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2022 Best Private Schools in San Francisco

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272 results

  1. The College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • OAKLAND, CA
    • 9-12
    • 81 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: I've absolutely loved my time at College-Prep. It's the perfect place for students to be challenged intellectually, yet it's in a safe and welcoming environment. In my experience, there isn't really a culture of competitiveness/cutthroat environment, but, as with everywhere you go, you'll undoubtedly find exceptions to the rule. College-Prep has been perfect for me and has been a place where I've succeeded. I've grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am forever grateful for the faculty, peers, and friends I have met along the way...We get a pretty bad rep for sports, but it's a great place to try out new sports! If you're not an athlete and you want to start a sport, everyone's super nice and there aren't many expectations haha. Still, we do have some teams that tend to do pretty well in league or you could always play club so def not a dealbreaker in my opinion!...Read 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 373 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Nueva School

    • Private School
    • HILLSBOROUGH, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 55 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in California

    Junior: I personally love Nueva. I joined in 9th grade just for the high school and loved it! All the students are super welcoming, and the small class size (about 100 to a grade, 12-16 people per class) means that the environment is intimate and you get to know people really well. The school culture of calling our teachers by their first names means that we get to know them really well, and we know that they are there for us. Yes they are our teachers, but a lot of them are also friends! Further, I would say the best part about the school is how unique the classes and resources are. Classes like Neuroscience of Addiction and Experimental Research all take place in the top-notch biology labs, and our laser cutters, CNC machines, and woodcutters mean that kids can build literally anything in the i-Lab. All the clubs are open and there for you, and the school is 100% committed to diversity and comfort for all its students, and not afraid to discuss uncomfortable situations. Highly recommend!...Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 853 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Head-Royce School

    • Private School
    • OAKLAND, CA
    • K-12
    • 64 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: My daughter has had an outstanding high school experience at Head-Royce - I can't imagine a better school for her. I remember thinking, at my initial parent tour, what a remarkably smart, involved, caring, switched on group of adults running this school and inspiring and supporting the kids - this first impression was spot on. The teachers, administrators, deans, advisors, counselors, librarians, etc are superb. The overall vibe of the kids seems great too - lively and fun but also really bright, hardworking and engaged. Go Jayhawks!...Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 900 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Lick-Wilmerding High School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 101 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: We toured 8 public, private and parochial school, and each time, my son ended up comparing every one to Lick. From the friendliness of the kids to challenging classes to the fun environment, he loves it. Some standouts: Shops classes, one-act plays, TGIF fun days, and marvelous teachers and highly engaged classmates who make the rigorous courses so rewarding. No-cut sports teams means kids can try something new. And we really appreciate the helpful parent association...Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 490 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. San Francisco University High School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 60 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in California

    Junior: At San Francisco University Highscool, SFUHS, I had an amazing experience. I made friends quickly through the student of color clubs. The social dynamic of UHS is inclusive, anyone can be anyone they want to me. The academics are rigors and students easily spend 4 hours a night of work. I learned to think at UHS, instead of being a human calculator or grammar checker I was able to learn how to express my ideas and thoughts through literature or use unique methods to solve complex math problems. UHS helped shape me into the person I am, Its an amazing place to spend high school...Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 410 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Urban School of San Francisco

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 57 reviews
    #25 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 420 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Marin Academy

    • Private School
    • SAN RAFAEL, CA
    • 9-12
    • 101 reviews
    #28 Best Private High Schools in California

    Junior: I have loved my experience at MA! The teachers are all super friendly and they all love teaching so much that it rubs off on the students. Their passion for the subject that they teach does not go unnoticed. I have definitely grown as a student as a person at MA. The arts (music, theatre and visual arts) are all amazing and there are so many talented people here. I have attended so many music concerts to cheer on my friends as well as just to hear the talent that my classmates have to share. I do wish that there were a little bit less cliques within the student body but for the most part all of the students are friendly and outgoing with everyone. Sports teams are super fun to be apart of (both as a player and a viewer). Sports teams are a community that becomes a family and overall, the athletic program at MA is stellar. MA just built a new science building and it is so high tech and modern. I love it!...Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 440 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Bentley School

    • Private School
    • LAFAYETTE, CA
    • K-12
    • 97 reviews
    #49 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Bentley is a fantastic school with a highly involved student community. The school offers a plethora of student led clubs and organizations. Additionally, the school's extracurricular programs such as engineering and theatre are very well endowed. Teachers at the school are devoted to helping their students prepare for college and treat them like adults. The new cafeteria is fantastic too!...Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 700 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. The Bay School of San Francisco

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 83 reviews
    #56 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 374 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Convent & Stuart Hall

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • K-12
    • 77 reviews
    #57 Best Private High Schools in California

