2023 Best Schools in Walnut Creek

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: I feel that my child has gained self confidence, self awareness, and self acceptance by attending this school. The diversity of the student body, faculty, and staff is reflective of the world we live in today and creates an environment where all cultures are celebrated. Sure, it is academically challenging; but that is what makes it great. They are developing students to think so that one day they can change our world for the better. By attending College Prep, my child has risen to the occasion and is reaching his full potential . Yes, my child participates in sports here; and they CAN play sports! The 2022 NCS Boys Fall Soccer Championship Division 2 went to CPS. These students are the Champion Pacesetter Scholars: Intelligent and Athletic. No high school is perfect, but in my humble opinion, this one comes pretty close.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  65 reviews

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 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  168 reviews

Parent: QLS has been a unique place for my kids to grow academically. We have been at the school since QLS Pre-school. QLS admin and teachers did a stellar job during the pandemic closures by coordinating to reopen via transition to online classes without skipping a beat! A large part of our local community took notice of this as, many schools were closed or only partially open and we felt very proud to be a part of a well functioning school- the Quarry Lane School. Our oldest graduated and is attending an Ivy League school and younger one in middle school. I feel confident that QLS is preparing students to be successful young adults academically, teaching them critical thinking skills and being emotionally resilient. The school has grown and become more robust over time with supportive Academia, STEM clubs, Theater and the Arts, and a solid growing Sports department.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Danville, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  78 reviews

Parent: I first heard about Athenian from an alumni interviewer for Rice University who said out of all the kids he's interviewed over the years, he's been most impressed by Athenian students -- smart, articulate, intellectually curious and involved. Athenian has exceptional teachers and offers incredible experiential learning activities that really prepare students for college and all that lies ahead. When my daughter was starting the college search process early in her senior year, she said she was not stressed about college -- she knew she'd do well wherever she went because of the confidence she gained during AWE (Athenian Wilderness Experience). Today as a college freshman, my daughter says she feels more prepared than some of her peers because Athenian taught her how to study, how to write, how to think critically and self advocate. It's a great place.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lafayette, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  111 reviews

Sophomore: The teachers and academics are great. Over my time at Bentley, I've had many wonderful teachers! The college counseling and students are great. However, a few things that aren't great at Bentley is the Admin and Sports. The issue with the admin is that they don't always treat the teachers great so we have a high turnover rate for teachers. Our sports aren't great in that there isn't too much emphasis on them, so we usually don't do super well... Overall a reasonably good school, though.... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  287 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Campolindo (class of 22) and, for the most part, I’ve enjoyed my time here! Some of my favorite parts of high school have been: -stellar teachers (especially Mark Roberts and Jake Donohoe) -great sports programs -challenging but rewarding classes that are good preparation for college -absolutely incredible performing arts programs! the annual musical is one of the best aspects of the school and something I have thoroughly enjoyed -for the most part, students are kind and accepting As with everything, I do have my criticisms of the school. -the political culture here is EXTREMELY toxic. everyone is expected (and borderline forced) to fall in line with far-left radical beliefs especially surrounding CRT. The school preaches “diversity and inclusion” but mainly talks in circles instead of saying anything of substance. If you want to be exposed to a diversity of beliefs and values, this is not the school for you. Campolindo is a great, but flawed, school.... Read 287 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,400

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  297 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love my school, Monte Vista High School. Though I did not originally attend school in the same school district, my transition into high school was very smooth and I immediately felt like I fit in. Since I knew literally NO ONE when I first stepped onto the campus (except my brother), I made a big effort to make friends even though I was rather introverted. Students and teachers would reciprocate friendly actions and I was met with kindness. Teachers at Monte Vista are incredibly good at their jobs - especially the science teachers. AP Chemistry and Physics have been my absolute favorite classes. The teachers for those classes were able to push my brain to the absolute limit and I feel like I grew as a person in their classrooms. I began to spend more time on my learning because I realized that I was truly interested in the subjects I was being taught. I sincerely love Monte Vista for its robust academics, welcoming community, and unshakable pride. Go Mustangs!... Read 297 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,441

