2019 Most Diverse Private High Schools in CaliforniaAbout this List

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School

• Private School
• Alameda, CA
• 9-12
• 66

Junior: Absolutely love this school. I was a student who took only one honors class my Freshmen year to a Junior who is in high honor roll with multiple advance classes. The teachers are always available: I’ve had times where I would stay after school with my teachers just to get help and that is something you really can’t get anywhere else. Sports here are awesome, I did cross country and we won our league and made it to state :). The best thing about SJND is the community. You have so many kids from so many different schools and ethnic backgrounds that it is really cool to see how we collaborate together with so many different ideas! Definitely worth looking into.
Read 66 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 459 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop Alemany High School

• Private School
• Mission Hills, CA
• 9-12
• 223

Junior: Bishop Alemany is an amazing school overall! The campus is beautiful and you feel comfortable while walking around campus. The school staff that maintain the beauty of the school do a fantastic job. The grass is always cut and trees and bushes are groomed. The teachers really care about your success, rather than just giving you useless assignments. Religion is implemented into the school in an amazing way including seasonal confession and monthly all-school Mass. the sports teams here have a great reputation and are highly competitive. The Boys Volleyball team, of which I am a part of has never one a league championship. This year, my teammates and I are working towards the goal of bringing home the first ever league chamionship for our school. We want to leave behind a legacy and make history. I am blessed with the opportunity to go to this school.
Read 223 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 1,347 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop Montgomery High School

• Private School
• Torrance, CA
• 9-12
• 272

Parent: BMHS is a Catholic, full service college prep school. It is extremely diverse with faculty and administration that truly care about each pupil and their respective families. There are numerous extra curricular opportunities and a wealth of resources for the students at their disposal. I am both an alumni and a parent of a current student. My child has completely bought in to the BMHS culture and he has thrived. I could not be more happy with our decision to keep BMHS as part of our family history. Go Knights!
Read 272 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 1,035 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Mary's College High School

• Private School
• Berkeley, CA
• 9-12
• 199

Alum: Saint Mary's looks not only at student's academic excellence but also has a ranking for the amount of effort a student puts into their work by a grade known as Habits of Scholarship. This exemplifies the school's dedication to nurturing every individual not only as thinkers, but to develop a strong work ethic.
The diversity on campus makes me feel welcomed. It's encouraging to see people of every background making friends, sharing perspectives, and engaging in thought-provoking dialogue.
I was sacred religion would be forced upon me, but I didn't really feel any malice intentions by any of the religious teachers. Of course, some held onto their own beliefs different from my own. However, the religion program is different from any type, of course, I have ever taken. At Saint Mary's, a student can learn about religions from all around the world, the perspectives of religion in the United States, and the purpose of Religion.
Read 199 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 630 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Notre Dame Academy Girls High School Los Angeles

• Private School
• Los Angeles, CA
• 9-12
• 125

Sophomore: I absolutely love Notre Dame Academy! Everyone is so kind and is always with such a positive attitude. Notre Dame Academy has teachers that are absolutely amazing and you are able to receive high quality one-to-one attention. My experience has truly impacted me and shaped me into the young woman I am today and has definitely taught me to always help others and try new things. Although I was a very timid and shy student at first, I was definitely able to get out of my comfort zone and try new things such as sports and new clubs that I never thought I would join. I want to use everything I have been taught to go out there and have the opportunity to make a difference in this world as a young woman and definitely make a difference in someone else’s life.
Read 125 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 380 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Redwood Christian Schools

• Private School
• Castro Valley, CA
• PK, K-12
• 50

Parent: Both my children started in Kindergarten and are now in middle school. We see the alignment of the curriculum and how our kids are given individualized academic attention, opportunities in all areas (sports, electives, outside activities, etc), and they truly enjoy going to school! Teachers are really top notch. Our interactions with the administrators on the middle school campus are especially appreciated as they handle issues quickly, thoughtfully, and are never too busy to care for their students.
Read 50 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 712 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Moreau Catholic High School

• Private School
• Hayward, CA
• 9-12
• 172

Senior: Throughout my years at Moreau I've come to really appreciate all that school has to offer and the relationships I've built with some teachers. Recently the school has been getting new projectors and tv screens for school announcements. The racial diversity of the school has gotten so much better and racial issues have arose but are definitely dealt with appropriately. Moreau being a small community of less then 1,000 students has its perks, allowing students to have closer relationships and connect with teachers more efficiently. Counselors and administration are very good and respect challenges students may be facing. The counselors are very helpful with college applications and helping you contact teachers you may be struggling with. Students are respectful of each other, whether you are religious or not, or what you economic background is respected. The school has offers a lot within their tuition, it provides you to play any sport and includes your laptop.
Read 172 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 851 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

