2023 Best College Prep Private High Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  91 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 91 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 34

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  165 reviews

Alum: I attended Harker from Kindergarten through High School. Harker's repute as a powerhouse of intense and thorough academics is well-earned– students are constantly challenged in the classroom. However, this academic rigor does not come at the cost of a full-fledged extracurricular experience. Harker's many extracurricular departments provide an all-encompassing vocational education that seamlessly accompanies students' academic experience, including athletics, arts, journalism, engineering, and much more. Unfortunately, while Harker's culture encourages growth and self-improvement, it lacks support for students' mental and physical health. Students often prioritize their academic work above other important aspects of life, such as sleep, health, and socializing, and this culture often contributes to burnout and mental health problems. Overall, if you are searching for a school that will exceedingly prepare you for college and beyond, I recommend Harker with confidence.... Read 165 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  173 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 173 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 32

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 33

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  67 reviews

Senior: I cannot be more grateful for the opportunity to attend this school. My family was offered a very generous financial aid package that made it affordable despite the high sticker price. The SFUHS environment is unrivaled in San Francisco. The staff and students have fantastic relationships, and everyone there wants one another to succeed. While academics are absolutely more rigorous than at other high schools, the school has endless advisory options, and teacher meeting hours are integrated into the schedule. This school cares about its students, reflected in its schedule with reasonable and never overwhelming start-end times or number of meetings per week. I have been happy and comfortable for the four years I have attended this school, and do not think I could have achieved nearly as much elsewhere. College placements are incomparable in San Francisco. I will be attending a university ranked top 15 in the country next year, and many others from my class will do the same.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 33

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: As a 3G parent at Basis Independent Silicon Valley Lower, I have to say, I've been really impressed with the school so far. My kid has been attending for about a year now, and I've seen a lot of positive changes in their academic and personal growth. The teacher at Basis are super dedicated and really push the students to think outside the box. I've noticed that my child has become a much more critical thinker since starting at Basis. And the range of extracurricular activities is diverse and captivating, allowing my child to explore various interests. My daughter particularly loves the visual art class and club, which have greatly benefited her. Kudos to Basis Independent School Silicon Valley Lower for creating such an incredible learning environment!... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1510

• Average ACT 34

• Ross, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: Branson is wonderful school. It's academically challenging, but the teachers and faculty go above and beyond to support the student's success. Our son had an amazing experience throughout his four years at Branson. Some ups and downs? Of course, but all teaching moments for our teens! Great arts and music program, competitive sports, and a gorgeous campus!... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 32

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  81 reviews

Alum: Menlo School definitely encouraged students to start learning how to be independent. One of the most useful things I learned was how to communicate with my teachers/professors instead of depending on my parents to do it all for me. This sense of communication led to my teachers being understanding and supportive, no matter the situation. The lunch scene is pretty good. The main entree, so to say, was served right onto a plate, where each student could ask for what they specifically wanted. There were vegetarian options, although students did always ask for more variety. Pizza, soup, a sandwich bar, and a salad bar were also available. The drinks options were pretty healthy, with juice, milk, and water ready. But most importantly, for the students, of course, there were almost always dessert options. In terms of education, Menlo went above and beyond. As an alum, going into college was scary but I soon realized I was more than prepared for the workload and the work itself.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 33

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1400

• Average ACT 32

• Portola Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  72 reviews

Alum: Work Culture: Priory emphasizes balance. The people within this community care about your wellbeing and are more focused on creating great people than producing more robots who fuel Silicon Valley's toxic work culture. But, don't get me wrong, kids still care about academics a lot. For example, in one class, around fifteen kids got into ivy league schools and six kids got into Stanford. Social Life: Your social life is determined by who you hang out with and the general attitude of your class. Luckily, there were a lot of people in my class who loved to host parties or knew kids from other schools who were throwing parties. During my senior year, there were stretches where my friends and I were going to a party every weekend for eight weeks straight. Dating: Dating at Priory is pretty normal, but due to the small class sizes, it's pretty hard to keep your business private. Sports: Basketball, XC, and Girls Soccer are the strongest programs. Campus: Best in NorCal easily.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1370

• Average ACT 31

• San Rafael, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: Very happy with our experience at Marin Academy. My child finds the school's innovating approach to teaching stimulating and energizing. She loves the interactive and project-based learning opportunities. Faculty and staff are engaged, passionate, accessible, and supportive. The student community is warm, diverse, and inclusive. The kids look out for each other. We are so grateful for MA!... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Danville, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: We have been a part of Athenian for over 12 years! 3 kids starting in the Middle school and matriculating to the upper school. Our experience leaves us raving fans of the school. Something special happens in the middle school. It’s such an amazing dynamic of teachers working together crossing curriculums giving the students this amazing educational experience. As they move to the upper school, obviously they get older, but the programs are perfectly situated to the transition from high school to college and to life beyond. I can’t say enough about what our kids have experienced. I am 100% certain that they would not have gotten this anywhere else.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1380