    Sophomore: I started last year as a freshman. I think as someone who did not go to the lower school and who is on financial aid that I was really nervous to go, but I have made some amazing friends and I have had an amazing time so far. The teachers are exceptional, many of them having doctorates and the campuses are beautiful. I felt very welcomed by the teachers. I wish there had been more effort to integrate the students together, but I think COVID caused the divide in my class. I am now a freshman and am feeling more and more a part of the community every day. Everyone is so kind and the workload is not too much for anyone to handle. The teachers really want you to succeed and will do everything to make that happen. Overall, I love it and I think it is a really overlooked school...Read 77 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,100 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. French American International School and International High School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 98 reviews
    #61 Best Private High Schools in California

    Sophomore: I have been going to French American since I was four years old and I've had an amazing experience. There are great teachers who are always there to help you learn and provide external resources. The same goes for the high school which helps us a lot with academic needs such as learning accommodations and college counselors who have helped countless people get into amazing colleges (domestic and international). I think like any school it has its flaws which I would say would be school culture and diversity. The school is working on it but struggles with diversity with a very little population of students of color. The school does, however, create seminars about race and the importance of racial awareness and activism. ...The school is also so focused on academics that it forgets about school culture which has become rather weak.But in general, it is a wonderful school that is really strong academically and cares for its students and their needs, always looking out for the students.Read 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,067 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 359 reviews
    #62 Best Private High Schools in California

    Sophomore: I love this school so much! Coming from a public middle school not as much funding, the teachers and education overall were not as great. The support from faculty here is amazing, and so is the community. When walking through the halls, you feel like these people around you will help you if you just ask. That sense of support is a necessity, especially in high school when most students feel alone. Here at SI, I can try new things even if I am terrified of the thought. This past year, I tried new sports, clubs, and even ran for student council! There are numerous new activities you can try out. If you think you will run out of things to try, that is where you are wrong. The campus is beautiful and HUGE. If you are looking for a wonderful college preparatory high school in the bay area, you should look into this one. Starting the school year online and during quarantine was tough, but the faculty was still very supportive and got us back in person as soon as they could...Read 359 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,476 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Lycée Français de San Francisco

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 32 reviews
    #70 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 885 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Jewish Community High School of the Bay

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 26 reviews
    #90 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 26 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 188 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. San Francisco High School of the Arts

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 6-12
    • 24 reviews
    #100 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: Our 12-year-old has danced and schooled at Xian Yun the last two years. She is happy in this bully-free environment after a few educational false starts in the Bay Area. She dances daily, is learning Mandarin (really learning it!) and has a terrific, quite traditional academic program. The academics and dancing please our daughter, and the kindness and community please her parents!...Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Maybeck High School

    • Private School
    • BERKELEY, CA
    • 9-12
    • 13 reviews
    #105 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: The teachers are incredible here! Their enthusiasm and dedication makes you love what they teach even more. I like the small class size I think it is much easier to learn and go to office hours if needed. There's a lot of freedom to create your own clubs and to be apart of school activities. I feel like my voice is heard here and that I can make a change. A lot of students are very supportive and you can pretty much strike up a conversation with anyone here. Although we don't have a cafeteria there's plenty of shops nearby. Even though we don't have sports teams you could probably make one and the beginning of the year and the end of the year camping trips + other school activities make up for it. If you're thinking about going here I'd sign up for an open house cause personally I've been the happiest I've ever been (in high school) being here at Maybeck! Not alot of little people have heard about Maybeck but I feel like this school is a little gem...Read 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 110 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Bishop O'Dowd High School

    • Private School
    • OAKLAND, CA
    • 9-12
    • 200 reviews
    #107 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Bishop O'Dowd is very good. Their emphasis on school pride, mental health, and the success of their students is very apparent. They have lots of resources in order for the students to be successful in whatever they want to pursue. There are also a lot of clubs and volunteer programs that help not just the school environment but the surrounding Oakland area. The school is clean, the teachers are mostly good, and the cafeteria food is very good. I will say that while our school is diverse, it is still somewhat cliguey. In addition, the cost of school keeps increasing and costs about 18k a year. They do however provide financial aid to those who apply and need it. The administration is top-tier and very kind. This school is also a private catholic school that has a dress code. However, over the years, they have gotten much milder. Polo or O'Dowd tops and yoga pants and jeans. Overall, it is mostly up to the student how much they want to integrate themselves into the school for success...Read 200 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,243 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Drew School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews
    #108 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: Our daughter graduated from Drew six months ago and her college transition confirms that Drew was an excellent choice. Drew nailed an important (but often overlooked) “college prep” function: social/emotional development. The school’s supportive environment allowed our daughter to build deep friendships, experience her first relationship, and really understand how to relate to people. These social skills were important for navigating adult life on a college campus, three thousand miles away from home. With the perspective of time (and another high school), I’d highly recommend giving Drew a good look – it is a unique gem!...Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 292 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Pacific Bay Christian School