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  198 reviews

Senior: Acalanes has very good resources and opportunities. If you want to push yourself, you can. And I am confident that I am prepared for college level classes and I've taken about 1 AP each year. At the same time, if you want a lighter workload, you can do that too. It's all about the classes you choose to take and the teachers you get. I would say that stress at Acalanes is an big issue. Everyone - even people who don't care a lot about school - is stressed out. It can get overwhelming. However, teachers and admin are trying to make that better. There's just a lot of pressure to go to a "good" college and get a "good" job - mostly, I think from the parents and kids. As well, Acalanes isn't a very diverse place. It lacks diversity of background, race, etc. but also of thought. It's too easy for some ideas to get shot down. But, in all, Acalanes is actually a very good school. Teachers care, kids care, parents really care (maybe a little too much). There's a lot of support.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,303

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Berkeley, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  14 reviews

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 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 110

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  277 reviews

Junior: The teachers and admin are genuinely kind, patient, and helpful! They go above and beyond to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged. Their dedication to helping students achieve their full potential is admirable! Secondly, the academic rigor + emphasis on learning are truly impressive, and the community service opportunities available to students are second to none; I appreciate how much the school values community involvement + encourages students to give back! Additionally, I want to highlight the diversity and multiculturalism at LL! I appreciate how the school celebrates and embraces differences and promotes an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected! Finally, the abundance of extracurricular activities at LL is remarkable, from DEI/affinity organizations to sports teams to debate clubs! LL provides students with many opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships!... Read 277 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,580

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Concord, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  290 reviews

Alum: I graduated last year from CHS and can confidently say that I took much of my time there for granted. With teachers that care for your well-being while also pushing you to perform, the welcoming yet competitive environment, classes structured to push you outside of your comfort zone, and a progressive administration designed to educate youth within Catholic values without forcing beliefs upon them — this school builds good people. This school builds successful individuals and prepares them to make the world a better place. This school means the world to me and always will. Go cougars!... Read 290 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Mt. Diablo Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  246 reviews

Alum: As an alumni of the class of 1977, who was in the second graduating class and spent a year at Ignacio valley High School as a freshman. My experience at Northgate prepared me for college throughoutstanding individual teachers and curriculum that exceeded the norms. Very proud to graduated from Northgate and the education helped me in my college years as well as the sports program (tennis) help me compete at the NCAA division 1 level through scholarship. Classes were varied classes were interesting and challenging. We had a wonderful group of positive Forward thinking teachers and administration was solid. Graduates from this class and others have gone on to lead exemplary lives and influence both nationally and globally. Northgate was inclusive and challenging, with many graduates going on to the UC system schools and including UCLA and Cal Berkeley. I would rate my experience at this school as outstanding.... Read 246 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,492

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Walnut Creek, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: The staff is so caring and personable! They truly care about their students as a whole, not just how they do academically. During these trying times with distance learning, teachers set time aside to help those that are falling behind when they are trying to learn under difficult circumstances. They set office hours to check in with students not only academically, but how they are doing emotionally and mentally. It is in these times , that the teachers have really shown through their truly amazing character and love for their students. We are blessed to be apart of such an amazing community and are thankful everyday for it!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 399

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: The teachers are phenomenal and really care about your education, as well as support you in your personal life or whatever you are going through. The campus is ideally located with a beautiful view and clean buildings and facilities. There are many opportunities to get involved with the school academically, or through extracurriculars. As a small school, the community feels more like a family environment.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Concord, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  95 reviews

