2023 Best Private Schools in Mission Viejo

• Newport Coast, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  99 reviews

Parent: As a parent of a current Sophomore and incoming Freshman, our family experience with Sage has been nothing but great. My current Sage student takes advantage of athletics, the music department, languages, affinity groups and clubs and is taking the most rigorous course load I could imagine. While the school can be very competitive, for our children that works. The key is for your child to take advantage of the resources and find their own path. I think the school honestly tries to balance each student's load and guide them well, but smart, competitive kids are going to push themselves. The teachers, advisors, staff and coaches that I have met have been incredible and wonderfully supportive. They genuinely care and have gone above and beyond to mentor and support our child. I have also really loved meeting other parents from Sage. Highly recommend Sage for any student ready to take advantage of all the school has to offer.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  173 reviews

Parent: We love TVT! We have one TVT graduate, one in TVT middle school and one in TVT elementary school. In regard to our graduate, TVT’s teachers invested in him in all areas of academic studies and additionally, helped him to develop his unique passions to excel in those too. He received a full scholarship to a top tier university because of his experiences at TVT. Our once reserved child is now a strong, confident leader with a commitment to contribute positively to our world. These attributes were formed in him at TVT. We can see our younger two children growing, developing and exploring their passions at TVT too. They are and will continue to be successful because TVT has such knowledgeable, mentoring, kind, generous, thoughtful, resourceful, and creative administration and teachers. TVT honors its students and families, genuinely wanting the very best experience for each and every one of our children academically, socially, emotionally. We cannot be happier! Thank you to TVT!... Read 173 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 802

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  56 reviews

Parent: I have 2 children at St. Margaret's and I can't say enough good things about the school and the environment. They really do try to develop the whole child. It isn't just a factory trying to turn out 4.0 students with 1600 SAT scores! Yes it is competitive, but in a good way. Many of the students have been at the school since pre school! The facilities are amazing - better than 99% of the colleges out there. The teachers really care and for the most part, the parents are great. Yes, there are the occasional obnoxious parent, but they usually get chopped down to size cuz there is always someone wealthier and more successful than them :-) If you want your child to develop into a great adult with compassion and drive, then SMES is an excellent place to go.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: I am a Pacific Academy alum who graduated with the class of 2021. Thanks to Pacific Academy, I had a wonderful middle and high school experience in which I blossomed into a more confident, responsible, and outgoing version of my younger self. This school is about more than just academics; the teachers build warm relationships with their students because they truly care about them, and the students are encouraged to participate in the many clubs and extracurricular activities that are available. No matter the student's interest, there is almost always a space for them to grow and do what they love. And if not, they can create their own opportunities that pave the way for other students who might also share those interests. The school also fosters collaboration in all areas, from the classroom to sports to club activities. I'm also thankful that I got to make so many close friendships during my time here with a lot of amazing people.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  330 reviews

Parent: Best teachers. Incredible coaches. Administrators who care about your student’s (and family’s) overall experience. World class arts program. Our son does Steel Drums as an elective and has also participated in several sports — Cross Country, Volleyball, Track. The concerts are next level — so much talent, so fun to watch! The coaches have all been tremendous and have taken their teams to CIF and State champs. They really care about the kids and are great leaders. There’s just so much love here. They say “Find it Here” and that’s so true…there’s really something for every interest.... Read 330 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: There were so many unique courses that the school offers that I had considerable difficulty in fitting everything that I wanted to take. There are countless honors courses and AP classes that students can partake that can academically challenge and thus foster growth. There are also cohort programs ranging from those relating to engineering, business, law, and medicine. Being involved in these cohort groups may further allow students to explore their academic interest and potential career paths for the future. Crean is also a Lutheran based Christian school that strives for excellence in academics through Jesus Christ. If you want your child to be a well rounded individual who has a positive influence on his community through his/her well developed understanding of love in Christ, enroll him/her at Crean!... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 959

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  211 reviews

Parent: JSerra is a college-prep school with very challenging curriculum. There are many AP and Honors classes available, as well as such courses as pre-law, pre-med, pre-engineering, and others. Teachers and staff were terrific and always available to help you when you need it. School facilities and grounds were always kept clean and tidy. The only change I would make is to increase on campus parking. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this great school!... Read 211 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: My overall experience of all four years at Futures Academy has been amazing. All the teachers treat you more then a student, you all have a special place in their mind. You will meet many different students that will also take you in like family.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: At the beginning of the 2nd semester of 9th grade, our son became very sick. He missed 10 weeks of school falling so far behind that it wasn't possible for him to complete 9th grade. A counselor at his school suggested we reach out to Futures Academy in Mission Viejo to see if they could help. Futures Academy was fantastic. They are responsive. Futures developed an individualized learning plan that accommodated my son’s physical challenges, while at the same time kept him on track to complete 9th grade. Today, my son continues to attend Futures and is in 10th grade. He needs accommodations for his illness, but Futures has become an important part of his overall recovery. They are flexible about his learning schedule while maintaining high academic standards. His teachers challenge him in his learning, and he often reports he’s enjoying his classes. Futures has made it possible for our son to continue in school while facing a tough challenge in life.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Lake Forest, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Our family loves Heritage Christian School! I have a daughter who graduated from HCS and is now thriving at Biola University in their Torrey Honors Program. HCS did a great job preparing her to be successful in college. I also have an 11th and 7th grader still attending HCS. They are getting a Christ-centered worldview and education. I love how all of the teachers clearly care about each student academically, emotionally, and spiritually. The love of Christ is evident throughout the staff and students. I highly recommend this school!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 233

