2023 Best Schools in San Mateo

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  47 reviews

Freshman: Crystal has been one of the best schools I've ever been to! They have excellent teachers that are always there to help you, the academics are advanced and are made to put you one step ahead of everyone else. If you can come here, do it. It's an experience you won't regret.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 569

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  59 reviews

Parent: Great school with wonderful teachers, curriculum and leadership. Some classes can be challenging but teachers are there to support student learning and growth!... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  106 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 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  82 reviews

Junior: I think Menlo has a strong community full of people who care about their academic, personal, and athletic achievements. However, as well as being in the heart of Silicon Valley, the pressure to succeed can sometimes be stifling.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 795

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  27 reviews

Alum: Khan Lab School is much more than a high school, it is a school where your passions and interests are put first and foremost. From my Senior Capstone project being directed towards my passions to my entire academic plan being personally customized, I feel that Khan Lab School has prepared me towards furthering my education after high school. Outside of just academics, my overall executive function skills were trained in and out of the classroom. After going through the college application process, and being accepted into a top-tier university, I feel that Khan Lab School has prepared me for all life-long-learning experiences.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 260

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  29 reviews

Alum: Pinewood School has changed me into the person I am today. This community has helped me open up more to get more out of the world instead of staying to my own all the time. I have learnt to be a little more sociable when necessary and taught me how I can keep improving based on my experiences. Pinewood would always try to find ways to alleviate stress on students and care about their emotions towards completing an assignment, going to a practice, or anything else. All teachers teach with such a passion that the relationship of teacher and student turns to just a discussion group talking about an very interesting topic. Although the tuition is a bit on the pricey side, I would totally recommend Pinewood to others looking for a high-quality academic and fun-loving, social community.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  106 reviews

Senior: This is a great school with a booming community. Everyone here is so welcoming and contributed to the tight-knit community while everyone explores their interests, hobbies, and passions with the many many opportunities here whether it be the arts, sciences, robotics, politics, and much more.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: Kehillah is a GREAT school with incredible academics and a focus on community values! Because it's a relatively small school, the and teachers really know each student. My son shadowed at quite a few Bay Area high schools, and after his Shadow Day at Kehillah he was absolutely beaming because of the engaging learning environment. I really appreciate the creative teaching approaches and service learning opportunities to school provides. The school's leadership and communications are also outstanding. Our family is so thankful to have found Kehillah Jewish High School.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  283 reviews

Senior: My experience at Aragon High School was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to make lifelong friends, learn valuable lessons, and develop a strong sense of self. The teachers at Aragon High School were some of the best I have ever had. They were always willing to help and answer any questions I had. They also provided a safe and supportive environment for me to learn and grow. I was able to take challenging classes and push myself to do my best. The extracurricular activities at Aragon High School were also great. I was able to join a variety of clubs and sports teams. The social atmosphere at Aragon High School was also great. I was able to make friends with people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Overall, my experience at Aragon High School was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the time I spent at Aragon High School and the memories I made there.... Read 283 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,734

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Sequoia Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  322 reviews

Junior: Carlmont High School is a pretty good school. Academically, I think it is a great place with high standards and plenty of opportunities to learn. The campus itself is also pretty cool, although the walk from one end of the campus to the other is pretty long. It's a fairly diverse place too! The teachers are reasonable for the most part, I've gotten fairly lucky with teachers. I think that CHS has definitely prepared me and my peers for college. The college and career center has lots of resources for college. The clubs and activities are all really inclusive!... Read 322 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,309

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: My experience as student at San Mateo High School had been one of the greatest experiences I had in my life the school spirit was felt in the air black and orange the entire school gather around the school grounds to celebrate our accomplishments.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: Great school. Small class classes. Proactive response to the pandemic. Happy kids. Good results once they graduate and go to high school.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I’ve been going to California Crosspoint Academy all of my academic life. From Kindergarten to my Senior year of high school, I have seen myself, as well as the school, grow academically and spiritually. California Crosspoint Academy has-and will always be-my second home as I have been able to be a part of a great, loving community of students, teachers, and friends. California Crosspoint Academy is constantly growing in student population, in building complexes, and in doing the works of Jesus Christ. If your looking for great education, exceptional academics, and long-lasting friendships, California Crosspoint Academy is the place to go.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: After two years of horrible public school experiences (bullying and lack of support from the school), we found Living Wisdom School. From the minute we met the staff we were convinced this was the school for our daughter. They approach each student with care, support, and kindness. We saw our daughter blossom under their care and grow in ways that brought tears of joy. In fact, I cried at every Parent-Teacher conference because the feedback they provided to us reflected how well they knew our daughter--something that didn't happen in the two previous years of high school. I can't recommend this school highly enough. I can't even imagine where we would be today if we didn't have the opportunity to enroll our daughter in this school. Our daughter graduated from Living Wisdom as a whole person -- confident, compassionate, mindful, and ready to take on college!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 82