• Private School
• Healdsburg, CA
• 9-12
• 48

Alum: Rio Lindo was the high school I was born to go to. I was pretty on edge having to transfer to a different school my Junior year and start my high school experience over again. I was afraid I wasn't going to fit in, and even more afraid that I wouldn't academically succeed at a boarding academy. But I was relieved with the amazing student life and faculty support. I made friends quite easy and my teachers gave me a tremendous amount of support. There was a since of genuineness and closeness at Rio Lindo that I had never felt anywhere else. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for the growth Rio Lindo helped me achieve.
Read 48 Reviews

• B

• A+

• 148 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Archbishop Riordan High School

• Private School
• San Francisco, CA
• 9-12
• 95

Works Here: Riordan truly serves the needs of young men. The school graduates students who are intelligent (attend great colleges and have great careers), thoughtful (open doors for visitors!) and care about the world around them (engage in a life service). Faculty, administration, and coaches know how to teach and mentor boys. The school truly lives its mission to educate in the family spirit, which includes engaging and caring for students, families, alumni, and the greater community.

...and, the food in the cafeteria is so good!
Read 95 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 680 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Genevieve High School

• Private School
• Panorama City, CA
• 9-12
• 78

High School Senior: This school is unlike any other. I do not regret my decision to come here and it is easily one of the best years of my life. The atmosphere at SG is one of love and enthusiasm. It's a small school, but we are tight-knit and can truly come to care for one another. Academics are important, but its not the only emohasis here. SG makes sure to foster in each of its students empathy for their surroundings and each other, resulting in one of the friendliest school communities you will ever meet! Just ask anybody who has ever visited; they all sing the same praises. I wouldn't trade anything for the experience of coming here to St. Genevieve High School.
Read 78 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 630 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pacific Lutheran Jr./Sr. High

• Private School
• Gardena, CA
• 7-12
• 46

Senior: Pacific Lutheran is am amzing school. The community of students is so welcoming and the faculty really do care about their students. I am so priveldged to go to a school where my teachers not only care about my academic health, but my mental health as well. Pacific Lutheran has prepared me for college. I am ready to face struggles inside the classroom and out. I cannot express my love and appriciation for this school more. It has given me a great high school experience that most do not get to have!
Read 46 Reviews

• B+

• A+

• 85 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Notre Dame High School

• Private School
• San Jose, CA
• 9-12
• 202

Junior: So welcoming and passionate. Amazing, tight-knit community that is incredibly nerdy and fun. There's something for just about anyone here - with so many clubs and extracurriculars. Come here if you want to work hard, make friends, and grow your interests - that's how you'll get the most out of it!
Read 202 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 646 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Salesian High School

• Private School
• Richmond, CA
• 9-12
• 68

Parent: By sending my sons to Salesian they were prepared by graduation to meet the academic rigors of university studies. Today, they are successful in their chosen professions and contribute service to the community. There is no better place to prepare for the future and receive the added value of a private, values based, Catholic, and Salesian education. The teachers are among the most qualified and caring educators in the Bay Area.
Read 68 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 417 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Palma Christian School

• Private School
• La Palma, CA
• PK, K-12

• NG

• A+

• 146 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

• Private School
• San Francisco, CA
• 9-12
• 131

Senior: SHC has something for everyone, it's a strong diverse community where everyone feels at home. In terms of academics, the school offers some very good classes with excellent teachers. The workload is very easy to manage, and achieving an A average with minimal effort is more than doable. There are a variety of clubs and other school-organized extracurriculars available. The course choice options are very limited. You only really get to choose which classes to take in your junior and senior years. Furthermore, the religion requirement is very annoying. The yearly religion course requirements are useless and a bore, taking up one of the only 6 course block options, preventing students from taking more worthwhile classes. On the topic of religion, the school is Catholic with distinctive catholic values - however the school does not shove it in your face. Apart from occasional masses and religion classes, the school is very lax and a non-catholic would not feel out of place whatsoever.
Read 131 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 1,325 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Head-Royce School

• Private School
• Oakland, CA
• K-12
• 52

Senior: I've absolutely loved my experience at Head-Royce. There are a few things that I'd want to change. As a minority at a predominantly white school, I can often feel alienated and without a voice. Minority students either abandon their culture completely or are extremely cultural, both of these being ways of survival in an environment thta does not look like them. There really is not a middle ground. but it is relatively easy to find small group of close friends and teacher who will support you. The academics are absolutely amazing, and the college counseling team is stellar. You're sure to attend an amazing university, if you attend Head-Royce.
Read 52 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 875 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Faith Baptist Schools