• Average ACT 32

• Lafayette, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: Overall, very good! My daughter came in last year in 9th grade and while the academics lived up to my expectations and my daughter made great friends, the culture within the administration was deeply disappointing. This had a lot to do with the head of school, whose authoritarian style of leadership caused multiple problems. The new head of school seems to be turning this around by engaging with parents more and asking for feedback from students and teachers. In general, she is a more approachable, positive, and forward-thinking person. She has created a nicer school climate, which is great because there is much to love at Bentley - talented teachers, nice kids, beautiful and modern campus, mini-term experiences, seminars for English and History, very helpful college counseling group, and more! The BPA (parents' group) has done an excellent job this year, rebuilding some of what was lost during the covid years and helping create an involved and connected community.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 30

• San Anselmo, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: As educators, my husband and I know what to look for in terms of "style versus substance" of schools that claim to be able to focus on academics, social emotional learning, diversity, inclusion, equity, mindfulness, kindness and respect. We are blown away at how exceptional SD is at providing all of these things for our daughter. My husband was literally in tears at the back to school night after hearing about the details and intentionality around the lesson plans and approach to literacy and math, as well as the social and emotional aspects of learning in and out of the classroom. The teachers are masters and know what they are doing, and they are provided with the resources and professional development to provide an excellent research-based curriculum to the students. I've worked at many independent schools for more than a decade and SD stands out as one of the best schools that I've encountered in my history as an educator. We are so grateful that our daughter has SD!... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 29

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  259 reviews

Sophomore: My freshman year was better than I could have ever imagined it! Going to an all girls school may seem like a center for drama, but the community built there is wonderful. Everyone at the school is so nice and cares about you. The teachers are wonderful and are skilled at what they do. I definitely feel that I am getting the very best education that I could have here at ND. The classes aren’t too big, so you are really able to get a one on one experience within your classes. School spirit is big at ND, but also super fun. Spirit week at ND was amazing and made me feel proud to be a Regent at ND. I am so happy I chose to go to this school and grateful for all of the opportunities ND has provided me to become a woman of impact and a strong leader in my community.... Read 259 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 30

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  368 reviews

Senior: SI is such a fun school! There is always something to do after school whether that be clubs, sports, arts, or other extracurricular and you are strongly encouraged to participate in the student life and attend the many fun events. SI has great school spirit and the teachers want you to succeed. The academics are also modern and prepare you for college, relating the classroom material to the rest of your life. In addition, you have room in your schedule to pursue your own passions as well, from computer science to jazz band, to yearbook! There is a wonderful Community Service program with a life-changing Immersion experience as well as Campus Ministry both with Frosh and Soph retreats and senior Kairos! Saint Ignatius’s Jesuit values inspire students to lead lives of generosity, called to service, to leadership and love. Even though SI is a Jesuit school, it is open to all religions and spiritualities. SI really does care for the whole person and I am so glad that I chose to go here!... Read 368 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 30

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: Convent is a great school for college-driven students. Due to the small size of the school, you are able to have more opportunities to take advanced courses (AP/IB). These types of students have the ability to excel academically and receive all the support they need. In that regard, 10/10. Only reason I did not provide a five star review is due to a lot of the blatant favoritism to students who went to the school for all of their education (K-12) as opposed to students who joined in high school. Convent and Stuart Hall is an amazing institution all around.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1310

• Average ACT 30

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  85 reviews

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 85 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1330

• Average ACT 31

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  217 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my experience here at Bellarmine, it has taught me to be an active learner and has definitely prepared me for College. There are so many activities to get involved in and they do a great job of trying to make sure everyone feels included and represented. Just like any school or institution you will get out what you put in so step out of your comfort zone and try new things to hopefully discover your passion. Go Bells!... Read 217 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1360

• Average ACT 31

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  107 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, International is a very rigorous school that prepares you to be a great person and undergraduate. Coming from an African American household, I feel this school lacks a lot of diversity not only in the cultural and racial department but in the education representation around said topic. The school is not very transparent around What our tuition Goes towards or what resources are available to us as students. The school has also been very unorganized in informing the students of Important information like final exams and class information. I will say though that this school has the excellent ability to unite students and prepare them in a way no other school can. The level of education is something that drew me to this school - being able to be around students who love learning and love being at school is something that encourages me to work harder everyday. The arts is also something worth mentioning as they truly understand the importance of the arts in a students life.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 30

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  188 reviews

Junior: Archbishop Mitty's overall culture is phenomenal. Mitty is a very spirited and close knit community which provides a safe learning environment for the students. The faculty are approachable and supportive. Mitty offers many clubs and has an excellent sports program! I feel that Archbishop Mitty is a very diverse, well rounded school with many opportunities for all students academically and socially.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 30

• 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+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  305 reviews

Junior: My experience at Saint Francis was very good. The academics, athletics, campus, religious aspect, and style of the Silicon Valley are what makes this school unique. Academics: the school offers plenty of honors and AP classes, and elective courses geared towards STEM, music, religion, and arts which are taught by nice and approachable teachers. Athletics: highly competitive sports led by very experienced coaches. For boys sports they are in the upper edge in WCAL division, rivaling BCP and AMHS, and girls are consistently extremely good, if not, the best. Campus: new and well maintained classrooms and athletic facilities, a high school that feels like a junior college. Religion: a Catholic school rooted in Holy Cross, students learn to bring hope, respect others, inspire integrity, and celebrate family. The student and faculty bodies are predominantly white but the school has welcomed and encouraged diversity through affinity groups (BSU, Fil-Am, Latinx, and Pride to name a few).... Read 305 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31