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Los Altos, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Junior: The unique learning style is great for creative thinking. The school is small so it’s easy to get to know everyone and make friends. It also makes the academics better as the teachers can focus more on each individual. The teachers are amazing and generally fun people to hang out with. WSP’s only downfall was its response to the pandemic. Their learning style promotes hands on and in person work but that just can’t happen in the current climate. As of January, students without a medical reason will not be able to participate in an online option for schooling and must go in to class in person. If one does have a medical reason, they will be given the option to watch streamed classes. This quality of education is poor however. The teachers mostly pay attention to the in person students rather than the kids at home.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 142

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Excellent high quality Academic school! 10 years of happiness for my older girl, we came here at age of 3 with no English and German at all and now my girl is one of the best students in her class with native level of English and German. We have a great opportunity to choose any University in Germany as well.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  300 reviews

Senior: Attending Hillsdale High School has been a great experience for me so far. As a freshmen, I experienced distance learning with Hillsdale during the COVID pandemic and definitely had a memorable first year of high school. All of the teachers and staff were experiencing the change along with the students which made the Hillsdale community comforting in the time of chaos. Now, two years later, the Hillsdale community has grown with me. I have seen amazing changes and additions to the school that promote inclusivity and diversity. And, as a part of Hillsdale's leadership class, I have had the chance to be a part of these changes and help advocate for the students that aren't generally recognized. Being a part of the Hillsdale community has given me an opportunity to grow and to understand what can happen just because someone decides to care.... Read 300 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,689

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Public School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Love the schools vision of inquiry based education and it’s commitment to equity which plays out in many facets of school life from the curriculum to admin priority setting. My kids absolutely adore their teachers and are engaged in what they are learning. I’ve never once heard that school is “boring”. We have also loved the parent community and opportunities to engage such as at Friday All School Meetings. While we would like to see a more robust arts program and expanded extracurriculars we know the school is still in its early years and bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic. The school leadership is very focused on teacher retention - a national challenge post pandemic - and on closing achievement gaps, which we value tremendously. Looking forward to all the growth to come!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Belmont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  127 reviews

Senior: Notre Dame was the perfect choice for me. Due to the pandemic, I ended up going to Notre Dame due to troubles on zoom with my public middle school. This ended up being one of the best decisions my parents and I had made. At first, I was skeptical of the all-girls concept, but as a soon to be senior, I love it. I feel more comfortable in the classroom, feel more free to make mistakes, and I can simply announce to my class that I need a tampon or pad. It has truly empowered me to take more advanced classes than I would have been able to take at public school, as mine only went based off testing.... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 468

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Los Altos, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• grade A+

• Students 13

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• 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 872

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  215 reviews

Senior: I will always remember my experience at Moreau. I've had several teachers who helped shape my outlook on education and the importance of being prepared for college. Not only do the teachers go out of their way to make sure you stay on track and get the help you but so do the counselors, administration, all office staff, campus officials and coaches. I didn't realize it in the midst of everything but now with my high school career coming to a close in the next coming weeks, I value every moment I had at Moreau Catholic. I will miss it!... Read 215 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 825

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• HiIlsborough City School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Good school. The principal is awful. She doesn't care about the kids. Yes, really. Hopefully she will leave soon and then the schools ratings will increase.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 216

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• HiIlsborough City School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: It was basically a free private school a few years ago, but has slipped a little. All of the good teachers have started to leave and advanced courses have been pulled. Math and Science are neglected courses. But, the kids who attend are excellent! They really make your overall crocker experience unforgettable. I would recommend this school of you're looking for a pretty good public middle school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 442

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1