2023 Best Private Schools in Cole Valley

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  67 reviews

Senior: I cannot be more grateful for the opportunity to attend this school. My family was offered a very generous financial aid package that made it affordable despite the high sticker price. The SFUHS environment is unrivaled in San Francisco. The staff and students have fantastic relationships, and everyone there wants one another to succeed. While academics are absolutely more rigorous than at other high schools, the school has endless advisory options, and teacher meeting hours are integrated into the schedule. This school cares about its students, reflected in its schedule with reasonable and never overwhelming start-end times or number of meetings per week. I have been happy and comfortable for the four years I have attended this school, and do not think I could have achieved nearly as much elsewhere. College placements are incomparable in San Francisco. I will be attending a university ranked top 15 in the country next year, and many others from my class will do the same.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  105 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 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  83 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 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I really liked attending Bay for my 4 years of high school. Bay provided me with both a quality education and the social emotional tools I will need for college and beyond. I'm really glad I chose to go here because I always felt so welcome, at home, and cared about. The college counseling department is so helpful in making sure students have the tools they need to successfully apply to college, and it's no surprise that the majority of kids get into one of their top college choices. The food is also really good and healthy! The only huge downside is the price tag. If you have the money, I would definitely recommend sending your child here.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 442

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  106 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, International is a very rigorous school that prepares you to be a great person and undergraduate. Coming from an African American household, I feel this school lacks a lot of diversity not only in the cultural and racial department but in the education representation around said topic. The school is not very transparent around What our tuition Goes towards or what resources are available to us as students. The school has also been very unorganized in informing the students of Important information like final exams and class information. I will say though that this school has the excellent ability to unite students and prepare them in a way no other school can. The level of education is something that drew me to this school - being able to be around students who love learning and love being at school is something that encourages me to work harder everyday. The arts is also something worth mentioning as they truly understand the importance of the arts in a students life.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  368 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 368 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,476

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: Our son has attended Lycée in Sausalito the last two years. Our family is not French speaking so we are amazed at his progression in both English and French. He loves his classmates and teachers and is excited to attend each and every day. The teachers are all very committed to the students and spend countless hours setting up above and beyond activities like regular baking activities, gardening, field trips and STEAM fairs! You should really check this school out if you have an interest in raising a bilingual child (even if you yourself aren't bilingual!)... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 888

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: JCHS is a top tier school in the Bay Area! I am a current parent and also the parent of an alum. The teachers genuinely care about their students and they want them to learn. Athletics continues to improve. JCHS teams are winning AND having fun! The college counselor is fantastic. She gets to know each family and she guides students to UCs, junior colleges, GAP year experiences, Ivy Leagues and everything in between. My kids have made friends for life and they know how to self advocate.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 190

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: Our child has been at this school since grade 6. It is small, but special. We are busy parents and feel safe with our child here. The teachers are very dedicated, especially the English and math teachers. children have received a great artistic influence here, which has laid a foundation for cultivating their good characters. We have a good relationship and communication with our child and teachers, so if there is a problem, it can be solved. This year my child graduated from high school and got into a very good university. So we would like to thank the school for all the efforts.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 49

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  75 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 75 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 296

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  177 reviews

Alum: AP classes are rigorous and set you up for success in college-- there are test-ins meant to make sure that those who take it are ready, but can punish kids who aren't good at testing. STEM classes have nice lab tables, equipment, live animals, and access to chemicals. The VPA dpt is full of wonderful human beings (kids, but especially teachers). Though it's not competitive by any means, it's a great place that feels like family and can't recommend it enough! Funded well, too. College advising dpt does a great job at guiding kids through the college app process. Teachers are hit or miss, but most genuinely care about students as people and aim to help kids succeed. Very white and affluent, then Asian 2nd most. I never saw a real fight in all 4 years there, and freshmen aren't physically bullied unlike elsewhere (taunted a little though, but never brutally). Admin tries, but often stopped by the Archbishop, esp in regard to LGBTQ issues. Atmosphere non-hostile though.... Read 177 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,325

