2024 Best College Prep Private High Schools in California

• Redwood City, CA•

• Online School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stanford Online High School (SOHS). For an online school, they prioritized social life more than I initially expected. From clubs and in-person meetups to online alternatives, I connected with my friends and classmates often. So I loved the people I met and the educated and accomplished faculty! However, if I could change something I would change the accessibility of instructors. I felt closer to the instructors of my brick and mortar school and often lacked the personal touch with my teachers.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1500

• Average ACT 34

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: Joyful pursuit of excellence! My two daughters are attending Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: Pros: An extremely close-knit student body. Strong humanities program that will overprepare you for college. State-ranked sports teams in golf, track, cross country, tennis, etc. Passionate teachers. Pretty good lunch food. Cons: High tuition. Support for STEM programs is still growing right now, which is actually a pro if you're a self-motivated, hard-working student that can take advantage of the situation. Almost too strong of an emphasis on DEI that only seems to be growing---mandatory, bi-weekly affinity spaces based on race so that we can socialize with others "of our race" is overkill. (If this is a pro for you, that's great! Personally not my favourite thing.) What makes Crystal different than other schools is its kind, caring community. No other high school that I've visited or been to on the entire peninsula/Bay Area has as nice of a student body as Crystal does.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  67 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 67 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1500

• Average ACT 34

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: In the beginning, I felt quite alienated due to entering the school as a "new nine," but once I began stepping out of my comfort zone and attempting to make friends, all students wholeheartedly embraced me. Every day I am amazed at how committed my peers are to their own education, and unlike most other secondary schools, every student here comes to school with a genuine desire to learn and grow. They are dedicated to their academics and extracurriculars but also know how to have fun and relax at the same time, which nurtures a healthy learning environment. Likewise, the teachers actually care about both their students' understanding of the material and their wellbeings. They are flexible and willing to accommodate their students while also being able to adjust course schedules accordingly, which is an extremely admirable trait. I personally have really really appreciated my time spent at Castilleja School and wouldn't have wanted to spend my four years of high school anywhere else.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  95 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 95 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 34

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 reviews

Alum: Since 2016, Quarry Lane School has been an integral part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the education and support it provided. The dedicated teachers and staff members created a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that not only helped me achieve academic success but also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Quarry Lane's tight-knit community and inclusive culture fostered personal, social, and emotional growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue my passion for computer science at Harvey Mudd College this fall and beyond. I express immense gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had at Quarry Lane School. It has truly become a second home to me!... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 32

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: I really like the Thacher school and the experience it's given me. It's pretty small so you know everybody and a lot of community knowledge, which sometimes is good and bad. However, because of its small class size, you get to interact with amazing people and know them really well. Everyone is from all over the world so you get to open your horizons and find out about the world as a whole and different cultures.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 32

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  107 reviews

Parent: So far, so good. Son chose this school over other top schools because he liked the community there. Happy to report that he is loving school and the food and getting acclimated very well. The HS academics are challenging which is a plus but I never got the sense that he is stressed out. It is a healthy and manageable level for him but could be difficult if student is not used to the rigor. The teachers and admins are very supportive and available and most of the students are friendly, nice, and well rounded. We love the school so much that we are excitedly waiting to get our younger one there for 7th!... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 32

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: Head Royce School in Oakland is exceptional! The dedicated teachers, engaged parent community, and focus on holistic student development make it an outstanding choice. Our 4th and 2nd graders have thrived here since kindergarten, benefiting from top-notch education, inclusive environment, and diverse extracurricular activities. Highly recommended!... Read 75 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 33

• La Jolla, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  102 reviews

Freshman: Having relocated last year to San Diego from out of state, we were delighted to find a school that was aligned with our desires for our daughter's education as well as our family's values - The Bishop's School fit the bill! Our then 8th grade daughter was welcomed into the community and really enjoyed her new school. Now in her 2nd year, she was very excited for school to start. The community is racially diverse, quite socio-economically diverse and although parochial, students and faculty of all faiths/no faith are represented and respected. Academically, our daughter found the curriculum to be at pace with her previous school but did have some difficulty adapting to her enriched mathematics class due to the "Harkness-Exeter" teaching method. In hindsight, we wish we would have researched this method better so our daughter would have been better prepared but ultimately, she transferred to a math class that employs a more traditional approach to teaching and is now succeeding.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  107 reviews

Sophomore: Poly offers so many vast opportunities for learning, growth, change, challenge and mastery. My teachers and my classmates are supportive and the community as a whole is welcoming. I couldn't think of what I would change about Poly. The greatest challenge that I see Poly facing is time. There are not enough hours in a day or week to be able to enjoy all the opportunities it allows for, however that challenge has forced me to utilize my time more efficiently.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 33

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  84 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 84 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 33

• Newport Coast, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: Sage Hill has provided many opportunities for learning and growth for my student. Not only through the faculty who are extremely dedicated to each student's learning, but also through the additional programs available. My son has been able to excel in his sport and add on an additional sport in his off season. He has also expanded his horizons by volunteering at a soup kitchen through the school and making new friends through various school activities. Sage provides a community in which students can confidently thrive in current areas of interest and also try new things. Between the faculty, coaches, advisor, and college counselors, I know my student has lots of people rooting for his growth and success.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 32