Senior: A Jesuit high school that welcomes students of other faiths. The school is know for its sports but there is an amazing theatre and arts program. There is a place for everyone to belong. You just have to find others that enjoy the same things. This is a college preparatory high school. Normal classes are the equivalent to most public schools AP classes. Class sizes are small, teachers and staff know you by name. There is a lot of support, you just have to willing to ask or take advantage of what’s available.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,050

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Sophomore: I went there for 5th grade. I love the smell of the new buildings and had an awesome time there. The teachers are nice and caring. This is a glitch. It is in San Ramon not in Solano County. There are five other schools in the district that are glitched outside the district boundaries. Please fix them.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 303

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Orinda, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: We moved to the East Bay from NYC during the pandemic to be close to grandparents. It was challenging for everyone, particularly our children, 16 and 12. We found Orinda Academy, the lovely and healing environment we needed. Our 16-year-old entered in 11th grade, made friends, and excelled academically. OA’s combination of nurture and rigor was just what we needed! The parent community is open and supportive. We also value an environment where teachers, administrators, and the entire school community know and care about our children. Our daughter is now 18 and in college and our younger one, now 14, just entered 9th grade at OA. So far so good! They are making friends and love their teachers. Our second time around and we could not be happier!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 76

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: I would choose this school again. In fact, I had 3 daughters go to this school. I find that the education they received, prepared them to do well in high school. There are many ways to get involved, many clubs to join, athletics and academics, leadership etc. Most teachers are reputable and well liked. There are volunteer opportunities for the parents, however, the school is not overly pushy so you don't feel obligated or guilty if you are not able to volunteer.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  94 reviews

Alum: I really liked the diverse student population, the supportive nature of the students and faculty, and the small classroom environment. Holy Names offers a stellar experience for women in the Bay Area who are looking to focus on academics, develop their leadership skills, and make amazing connections with counselors and teachers. Before coming to Holy Names, I was terrible at math and science. Holy Names empowers women to go into STEM and offers fabulous math and science departments. I would say that my only criticism of the school is that the administration should try to build a connection with a local all-boys school. Girls here don't have a lot of social connections outside of school.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lafayette Elementary School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: I attended Stanley Middle School for two years from 7th to 8th. I really enjoyed the educational environment there and my friends and faculty members were extremely supportive of my academics. I wish I could return to my middle school life as a student at Stanley had I ever had a chance to do so.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,136

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Vallejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  134 reviews

Parent: St. Patrick-St. Vincent is an amazing place to be! I like the school because it has a close community, a college-prep environment, friendly faculties and staffs that encourage your student to be involved. The school also has an Augmented Reality Sandbox, which is a great tool for my kid who is interested in geology. And my kid also participates in the instrument class to develop his interest. Plus, the police station is right across the street that makes the school area a very safe place.... Read 134 reviews

• grade A

• Students 479

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lafayette Elementary School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Walnut Creek, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  173 reviews

Alum: Currently I’m on staff, but I’m an alumna from 2015 and absolutely LOVED my time at Berean! The campus culture and community is such a genuinely caring and academically competitive environment that grows you into your best self not only as a student but as a follower of Jesus Christ! Faith is the center of everything at Berean Christian, and I’m so blessed to have had mentoring teachers, coaches, and wonderful friendships that helped shape me, and now have brought me back to work at Berean on staff! From getting involved in athletics, to running for Student Leadership roles, these are areas I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in as a student. Lastly, the location of Berean Christian, in the heart of Walnut Creek, CA, is so central to everything in the Bay Area!... Read 173 reviews

• grade A

• Students 418

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Concord, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  188 reviews

Senior: My experience at CV was one of the best! I loved every second I got to have there and every memory that came with the school. Each year I was challenged academically to push myself to do more. It made me realize how much I can do and see how far hard work can go. The teachers do their best in making sure every student gets the chance to get a good grade and learn. The teachers are some of the best parts of the school. Getting to go to my classes I knew I would always get the opportunity to learn. I had the privilege of getting a great education at Clayton Valley, and now have the confidence of going to college.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,266

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1