Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
1 through 25 of 42 results
42 results
Santa Cruz, CA•
Private School•
6-12
Alum: Kirby School was a great experience for me. I have been there since 7th grade. The academics are challenging, but I felt like it really prepared me for college life. When I attended Kirby, I always thought that I was a "middle of the road" student but when I started college, I quickly realized that I was more prepared than my peers. I even tested out of Calculus I and English I! I did not have the freshman slump. Kirby did an excellent job preparing me for college. The teachers and staff really care about their students. They will talk to you (or your parents) if your grades start to fall or if they notice that you are struggling. Very small and accepting academic community.... Read 40 reviews
Students 210
Student-teacher ratio 4:1
#64 Best Private High Schools in California.
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
SANTA CRUZ, CA,
6-12,
40 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Kirby School was a great experience for me. I have been there since 7th grade. The academics are challenging, but I felt like it really prepared me for college life. When I attended Kirby, I always....
Kirby School was a great experience for me. I have been there since 7th grade. The academics are challenging, but I felt like it really prepared me for college life. When I attended Kirby, I always....
Read 40 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 210,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,
Watsonville, CA•
9-12
Alum: I attended St. Francis all four years of high school and couldn’t have had a greater experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and supported by all of my teachers. I received an amazing education, joined leadership, and made amazing friends along the way. I never felt alone in this tight-knit community of 220 students. St. Francis gives all students the opportunity to get involved and to develop life skills.... Read 78 reviews
Students 225
Student-teacher ratio 12:1
#173 Best Private High Schools in California.
WATSONVILLE, CA,
9-12,
78 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I attended St. Francis all four years of high school and couldn’t have had a greater experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and supported by all of my teachers. I received an amazing education,....
I attended St. Francis all four years of high school and couldn’t have had a greater experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and supported by all of my teachers. I received an amazing education,....
Read 78 reviews.
Students: 225,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
Senior: Since becoming an IB certified school, Monte Vista’s attitude towards college prep has been more streamlined. Academics wise, the school excels in the fields of Science and Math, with the choices being diverse and being available not only for students of all levels and skill sets, but at the same time push those same students, and challenge them to do even beyond what they think is their “best”. Backed by faculty and administrators who continuously show care and consideration for each and every student, one would never find themselves “unheard” at a school like Monte Vista.... Read 133 reviews
Students 854
Student-teacher ratio 13:1
#201 Best Private High Schools in California.
133 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Since becoming an IB certified school, Monte Vista’s attitude towards college prep has been more streamlined. Academics wise, the school excels in the fields of Science and Math, with the choices....
Since becoming an IB certified school, Monte Vista’s attitude towards college prep has been more streamlined. Academics wise, the school excels in the fields of Science and Math, with the choices....
Read 133 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 854,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
San Mateo, CA•
PK, K-5
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
Students 264
Student-teacher ratio 8:1
SAN MATEO, CA,
PK, K-5,
12 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says 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...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...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..
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...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...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.
Students: 264,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
La Selva Beach, CA•
Works Here: I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have been blessed to have experienced MBA as both a parent of a student and then as a staff member. As a parent I felt that my son was cared for by his teachers, and he made some wonderful friends. There were fun activities for him to participate in, and of course, there was the beach to go to every weekend. As a staff member, I have been privileged to work with some of the most caring and helpful people! They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!... Read 78 reviews
Students 215
#283 Best Private High Schools in California.
LA SELVA BEACH, CA,
78 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Works Here says I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have...They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!.
I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have...They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 215,
Pajaro Valley Unified School District, CA•
Senior: My experience at Aptos High School has been very exhilarating. I have been able to make new friends easily helping me gain better social interaction with others. The teachers and faculty members are normally available for students and always willing to help. Sports play a big role in school culture, mainly football and basketball, with the growing popularity of volleyball. Food from the PVUSD is very lackluster but subtle. Parent involvement is not very present as the school normally has to fend for itself or from pleading for donations from students' families. Besides the few harsh criticisms or remarks I have stated, Aptos High School is an amazing high school for those living in Santa Cruz County and I do not regret attending Aptos High School. GO MARINERS!... Read 211 reviews
Students 1,433
Student-teacher ratio 24:1
#428 Best Public High Schools in California.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District, CA,
211 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says My experience at Aptos High School has been very exhilarating. I have been able to make new friends easily helping me gain better social interaction with others. The teachers and faculty members are....
My experience at Aptos High School has been very exhilarating. I have been able to make new friends easily helping me gain better social interaction with others. The teachers and faculty members are....
