard working and driven.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 49

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: We have been at the school for the past 6 years and it has been a transformative experience for our children. The teachers and leadership are amazing and for being such a large private school it is exceptionally run. We love the international diversity of school, there are families from every corner of the globe in our children's classes. The only draw backs are not having any food service on campus and at this price it is unaccusable given all their peers offer a healthy lunch. But other than that we are extremely satisfied with the school.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  375 reviews

Senior: SI is such a fun school! There is always something to do after school whether that be clubs, sports, arts, or other extracurricular and you are strongly encouraged to participate in the student life and attend the many fun events. SI has great school spirit and the teachers want you to succeed. The academics are also modern and prepare you for college, relating the classroom material to the rest of your life. In addition, you have room in your schedule to pursue your own passions as well, from computer science to jazz band, to yearbook! There is a wonderful Community Service program with a life-changing Immersion experience as well as Campus Ministry both with Frosh and Soph retreats and senior Kairos! Saint Ignatius’s Jesuit values inspire students to lead lives of generosity, called to service, to leadership and love. Even though SI is a Jesuit school, it is open to all religions and spiritualities. SI really does care for the whole person and I am so glad that I chose to go here!... Read 375 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,476

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: JCHS is a gem of a school! I'm a current parent, and at Back to School Night, I wished that I could trade places with my student and go to classes. The faculty are the top in their field, many with PhD's, who are deeply committed to getting to know each student, and ensure they are curious, deep learners. My daughter has made friends from across the Bay Area and across the diversity of our Jewish community. For a small school, JCHS offers a wide range of sports, clubs, arts, and a marvelous theater program. The new robotics and engineering lab allows my science-kid to excel.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: Our daughter had an amazing experience at Drew! She not only graduated well-prepared for college, but she was also better prepared for life. Drew really understands teenagers, and they want teenagers to develop a lifelong love for learning. They also care about their students' mental health and social development, which means that students get a well-rounded experience that sets them up for the future. On top of all that, the school has wonderful teachers, a beautiful campus and an incredible overall community. We're so grateful to Drew for everything they did to set our daughter up for success!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 296

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  36 reviews

Sophomore: The school is extremely good academically and in terms of college readiness, but I feel that they are lacking in the social aspect of high school that most people look forward to. And though extensively prepared for the top colleges in the world, many students are burnt out at the end of their time at LFSF.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 888

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  186 reviews

Alum: Having spent four years at SHC, I can confidently say that I made the right choice to attend SHC over other schools that I was admitted to like SI, Urban, Drew, and Lick. SHC makes it a priority for freshmen to feel engaged in the community. There are a plethora of clubs and teams for students to enroll and the lunches were surprisingly decent, dare I even say quite good. Practically every teacher I had was very knowledgeable, driven, and willing to work with me when I required help (additionally, each one knew my name by the end of the third week of school). SHC offers over 20 AP classes and makes it easy for sophomores and up to enroll in these courses, unlike rival schools which make enrolling in numerous challenging courses nearly impossible. If you chose to study hard, you will end up in a great top college (just like my friends and I did (T20s)). The opportunities are bountiful, it's on the student to seek them out! Overall I felt welcome, at home, and loved my SHC experience!... Read 186 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,411

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: San Francisco Waldorf High school is a great school to attend if you are seeking to maximize your learning and enjoy a supportive community. In San Francisco Waldorf High school, there are several unique academic and artistic tracks one can pursue. Additionally the Wolverines have a very strong athletics program; such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Overall, San Francisco Waldorf provides an enriching experience for any student who chooses.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 160

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  150 reviews

Parent: We're an incoming new family to Riordan so our firsthand intel is very limited but I did want to share that I've spoken extensively to several families (including some with graduates going to Top 25 colleges) and it does appear that, especially since going co-ed, Riordan is an up-and-coming gem of a high school worth checking out. We're pleased with how responsive and accommodating the administration has been so far. Communication has been smooth, timely and clear. We're most impressed with the personal touch though, and this is also what impressed our student the most during their shadow day. Somehow, even with hundreds of applicants and new students, the teachers and staff remember first names and other details that show their thoughtfulness and care. We like the smaller school and class sizes relative to other SF public or Catholic high schools and sense that Riordan's reputation is rising for good reason!... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,107

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• San Mateo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  329 reviews

Alum: One of the best aspects of Junipero Serra High School is its commitment to academic excellence. The school offers a wide range of courses, including honors and advanced placement (AP) classes, to challenge and engage students. The dedicated faculty members strive to create a supportive learning environment and often go above and beyond to help their students succeed. The school's rigorous curriculum prepares students well for higher education. If there were areas for improvement, it could include enhancing diversity and inclusivity efforts to ensure that all students feel represented and supported. Schools should strive to create an environment that embraces students from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.... Read 329 reviews