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  79 reviews

Junior: I love Windward because of the balance of challenging academics, wide range of extracurriculars, incredible student life, and high quality athletics. I feel prepared for college and happy with my experience.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1410

• Average ACT 32

• Chino , CA•

• Online School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.84 out of 5  63 reviews

Parent: My son was enjoying learning for the first time in his life. He felt like his teachers knew his name and cared about his success and that made a big difference for him. They also made learning fun and applied the lessons to his life. In public school they have assignments and sent you home, but in this school my son said the lessons were relatable and interesting. The teachers applied them to our normal life and so it made sense. He feels like AIA teachers teach people, rather than lessons and that has made all the difference. He loves it here and never wants to go back to our local high school. We are so so grateful to have found this school!... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 28

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: As a current senior, I have loved my time at Chadwick School. The teachers are incredible; they are always willing to meet with students outside of class time to go over content and improve the student's academic skills. The athletics department is fantastic because anyone can join any sport. It provides a great opportunity to expand your comfort zone, experience team camaraderie, and play against other teams. The campus is beautiful because of all the trees and green areas and everyone on campus is extremely friendly. The cafeteria has wonderful food - from sushi, to omlette bars, to ice cream bars, etc. Outdoor education trips have been the highlight of my Chadwick time because you go backpacking with a group of 12 students for a week and experience the outdoors. It is great for bonding and appreciating nature. I have met my closest friends here, and I am so thankful for every dance, class, and event I've attend through this school! Love this campus more than anything!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1380

• Average ACT 32

• Carpinteria, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: A wonderful experience that gets better each year. The school is quite small, with just shy of 300 students, so there are lots of resources allocated for each student with impressive breadth and depth. You get the best of the experience if you're really intentional about putting yourself out there, both among people and academic/extracurricular opportunities. I had the pleasure of getting SCUBA certified under a collaborative program with PADI that my biology teacher ran. You can see both the ocean and the mountains from campus, and the school fully uses both. The Animal Behavior and Marine Bio senior electives heads out to the channel islands for their projects, too.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 32

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  169 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 169 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: For generations, Fairmont Academy has been a cornerstone of our family and for good reason. Investing in this institution is an investment with long-term benefits - offering the chance to gain more than just knowledge but also confidence, discipline and poise. Education plays such a key role in success that making sure we give our children the best start possible was paramount; thankfully at Fairmont they are guaranteed quality teaching from experts who know their stuff!... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1360

• Average ACT 31

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: I have two children at the school. They have been very well supported and they are getting a great education. They do have a significant amount of homework but they are still able to be very involved with their sports and other extra-curricular activities. Both of my kids are involved with the sports and music programs at school. The work load is manageable and they have plenty of time to spend with their friends on the weekends. It is academically challenging but my children are thriving. I feel they are well prepared for college. They have both made great friends amongst their classmates and have no regrets about attending UHS. Also, the new head of schools is great and really accessible.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 33

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  166 reviews

Parent: As a parent, I can not say enough wonderful things about Marlborough. It is truly a top-notch school and affords students not only a superb education but a deep sense of community. The academics are rigorous but the support the students receive to be successful is second to none. The teachers, administrators, faculty, staff, and coaches are beyond excellent. The community is diverse, welcoming, kind, curious, and intelligent. I would highly recommend Marlborough without reservation!... Read 166 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1410

• Average ACT 32

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  118 reviews

Parent: BISV is a splendid educational haven for my kids, offering a warm, engaging environment enhanced by skilled teachers and diverse activities like the World Festival, School Carnival, and Spirit Week. The standout feature is its STEM curriculum, arguably the Bay Area's best. The school maintains a strong academic emphasis, effectively reducing distractions. This focus offers parents peace of mind and allows students to concentrate on their learning. The effectiveness of BISV's methods is seen in their graduates' success, with many joining prestigious colleges like Stanford, Yale, MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard. Above all, witnessing my kids grow as happy, involved learners in this supportive setting has been the greatest reward. It's a place where kids not only learn but also relish the process. As a parent, I couldn't ask for more.... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1520

• Average ACT 34

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  92 reviews

Works Here: I have never worked in a place that so clearly lives its mission. Francis Parker School invests in students at every level, from the amazing faculty who challenge students in the classroom, to the support staff who come alongside students as they grow and develop as people, to the dining staff who makes the unbelievable lunches each day - Parker really does care for the whole student. And as staff, we feel it too. This is a great place to work, and a great place to send your student!... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Chatsworth, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  114 reviews

Parent: No place is perfect, but Sierra Canyon is about as close as you can get to a child utopia! My two kids (who are very different) have been incredibly well served by Sierra- socially, athletically, and academically all while being in a warm and loving environment. You walk into Sierra and it's like you drank happy juice! It is just so inviting and visually diverse. And this feeling is real. Everything they tell you during the tours and through admissions is true- and it's actually better. My kids have thrived at Sierra Canyon.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 30