Read 211 reviews.
Students: 1,433,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,
Soquel Union Elementary School District, CA•
6-8
High School Sophomore: I loved going to New Brighton, the teachers were very helpful. The administration always makes sure their students feels safe.... Read 1 review
Students 710
Student-teacher ratio 22:1
#620 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
Soquel Union Elementary School District, CA,
6-8,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: High School Sophomore says I loved going to New Brighton, the teachers were very helpful. The administration always makes sure their students feels safe..
I loved going to New Brighton, the teachers were very helpful. The administration always makes sure their students feels safe..
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Students: 710,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 22 to 1,
K-5
Students 455
K-5,
Students: 455,
Students 250
Student-teacher ratio 27:1
Students: 250,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 27 to 1,
Students 439
Student-teacher ratio 26:1
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Students: 439,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 26 to 1,
7-8
Freshman: Most of the teachers were meh but there were a few that really shaped my life and put me on the right track... Read 9 reviews
Students 686
Student-teacher ratio 35:1
7-8,
9 Niche users give it an average review of 2.4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Most of the teachers were meh but there were a few that really shaped my life and put me on the right track.
Most of the teachers were meh but there were a few that really shaped my life and put me on the right track.
Read 9 reviews.
Students: 686,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 35 to 1,
Public School•
Senior: On the day I first attended Ceiba, I was really nervous about being part of an academic community. I had no friends, and I was worried that I would not fit in with the other students. I also suffered from Autism, which made my social skills weak. Luckily, most of the kids welcomed me to Ceiba, and soon after, I felt excited to learn. Over the years, I got to learn more about my classmates and teachers. They were all very nice, and we loved our school. Ceiba has helped me learn how to socialize with others and help learn to be independent. Although there were times that were pretty rough, I managed to get through the difficulties and prepare for college. I am about to graduate 12th grade, and I will always remember Ceiba for being the best school I have ever gone to. I will also remember the teachers and classmates that I will always remember for the rest of my life!... Read 81 reviews
Students 523
Student-teacher ratio 18:1
Public School,
81 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says On the day I first attended Ceiba, I was really nervous about being part of an academic community. I had no friends, and I was worried that I would not fit in with the other students. I also suffered....
On the day I first attended Ceiba, I was really nervous about being part of an academic community. I had no friends, and I was worried that I would not fit in with the other students. I also suffered....
Read 81 reviews.
Students: 523,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
K-6
Students 418
Student-teacher ratio 23:1
K-6,
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Students: 418,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 23 to 1,
K-12
Niche User: I wish I would have went to this high school from the beginning it really fit into my work schedule as I got older. Everything was just amazing!... Read 6 reviews
Students 191
Student-teacher ratio 28:1
K-12,
6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says I wish I would have went to this high school from the beginning it really fit into my work schedule as I got older. Everything was just amazing!.
I wish I would have went to this high school from the beginning it really fit into my work schedule as I got older. Everything was just amazing!.
Read 6 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Students: 191,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
K-8
Students 274
K-8,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Students: 274,
Students 163
2 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Students: 163,
Students 682
Students: 682,
Students 417
1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Students: 417,
Scotts Valley, CA•
PK, K-8
Students 420
Student-teacher ratio 14:1
SCOTTS VALLEY, CA,
PK, K-8,
Students: 420,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
Aptos, CA•
Students 298
Student-teacher ratio 15:1
APTOS, CA,
Students: 298,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
K-9
Students 270
Student-teacher ratio 16:1
K-9,
Students: 270,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
Parent: Good Shepherd has been a haven for our family since we moved here in 2020. We have felt so welcomed. My kids are getting one on one attention with the small class sizes. They love their teachers and my fifth grader talks about how her teacher makes learning fun. She has been busy with projects, reading books and writing reports, vocabulary and spelling. In math, her teacher challenges her at her individual level. Outside of school, they enjoyed playing volleyball and soccer this year as well as all the art classes and Spanish classes. My two older kids have their own computer to use at school. The caterpillars in the Life Lab garden were a big hit for my preschooler. My 5th grader just got back from Science camp with all smiles. Overall we have been so thankful to have found this school and have been grateful for the faith based foundation in a school striving to challenge students to achieve their academic best.... Read 3 reviews
Students 255
3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Good Shepherd has been a haven for our family since we moved here in 2020. We have felt so welcomed. My kids are getting one on one attention with the small class sizes. They love their teachers and....
Good Shepherd has been a haven for our family since we moved here in 2020. We have felt so welcomed. My kids are getting one on one attention with the small class sizes. They love their teachers and....