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  89 reviews

Parent: We love CVCS! We started in elementary and currently have kids in middle and high school. The teachers have expertise in their subjects and a love for the students. The classes are small allowing the teachers to know what each child needs. High School offers numerous AP classes as well as individualized academic planning for college. My kids have participated in various electives including performing arts (The Little Mermaid Jr., Newsies - full Broadway version, etc.), culinary arts, financial planning, and more. Trips to Sacramento in 4th Grade and the East Coast in 8th grade bring what they are studying to life. The high school sports programs are also top-notch. The teams consistently compete at the top of their leagues. The coaches care about the students and the teams have an amazing team atmosphere. But the most important item that sets CVCS apart is the love for Christ that is evidenced in everything that they do. We gladly re-enroll our kids each year in this amazing school!... Read 89 reviews

• grade A

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Orange, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: The 2021/2022 school year has been my family's first year at Spirit and it has been a great year! I have a son in 1st, a daughter in 3rd, and a daughter in 5th grade. This school is a wonderful option for families that want to homeschool but also want the on campus experience for their kids. Spirit does a great job with organizing many fun events throughout the year including field trips, monthly "stay and play" activity-filled after school days, a Thanksgiving party, a Christmas concert, and a talent show. The teachers do an incredible job of staying connected with the parents to keep on track with the curriculum and classwork. My family has really enjoyed connecting with the other families at this school. It is a very unique and wonderful community. There is so much support here. We are so thankful to have found such a wonderful school and we look forward to returning for the next school year.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 137

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: I attended calvary chapel schools for 13 years of my life and couldn't have had a better experience. Throughout my high school career, I had incredible teachers who encouraged me and helped me achieve an amazing application that prepared me for college. I got to have many amazing opportunities with clubs, missions, and many other schools activities throughout my four years. The school encourages students to participate in sports as well as after school activities which truly made my high school experience incredible. I am so grateful that I got to attend Calvary Chapel!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,095

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: After medical health issues caused me to withdraw from public school , Fusion Academy was a Godsend as I had access to incredibly passionate teachers committed to helping me grow and succeed but I also had the one-on-one access similar to a homeschool environment. Not only have acceded my goals and have earned all As, but I have worked through the material at a faster rate and I will graduate a year early than expected. I also have felt supported regarding the unique qualities of my health issues and the teachers have been incredibly supportive when I have had doctor appointments or been ill.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 58

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Discovery Prep has been amazing for our son. In this small school setting there is absolutely no animosity between the students. They are able to focus on their studies and social engagement absent of the overwhelming stress of being outcasted. Each student is unique and contributes to their community in their own way, allowing them to shine. The curriculum is challenging, yet the students are fully supported by their teachers & peers. Classes are structured to be engaging, inspiring students to WANT to be there. Each teacher has their own way of teaching, which further challenges the students to learn in different ways. Because of the student:teacher:faculty ratio, no student will fall behind or slip through the cracks. Lastly, the student body is very diverse - racially, culturally & economically. The school strives to keep this diverse community thriving and it shows. The families reflect the same qualities that the student body holds: as one community.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 33

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Newport Beach, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-11

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We love this school! We have 3 children in various grades of this school, and we have loved everything about it. The school is really like a family. The staff are loving and you can tell that it is more than a job for them. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and the programs they are offering have continued to expand each and every year. Our kids love the sports programs for boys and girls, the brand new computer lab, and the private music lessons that are available. So glad that we found NCS! (And for what they offer, you really can't beat the price for private Christian education in Orange County)... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: Our experience at Fairmont has been exceptional. The teachers, staff, and administration are truly invested in my child’s education and her growth as a young learner. Small class sizes and leveled learning have enabled my child to gain confidence in her learning abilities. Though it is a small and newer school, it allows for a lower student to teacher ratio, giving our kindergartener more confidence when asking questions, engage in group activities, and opportunities for one-on-one time with the teachers. She absolutely LOVES Fairmont! The administration is open minded and think outside the box to make a successful educational experience for the students and parents. Fairmont is committed to the whole child. They teach value lessons, character building, communication and leadership skills. The teachers are passionate about seeing their students succeed. Great team – great school!... Read 45 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 509