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  32 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 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 160

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  129 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Riordan is outstanding, there is a wide range of activities, clubs and sports that are offered. The school is widely diverse and has a boarding program. The sports teams have large crowds, and the student section is always vibrant. Furthermore, Riordan has the only high school marching band in San Francisco, everywhere the band travels we are not only representing our school but also the city of SF. Being a high school that is educated in the Marinist tradition creates a family atmosphere that adapts and changes overtime. Riordan also is heavily guided with our three P’s pride, purpose and performance. However, due to the switch to a Co Ed school in 2020-2021 and Covid affecting the school heavily the administration has been a little lackluster. However, they are slowing adjusting to the large student body and making Riordan become more organized and a competitive school. Overall, Riordan is a great diverse school with lots of potential for the future.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A

• Students 968

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  17 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 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  272 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 272 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• 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

• Students 20

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 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 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 175

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 90

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  13 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 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 323

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: Our children attended San Francisco Waldorf School from Kindergarten through 12th grade and we could not be happier. This is a holistic, multimodal education which helps children develop depth and breadth of knowledge and experience, empathy, artistry, and humanity. The parent community is welcoming and the teachers are devoted to their students and the school. Each child will be in their annual class play, go on overnight field trips related to the curriculum, play a musical instrument, conduct physics and chemistry experiments, learn to draw and paint, sculpt and knit, as well as play sports, write creatively, learn two languages, do woodworking...and more! Creating one's own Main Lesson books instead of using textbooks allows for deep and meaningful connections to course material and not giving letter grades in the early grades allows the children to learn out of their own interest, not to obtain a high grade.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Students 267

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: As a parent from K-8 I really value all that this school offered. I appreciated the progressive education, the amazing teachers and admin, and a focus on the whole child. My child thrived with the curriculum and stand out teachers really opened new ways of learning. There were some challenging times over the years, but thats to be expected in any school, and most important to us is how teachers and admin supported and responded to those challenges. Science in the Presidio was a unique and lasting learning experience.The Music/Arts program built confidence in our child, and by 8th grade, thier opportunities to perform, present, and enage with other children and adults in both conversations as well as during large performances was outstanding. The high school placement process was outstanding, not only because of the support of the couselers, but because they knew my child so well that they helped us identify good fits, and secure a spot in our first choice high school.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: Cathedral is a special place. Our two boys have embraced the CSB community; they have excelled becoming incredible students and conscientious humans. The school knows how to care for and teach boys--not just academically, but also how to be a kind, accountable, moral, and contribute to the common good. Each year, we've witnessed our sons' curiosity about subjects expand, their admiration for teachers shine, and a genuine school spirit that has brought joy to our family. I'm not at all a fan of review sites like this, whether if be for restaurants, small businesses or schools--especially schools! So please take it all in context, both the positive and the negative. There's far more to be said, with greater nuance, than a 1000 characters will allow. Choosing a school is a personal decision and should be about finding RIGHT ONE that fits your child and family. Not all school decisions are the right ones, as can been evidenced by enraged parents seeking retribution for poor choices.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• Students 261

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: My 2 children have been attending Stratford since pre-school. One is going to graduate this year and another has gone off to high school and we have been very happy with the school. The school leadership, front office, and teachers are all so caring and supportive. During the pandemic, the school took all the necessary precautions to make sure our children were safe. The school leadership encourages feedback, positive or negative and are always striving to improve their program. The class sizes are small. The students get the privilege of playing team sports throughout the school year in the city’s CYO program. The school has a strong academic program and it has prepared my child well for high school. They also have an adequate offering of after school extracurricular activities and student council. They are very helpful in helping parents navigate the high school admissions process and their students place in very good high schools across the city and beyond year after year.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• Students 111

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1