2023 Most Diverse Private High Schools in the San Diego Area

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: The Rock Academy is an academically rigorous school with emphasis on character development. The Christian curriculum compliments our family faith. It's small size enhances the learning experience as all the teachers know the students well and are invested in helping them make progress. During the pandemic the Rock Academy was one of a handful of school able to accommodate county guidelines and return to in-person learning for the entire 20-21 school year. We greatly appreciate the support of the teachers and staff!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 401

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: A friend of ours referred us to this wonderful school as we were struggling with the learn-from-home (aka staring at a screen all day) model given by our public charter school. OVCA has been open since August with no outbreaks (a few cases from parents of students in different grades but no inter-transmission of COVID while in school, as far as I know). My friend had been sending her kids to this school for many years and said it was the best parenting choice she had made, and I can't help but agree with her. My child is happy and thriving in a supportive environment, with appropriate learning goals and surrounded by friends who share the values of kindness, respect, and diligence. It's a sacrifice/priority financially but well worth the value and a bargain compared to the cost of other private schools in the San Diego area. I can't recommend this school highly enough!... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 354

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: I love the Christian/SDA environment that EAA provides students and families. Anyone is welcome here at EAA, and this was one of the first times that I instantly belonged somewhere. Friends are very easy to make, and steadfast. Students uplift each other, and the high school experience is very rewarding for those who put in the effort. As all schools, you have to apply yourself, but I believe that the return you will find is much greater than the cost. You can tell that everyone at the school is someone who lets the light of Christ shine through them.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Students 205

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  41 reviews

Junior: The Cambridge School is a great school. There are not many kids, which leads to deep relationships between teachers and students. All of the teachers are amazing and extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields. They want you to do well in their subjects, and are constantly available at lunch and after school, but whats better is they truly care about the type of people their students are becoming, which leads to an incredible community and culture. The school is looking to purchase another property, which is good because as it grows, space for classrooms becomes smaller and smaller.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 386

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  86 reviews

Parent: Our son started at Bishop's this year and has a wonderful experience. The teachers and administration care deeply about the whole student. I hear my son use growth set language that I know he is learning at school. The celebrate success and failures. We are looking forward to continued academic and personal growth for our son!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: Our family discovered Waldorf when our daughter was in High School - but I wish my kids had the opportunity to start when they were little! It’s not just a school for us but a thriving, inclusive community. We've had an outstanding experience with my high school student- who started high school after attending public schools from Kinder. She’s now getting ready for college and has done very well on the SAT and feels prepared. The teachers are truly invested in developing lifelong learners and give every student personal attention. The students themselves are incredibly confident and inquisitive and very accepting of new students. My child has blossomed under the care of Waldorf. She thought she wasn’t a “math student” but is now loving calculus! Can’t say enough good things!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  91 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 91 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 1,320

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: a notable school for pursuing art by creating connections worldwide between students and significant artists. This school not only allows the students to freely demonstrate their artistic talents but also emphasizes the importance of balancing education with the arts. The diversity of SDSCPA embraces students' differences with an open environment for all. This school has much diversity and opportunities for the arts, however the resources for students to reach counselors can be improved; counselors can not be found in their office during suitable times for students which isn't essential for the students. Furthermore, the balance between education and the arts is shown to be important yet, the balance between the two is not always shown. Many students have to choose which their attention should focus on which to consequences. To conclude, the School of Creative and Performing Arts is recommended for future artists to pursue their dreams.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: I love that everyone is so close and the teachers have a real relationship with the students and want them to succeed. And, it's self-paced!... Read 5 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: A Chula Vista Gem! Rigorous academics and strong in STEM subjects. Servitech program is a student led and run real life IT Services Company. Looks great on college applications as it gives them work experience as a CEO, CFO, CTO, COO etc... Small family environment and Christ centered. Many extracurriculars to choose from and athletics program is top-notch. High graduation and college acceptance rates. Wouldn't have my kids anywhere else!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Lemon Grove, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: I have attended this school since I was in kindergarten, and I am about to complete my last year of high school this year at Lighthouse. Since I grew up and basically spent my entire life at LCA, I was able to experience the change and growth within the academics, sports and electives. I especially look forward to the music program every year because of my passion for orchestra and ensemble work.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Students 99

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Fallbrook, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 44

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: My experience at this school is amazing. I love this school because I am isolated from all the junk that is out there in the world. So many horrible events are causing students to become insecure, and loose faith in God. At South Bay Christian Academy, my relationship with God has grown and I have learned to wait on God's response for the decisions I make.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 23

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Marcos, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: Saint Joseph Academy is such a blessing to our family. We couldn't be happier with the school and feel so proud to be part of this wonderful community. The classical academic program is rigorous and challenging, absolutely top notch. We love that our children are learning Latin and write in cursive. No common core. Traditional, patriotic values are part of the culture here. What a breath of fresh air! What we value most about this school is its commitment to traditional Catholic values and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Every year the faculty and staff take an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church. The teachers truly love the Catholic faith and infuse faith into every subject. They care very deeply about the students' academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional well being. In addition to the faith and academics, there's a lot of extracurricular sports, drama, and other activities. Our children really enjoy going to school every day! It really is the best.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  154 reviews