• grade A

• Students 870

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Burlingame, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  125 reviews

Senior: Mercy High School is an enriching, uplifting institution that empowers the women it educates and facilitates independence, compassion, community service, and innovation. As a Catholic all girls school, immense emphasis is placed on the value of kindness and service. Students work with and for one another, creating bonds to rival sisterhood and lifelong friendships. The school offers numerous extensive programs for students with learning differences or students who wish to challenge themselves with rigorous course loads. Mercy also has a wide range of clubs and honors societies that students can be involved in. I have been able to thrive and succeed in the loving, uplifting community of Mercy, being supported in every aspect of my life.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A

• Students 365

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  273 reviews

Senior: I am a senior currently in ICA and have been applying to colleges that I would like to attend. ICA has there super helpful college counselors that guide us in the right direction for what, how, where, and when we are supposed to submit these applications for our colleges. My experience that I have learned from the last 4 years that I've spent in this highschool were leadership skills, responsibility, and hard work. Leadership, to me, means being a role model. The type of role model that I want to be is to show courage, overcome challenges, and prioritize academics. It is not about being out front to be seen. It is more about having the valuable experience to offer others who may need encouragement to do their best and never give up. Furthermore, ICA has placed me in internships such as Salesforce, and Manatt Phelps & Philips. I used to work there to gain knowledge of the "real outside world" and understand how opportunities like this can work. ICA is great and fun just the way it is!... Read 273 reviews

• grade A

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• grade A minus

• Students 37

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: San Francisco Christian School is for sure a unique place. I started my career at this school when I entered the seventh grade in 2018. I love how to this day, teachers I met over four years ago treat me with the same amount of respect considering all the maturing I had to do. The small classrooms also help a ton. However, I went through the unique experience of distance learning throughout the pandemic between. Even when I was struggling to grasp concepts from home, the administration still worked with me and helped me achieve my goals.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Mateo, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• grade B+

• Students 65

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: We've had an amazing year at Sterne after some increasingly challenging years at another school. Very few programs seem to be capable of working with a kid who has a severe anxiety disorder (and very few want to). Before moving to Sterne we felt lucky if our kid could make it through an entire school day, because it was so rare. It's been a huge relief to be in an environment where our kid is happy and learning every day. They have also been extremely transparent and helpful during the transition to online learning during shelter in place. While it's definitely not ideal, our older kid is in another school and what Sterne has managed by comparison has been wonderful.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Sophomore: This is an excellent school that provides challenge, independence, and a nurturing community. They did an exemplary job of moving online and classes are still as high quality as before.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 20

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: My daughter, in 7th grade, has been at La Scuola International School since 4th grade. She has had a wonderful experience, thriving under the care of its tight-knit community and safe environment. La Scuola is a fantastic place for a girl to experience middle school years. Nothing compares to the IB program, as the students stretch themselves to go thoughtfully and deeper into a body of learning and across disciplines. It is a nurturing school that demonstrates, through both actions and communications, its commitment to high academic standards, acceptance and inclusion, civil and intellectual dialogue, diversity, joy, kindness, and making a positive impact in San Francisco and the neighborhood community. Italian is not a requirement for admission, and the school is very accommodating for students with varying language needs. La Scuola is an international environment; students are exposed to children and adults from a variety of places and cultures. We highly recommend La Scuola!... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Mateo, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: We have one child who graduated and one child who is still at Carey. If we had to make the choice again on which elementary school to send our children to, we would not hesitate in sending them to Carey again. The entire experience has been positive. The administration and teachers are amazing individuals that really care about the children and are always looking at ways to improve themselves and their teaching methods. The facilities are top notch and the teacher to student ratio allows the teachers to really know each child. The open communication and responsiveness to issues addresses any issues that arise. Academics is not as rigorous as some other schools, but it allows the children to grow in other areas. Community is a huge part of The Carey experience as well. The families of the children are present and invested in their children's lives and are great role models. They are also very fun! Our eldest was well prepared for middle school and the transition was seamless.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Our son loves Stratford! I am constantly amazed at how much he has learned and how much he loves going to school every day. We like the strong academic focus of the school and that was primarily why we chose Stratford. However, we also like that they still provide music, art and twice-yearly music/drama programs that allow the kids to explore their artistic sides. The community at Stratford is also wonderful. My son has made lots of new friends in school that have extended to family friendships outside school hours and events. We now frequently gather for holiday and weekend get togethers which is great for our son as he is an only child. Lastly, I love the “Stratford Pledge” the students say every morning that talks about being “kids of character”. Our son continues to develop a strong sense of self-responsibility and pride in his work, and I know that a lot of that can be attributed to Stratford and the wonderful staff of teachers and administration.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1