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• North Tustin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  38 reviews

Parent: After years of searching, my family has found the ideal place for our kids to grow and learn - a school with an extraordinary commitment to communication that allows them limitless potential in their academic pursuits. Our children have truly flourished under this amazing administration!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 321

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Laguna Woods, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: Our experience at the Geneva School has been nothing but amazing. We have two children at this school and we are constantly amazed at how much they are learning. They come home singing songs, reciting scripture, and teaching us about things that happened in history that I never learned in elementary school! This school has a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum that expertly incorporates and intertwines math, literature, history, science, art, and music for a rich learning experience for our kids. Not only does this school care about how my child is doing academically, but they are equally, if not more, invested in my child's spiritual well-being and growth as a loving and truth-seeking Christian. This school is teaching solid Biblical truth, which is rare to find at many Christian schools these days.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 93

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: Putting my child to SJB was one of the best decision my husband and I have made! Not only does the school prepare the kids academically, but also they instilled great values in life! All the teachers and staffs are so involved and so wonderful towards their students! This school is my child’s home away from home! I have read that someone said about “harsh punishment, socialism, eating silent lunch.” 1. This school (like any schools out there) disciplines each child accordingly. All disciplinary action goes through the administration and parents privately. 2 This school is a PROUD Catholic school with a very strong base community! They are a strong, Catholic community are always there for one another! They welcome everyone With open arms. Yes, there’s socializing ..but socialism?! #fakenews 3. Silent lunch? What’s that? #notabullyingschool God bless this school and everyone that works there!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 544

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Rigorous academics but not in a way that places unnecessary pressure on kids. I really love the focus on character, leadership, the arts, and being kind to every person. The new facilities reflect current research on how kids learn best, and which skills are important for college-readiness--there are numerous spaces for groups of students to gather and collaborate during class, and tech design teaches kids how to use digital media to express ideas. I love "community time" where students can advocate for themselves and seek extra help. We are very excited for the new Green family commons where students will become educated about nutrition and communal meal time. My only complaints is that I wish the dress code were gender-neutral (i.e. boys are not allowed to wear nail polish or have long hair, but girls can).... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 673

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: I am incredibly impressed with Stratford Mission Viejo. This private school may be small in size, but it is definitely big in ideas and innovation. The teachers are truly exceptional, and they genuinely care about the success and well-being of every student. From day one, my daughter has felt welcomed and supported by the school community. The teachers take the time to get to know each student and understand their individual needs and learning styles. They go above and beyond to create engaging and challenging lesson plans that inspire students to think critically and creatively. One of the things that sets this school apart is the focus on character education. The teachers prioritize kindness, respect, and empathy, and they encourage students to become responsible, compassionate, and ethical members of society. I am so grateful that my daughter is learning these important life skills alongside academic subjects. I would highly recommend this school.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 239

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Newport Beach, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: My children started at OLQA last year and were warmly welcomed by all of the students and the staff. We have found that the families and the community are exactly what we wanted to help raise children of faith and character. The academics have been very impressive. My children have had excellent instruction both in-person and online. The school has raised the bar in excellence. I truly feel that the teachers sincerely appreciate and love their students. There are so many activities for my children to be involved in academically, socially and in athletics. The school has a fantastic administration and is supported by the church and the families. If interested, there are so many opportunities for parents to get involved. There is a state of the art science lab, a new gymnasium being built, and a lovely campus. With many procedures in place, I feel that my children are very safe at school . OLQA is fostering faith filled and well rounded students.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  13 reviews

Works Here: St. Junipero Serra is such a great school! Having taught in a wide variety of both public and private parochial schools, I can honestly say that St. Serra has an amazing academic program and a wonderful Catholic Christian approach. There are leveled ELA and Math classes and so many enriching classes like art, creativity lab, music, religion, etc. The teachers are such Christ-like examples of servant leaders. Beautiful facilities, cutting edge technology, after-school sports, etc. -- so much to offer!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,024

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Corona Del Mar, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Harbor Day School is just the right mix of curriculum, excellent teachers, great families, and great character education....until we sent our children to the Harbor Day School. The head of school Angi Evans, as well as the division heads, are personable, nurturing, polished, and well versed in all of the latest educational trends. They set an incredible vision, and the team of teachers delivers. Our kids have gotten a great balance of academics, arts (visual and performing), athletics(very inclusive and also competitive in a good way), and character. I love that good citizenship and kindness are rewarded. The awards and praise are deserved, not just randomly handed out (as in other schools we've attended)-so recognition is truly meaningful to the kids. My kids are challenged for sure. But they are engaged. They aren't just going through the motions. They are learning, and on their way to being lifelong learners. Highly recommend Harbor Day School for sure.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1