Read 3 reviews.
Students: 255,
Parent: Moreland Notre Dame is a family! Caring, dedicated teachers and staff, along with a very welcoming parent community, foster a true family spirit where children not only become fully prepared for high school, but they develop strong values, and a solid faith foundation. We have loved MND and can't say enough about our years there.... Read 2 reviews
Students 240
Student-teacher ratio 17:1
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Moreland Notre Dame is a family! Caring, dedicated teachers and staff, along with a very welcoming parent community, foster a true family spirit where children not only become fully prepared for....
Moreland Notre Dame is a family! Caring, dedicated teachers and staff, along with a very welcoming parent community, foster a true family spirit where children not only become fully prepared for....
Students: 240,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
PK, K-12
Students 239
PK, K-12,
Students: 239,
Parent: Gateway’s academic approach strives to teach children to become self-motivated life-long learners with leadership skills. Gateway stresses good citizenship – social, ethical and emotional development alongside academic achievement. There is healthy amount of small-group projects, presentations in addition to standard individual curriculum. The curriculum provides solid core studies (language arts, math) with an emphasis on depth of understanding rather than test taking. Outdoor science, Technology, Spanish, Art and Music are all taught by specialist teachers. The social environment is very healthy by design. Supported by the administration and teachers, kids go out of their way to be inclusive and supportive to all their schoolmates. Conflict is dealt with as a learning experience. The biggest endorsement ... my 5th grader really loves school and is growing into an engaging, mature, confident scholar. We are looking forward to Gateway Middle School!... Read 2 reviews
Students 187
Student-teacher ratio 10:1
2 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Gateway’s academic approach strives to teach children to become self-motivated life-long learners with leadership skills. Gateway stresses good citizenship – social, ethical and emotional...There is healthy amount of small-group projects, presentations in addition to standard individual curriculum. The curriculum provides solid core studies (language arts, math) with an emphasis on depth of understanding rather than test taking. Outdoor science, Technology, Spanish, Art and Music are all...The social environment is very healthy by design. Supported by the administration and teachers, kids go out of their way to be inclusive and supportive to all their schoolmates. Conflict is dealt...The biggest endorsement ... my 5th grader really loves school and is growing into an engaging, mature, confident scholar. We are looking forward to Gateway Middle School!.
Gateway’s academic approach strives to teach children to become self-motivated life-long learners with leadership skills. Gateway stresses good citizenship – social, ethical and emotional...There is healthy amount of small-group projects, presentations in addition to standard individual curriculum. The curriculum provides solid core studies (language arts, math) with an emphasis on depth of understanding rather than test taking. Outdoor science, Technology, Spanish, Art and Music are all...The social environment is very healthy by design. Supported by the administration and teachers, kids go out of their way to be inclusive and supportive to all their schoolmates. Conflict is dealt...The biggest endorsement ... my 5th grader really loves school and is growing into an engaging, mature, confident scholar. We are looking forward to Gateway Middle School!.
Students: 187,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
Parent: Great nurturing school, students feel very safe and loved there. Awesome choice for middle school if you are looking for one.... Read 1 review
Students 162
Featured Review: Parent says Great nurturing school, students feel very safe and loved there. Awesome choice for middle school if you are looking for one..
Great nurturing school, students feel very safe and loved there. Awesome choice for middle school if you are looking for one..
Students: 162,
San Jose, CA•
Parent: SJV is a wonderful school community with nurturing and caring teachers and administrators. My oldest graduated from SJV recently and my two youngest children are currently enrolled. The teachers at SJV really prepares your child for the rigorous academics of high school. The parents are supportive and friendly and the school offers many volunteering opportunities for the families to connect and get to know one another, especially if you are new to the school. We are lucky to have a close relationship with the SJV Parish, too. I highly recommend everyone to check out this gem in the East Foothills of San Jose, which has it's own small town feel within a metropolitan city.... Read 10 reviews
Students 367
Student-teacher ratio 11:1
SAN JOSE, CA,
10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says SJV is a wonderful school community with nurturing and caring teachers and administrators. My oldest graduated from SJV recently and my two youngest children are currently enrolled. The teachers at....
SJV is a wonderful school community with nurturing and caring teachers and administrators. My oldest graduated from SJV recently and my two youngest children are currently enrolled. The teachers at....
Read 10 reviews.
Students: 367,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
Irvine, CA•
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
Students 28
Student-teacher ratio 1:1
IRVINE, CA,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says 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....
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: 28,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 1 to 1,
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