    • Private School
    • PACIFICA, CA
    • 5-12
    • 60 reviews
    #120 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: An excellent Christian private school. For a small school, it offers an amazing diversity of challenging academics/APs for college prep but also student support. The motto is that students come first, and every student is known and loved. The administration aims to support struggling students, & that academic and mental health support been especially important at this time. At the very start of the pandemic, while other schools were scrambling to transition to virtual learning or independent study projects, PacBay seamlessly moved learning online over the course of a weekend. The administration did a great job researching and planning. Students attended classes on campus one day, and smoothly transitioned online the next week to minimize learning loss. As restrictions loosened, and vaccinations rose, the school's done a wonderful job re-opening the campus safely. Esp in a time of uncertainty & anxiety, you want to feel confident about where you send your child to school. We do...Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 192 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. San Francisco Waldorf High School

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 26 reviews
    #123 Best Private High Schools in California

    Parent: As a parent of a recent graduate, I am impressed with how the breadth and depth of curriculum prepared my child to succeed in college, including multiple Dean's list honors. As important, my child graduated High School with self confidence and an interest in new things that was nurtured and developed during the four years at SFWHS, along with a great group of friends who remain close despite attending college around the country...Read 26 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

    • Private School
    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 166 reviews
    #131 Best Private High Schools in California

    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 166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,325 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. St. Mary's College High School

    • Private School
    • BERKELEY, CA
    • 9-12
    • 228 reviews
    #137 Best Private High Schools in California

    Senior: Saint Mary's College High School is an excellent school that has helped me to progress as a person. Ever since touring the school in 8th grade, I fell in love with the campus because it really does feel like a college campus. Now, as a rising senior, I feel that I have grown in my academics, social life, and thinking skills. The teachers are always there for their students and the school itself feels like a welcoming community. They also offer many academic opportunities like A-block, allowing around an hour of time for students to go to different teachers to ask for help, as well as using that time for clubs. Saint Mary's College High School is also very diverse and provides an inclusive community for everyone!...Read 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 630 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Junipero Serra High School

    • Private School
    • SAN MATEO, CA
    • 9-12
    • 320 reviews
    #146 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: I am a 1960 graduate of Serra High School of San Mateo, California, my brother graduated from Serra several years later, and my son also graduated from Serra. I have been involved in the school as a supporter for many years. I have gotten to know many members of the staff and many many successful graduates. For Serra to have been ignored, when many other schools which are similar (Archbishop Riordan, for example, is very similarly-situated, not really close academically or otherwise) were ranked and Serra was ignored is really inexcusable...Read 320 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 807 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Tilden Preparatory School - Albany

    • Private School
    • ALBANY, CA
    • 6-12
    • 8 reviews
    #172 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: This school was the best school experience I ever had. The teachers are amazing and the flexibility the school has is amazing! Best place ever!Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75 Students
    • 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Holy Names High School

    • Private School
    • OAKLAND, CA
    • 9-12
    • 90 reviews
    #186 Best Private High Schools in California

    Alum: My experience at HNHS was absolutely incredible. The all-girls experience allows young women at the school to discover themselves academically, socially, & artistically in a safe environment that fosters growth. At HNHS, I explored my passion for theater, leadership, music, & global immersion -- all at once. I was exposed to a variety of opportunities, such as the Peer Mediation program, one that was developed when I was a freshman (2015), that allows students to resolve conflicts in a safe space on campus. When I was a junior (2017-18), I had the lifechanging opportunity to travel to Kenya with a group of students through a program called Powerful Beyond Measure. I would not have been able to experience conflict resolution & immersive travel without the support of the HNHS community. My experience at HNHS was both unique & lifechanging -- & I truly believe that experiences like mine are particular to Holy Names. After all, you cannot receive the Noblesse Oblige spirit anywhere else!...Read 90 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 152 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    The Carey School

    • Private School
    • SAN MATEO, CA
    • PK, K-5
    • 10 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 10 Reviews

    • 258 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews

    Parent: My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student needs. The teachers are dedicated and so are the parents to the kids' success. While the administration has been bumpy as the school has gotten established (only 5 years old), they earned their stripes during the pandemic. Organized, safety-focused and diligent about communication. We supplement school with sports leagues and scouting outside of school, which many parents do. Easy to do given the extensive choice you have in the DC area. Also appreciate the international study body with impressively bright students from all over the world. A real meritocracy, unlike other private schools that admit based on VIP status or connections/donations. In the next few years, this school will only continue to advance its place in the rankings...Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 478 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Fusion Academy Palo Alto

    • Private School
    • PALO ALTO, CA
    • 6-12
    • 193 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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