Parent: LJCDS is an amazing school! I highly recommend it for any families who are looking for a wonderful community, nurturing environment for your child, and top notch faculty and staff. My daughter loves her days at school thanks to her caring teachers providing stimulating and creative lessons to help her grow. During COVID, LJCDS handled the pandemic with such care- leading with science- and doing the best they could to provide safe in person learning for all students. I feel grateful to have found a school community rooted in building life long friendships and connections; not only for my children, but also for our whole family.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 1,147

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  11 reviews

High School Senior: I have been to this school my entire life. It is home to many of the students here. You are looked out for and accepted, the teachers want the best for you and it seriously helps prepare you for a bigger brighter picture in the next educational world, college.... Read 11 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 44

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  267 reviews

Parent: This is one of those amazing Catholic schools that stands out far above the rest. The community is incredibly supportive, faith-filled, welcoming and comfortable for all. Catholic/Christian values are not compromised and are consistently weaved in among all that happens through out the day. The administration successfully handles all the challenges facing our teenagers today. The faculty is full of alumni, parents of alumni, and teachers who are vested in the success and happiness of their students. The academics are rigorous but there are a variety of paths to choose from. The sports programs are excellent but you don't have to play a sport here to feel a part of the enormous school spirit. Students and faculty are proud and thankful to be at Cathedral. This school is an uplifting place for your kids to be each day. My daughters are thriving here; socially and academically and athletically. We couldn't be happier about where they are spending the majority of their time each day.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 1,640

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Carlsbad, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  41 reviews

Parent: Fantastic learning environment for boys! Our son has gained amazing confidence and his academics have improved exponentially. Class size this past year for him ranged from 4-11 students, allowing for personal mentorship from each of his amazing teachers. We moved to Carlsbad to be close to him while he attends school here and we are actively involved with volunteering. Lots of opportunities to play sports he wouldn’t have otherwise had in public school and cool clubs to join. Aviation classes are a huge added bonus. As a military family, we love the structure of Army & Navy Academy, the patriotism and the leadership training in JROTC. The campus is a little older and in need of some upgrades, but it’s charming and the location is beautiful. The boys complain that the food isn’t fantastic, but appreciate the efforts to continually improve. I believe the staff deeply cares about each boy.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  14 reviews

Niche User: Balboa School provides a very high quality educational experience to its students - both domestic and international. Small class sizes, individual attention, and dedicated and caring teachers and staff make for a great environment for students to achieve great results. Balboa School has helped countless students change their lives through fostering an environment within the school community that promotes academic success, creativity, and prepares students for college and beyond. Additionally, the school provides one of the top sports programs in the area with a nationally recognized boys basketball team with amazing coaching staff, many who come from professional sports backgrounds and have played and coached at the highest levels.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Students 91

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  268 reviews

Senior: I love so many things about the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP). This all girls community is welcoming and diverse. Everyone I meet is quite different with such an abundance of special interests, backgrounds, passions, etc. All share the common denominator, though, of being bright and driven in her own way. The abundance of class and extracurricular offerings fuels this. Students can take everything from Sports Psychology to Biotechnology, Holocaust Literature to Video Production. She can participate in any of the 60+ clubs we have, or be one of the roughly 500 student athletes. Regardless of what a student does here, she will be part of an extraordinary community of engaged faculty and kind, driven students. I can't stress how much I have loved my time here. There's nothing like the OLP sisterhood.... Read 268 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: We moved here from New York about 4 years ago. My children started in the preschool of SDJA and have been there ever since! Currently, our children are in the lower school and are excelling in all areas. For example, my son and daughter are reading above grade level. The small class sizes and constant attention they receive keeps them engaged and on task. The teachers are constantly creating special experiences for the students, and therefore the lessons never get old. For example, with all the rain that San Diego received my daughter’s teacher created a multi-sensory lesson. The students were asked to create small sailboats from materials found in the classroom. The boats were then tested on the makeshift pond that was formed on the playground from all the rain. The students made predictions and took notice on what worked best and what needed to be changed for future sails!... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 494

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Vista, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: West Coast Baptist School provides a solid foundation for the children so that transition to college is quite welcoming to continue studying for higher education.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 25

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lemon Grove, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 38

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  174 reviews

Senior: I have been at Saint Augustine High School for 4 years. My experience at Saints has been very good. We have a lot of fun in the "pit" and I have participated in a lot of on campus events. Freshman year was a lot of fun and I had all the support that I needed to succeed. I was pared with a Senior student mentor who guided me through the halls at the school and showed me what Saints was all about. Most of my teachers are very good and care about the success of the students. Academically I was challenged and supported. I really liked having an all male environment because I could be myself and find a strong male brotherhood that I hope will last a lifetime. At Saints, you will find a well balanced school that challenges you to grow in character, faith, leadership, while preparing you to be successful in college. I have often heard from Alumni that their experience at Saints has made them strongly prepared for College. To the extent that the college work load often seemed much easier... Read 174 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: My children have attended Maranatha since Kindergarten. Both are currently in Junior High and each year I grow more thankful for this amazing school! From the teachers and staff who pour the love of Christ into my students, to the high academics and extra curricular activities, the students of MCS are truly blessed. I look forward to the low student to teacher ratios in high school as well as all the Honors classes and AP courses.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Students 1,044

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1