• Private School
• Canoga Park, CA
• PK, K-12
• 27

Middle School Student: Fun, but busy! Must be good with projects and can handle speeches ! The environment is beautiful and calm, and the people are very kind. If your teacher is experienced, the lessons will be explained thoroughly, and if not the lessons will be difficult, and you will most likely need to study harder, or get a tutor. Most everything is done with technology. (Research Papers, Science Projects, Maps.) You should definitely get here young-the younger the better, the older the harder. They have a high curriculum, so even if you were the top student, you have to study. Homework is usually a page. I recommend going to summer school before, because english and math can be a real challenge. (Memorizing The 50 states, etc). As long as you find the right group, take time to study, do homework, and relax, the year will be easy. Find your study method, whether it be flashcards, reading repeatedly, saying it outloud, flashcards, it must be found before school starts.
Read 27 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 1,234 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Arlington Christian School

• Private School
• Richmond, CA
• K-12

• NG

• A+

• 22 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop O'Dowd High School

• Private School
• Oakland, CA
• 9-12
• 154

Alum: Bishop O'Dowd is an excellent school for academics, sports, and diversity. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and show a genuine desire to see their students succeed. The sports teams are great! Many students have made it to professional sports. Culture and diversity is also big at Bishop O'Dowd. Highly recommend!
Read 154 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 1,243 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Salle High School

• Private School
• Pasadena, CA
• 9-12
• 98

Alum: I went to la salle from 2000-2004. I had the best experience. Cheerleading, reading leaders, tennis, baseball score keepers, choir, the list goes on. Many opportunities and a very diverse school. The chocolate chip cookies were amazing and only a quarter! I had amazing teachers and a great education. My dad and I both went there and fully enjoyed our education.
Read 98 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 651 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy

• Private School
• Pleasant Hill, CA
• K-12
• 6

Alum: Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy was a great school despite its small size. The smaller classes meant more 1-on-1 help from the teachers and an overall stronger relationship between both students and teachers. PHAA also emphasizes a strong relationship with Jesus --- something that every Christian school should do.
Read 6 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 148 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

North Hills Christian School

• Private School
• Vallejo, CA
• PK, K-12
• 8

Senior: I am currently a senior in high school at North Hills Christian School. I have attended North Hills since Preschool. North Hills is a great, safe school for children. The teachers are great at doing their job. The school has a very diverse population. There may not be many students attending North Hills now, but North Hills is in the makings of becoming a great, well-known school with a great population of students!
Read 8 Reviews

• B+

• A+

• 302 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

El Sobrante Christian School

• Private School
• El Sobrante, CA
• K-12
• 2

Sophomore: Because of the small class sizes the teachers really help any student indivisually who needs help. Although the small class sizes allows for one on one between the teacher and student, I still would like more students. I feel like I'm missing out on the high school experience because there are only 30 kids in the whole high school. I also think they should step up their lunch, pizza twice a week, corndogs, bagels and soggy burritos gets old after awhile. Besides that the school is pretty good, since it is so small you form a relationship with almost everyone.
Read 2 Reviews

• B+

• A+

• 261 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mater Dei High School

• Private School
• Santa Ana, CA
• 9-12
• 446

Senior: Mater Dei is incredible! The teachers are awesome and they take time to really care about my work and help me with areas I struggle. Teachers at Mater Dei don’t just sit around and slack off, they provide a pristine education with amazing advice that will not be forgotten. I highly recommend Mater Dei to anyone who is seeking an incredible Highschool experience.
Read 446 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 2,159 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Villanova Preparatory School

• Private School
• Ojai, CA
• 9-12
• 31

Alum: Villanova is an academically challenging high school with a beautiful campus, outstanding teachers/staff, phenomenal food, and diverse and unique students. The teachers here want only the best for their students and work extra hard to ensure that their student succeeds. They push you academically to be your best and help guide you through everything and they all genuinely care about the kids. Villanova also has the best college counselers who really bend over backward for their students success. The kids who make up this small community are all so kind with big hearts. Everyone wants to learn and make friends. Villanova is famous for not having "good" sport teams but I attended Villanova and I can say that sports is really what you make it. The students in sports work amazingly hard and everyone here really supports all of the sports. Every sports game is filled with students and signs. Send your kid to Villanova. You, and them, won't regret it.
Read 31 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 265 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio