Compare Preschools in the San Diego Area

Best Schools

185 results

Francis Parker School
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.39 out of 5 83 reviews
#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Senior: I've been at Francis Parker for nine years, from 4th grade to 12th, and overall I've had a positive experience. The academics, especially English and Science, are very well developed and successfully challenge students to study hard and succeed. The school does a very good job preparing students for college and offers them many opportunities and resources to help them get into the right school. While I have had a few complaints about the administration and student support programs, the faculty and staff are truly interested in what you have to say and passionate about what they do.
Read 83 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,185 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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La Jolla Country Day School
Private School
La Jolla, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.21 out of 5 138 reviews
#2 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Parent: Best decision we could have ever made!
In 2006, we visited every private school in San Diego that we could in order to find the perfect place for our two children (then 4 & 2). LJCDS was our choice and 14 years later we can confirm that it was the best school for our children!

When we were looking for a school, character education was very important to us. LJCDS was the only school that advertised their character education prominently in the admissions process. (Happily- they lived up to their promises too!) Today, LJCDS is still focused on character, through their emphasis of "dignity" in all things. It is truly impressive.

One of our children was academically gifted and a talented athlete but didn't appreciate the arts. Our other child is academically average but a gifted athlete and talented artist. Both found their way at LJCDS. Both have thrived. Both are better citizens because of attending this fine institution.
Read 138 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,107 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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San Diego Jewish Academy
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.32 out of 5 28 reviews
#3 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
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 28 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
494 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Cambridge School
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.89 out of 5 37 reviews
#4 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Alum: If you want your kids to come home with stories for the dinner table about "the super exciting stuff" they learned in history, rhetoric, art, or apologetics, then this is the school for your family. At TCS I was surrounded by teachers, classmates, and coaches that helped cultivate a lifelong love of learning within me.

I would be remiss to not highlight the robust classical model employed at the school. Of all the classical schools I attended and visited in my K-12 education, this one is the most rigorous and has a staff well versed in classical methods. The robust humanities department, highly competitive extracurriculars, thriving House system, and bustling familial atmosphere are just a few other aspects of TCS that bring the classical model to life.

The school certainly has some "growing pains" (after all, it's still a young school), but there are always staff, faculty, & parents willing to help out any way they can. I loved my time at Cambridge and wholeheartedly recommend it.
Read 37 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
366 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Santa Fe Christian Schools
Private School
Solana Beach, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.08 out of 5 80 reviews
#5 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Senior: I really like SFC. Coming from a family that puts our trust and faith in God, it is really amazing to be surrounded by Christians on campus. The people that I surround myself with are God-fearing, humble, kind, selfless people and also have the funniest and best personality! I love SFC and I wouldn't change my high school experience here for anything! SFC has prepared me for college, having personal relationships with the teachers, recognizing the importance of going into getting help, and most of all being genuine. SFC has prepared me for the future and I can't wait to excel and be the best version of me in college and in my workplace!
Read 80 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,019 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ocean View Christian Academy
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 3.88 out of 5 60 reviews
#6 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
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 60 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
354 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Waldorf School of San Diego
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.36 out of 5 22 reviews
#7 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
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
Overall Niche Grade
281 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Joseph Academy
Private School
San Marcos, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.3 out of 5 67 reviews
#8 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Parent: My wife and I absolutely love this gem of a school! Its classical curriculum is providing an excellent education for our children. Our children are learning all the building blocks in the grammar school: Phonics, spelling, writing (in cursive), grammar, classic literature, math (no common core), Latin, science, patriotic history, art, and religion taught to joyfully embrace their Faith. Our high school children have grown tremendously in their Faith and knowledge. This is due to the solid curriculum and great care that the teachers take with each student to bring them to their full potential. Our children have participated in all of the sports and extracurricular activities offered in the high school and have greatly benefited from not only gaining the skills, but more so the camaraderie of the team and awesome coaches. We are so blessed to have found this unique, wonderful school!
Read 67 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
305 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Children's Creative & Performing Arts Academy of San Diego
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 3.91 out of 5 22 reviews
#9 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Middle School Student: I love the overall family CCPAA has given me, I am a straight A student there having challenges that I faced and learning more knowledge then I have ever imagined. From the old CCPAA when it was opened in the 19’s , it is now renewed from 2019 making school passed down from the old former founder. This school is excellent having all advancements from all ages and different diversities. Most student have been here their whole life, from subjects such as ballet, tap, jazz, Indian Dance, instruments ( of each level of standards), choir, art, history of art, Spanish, Italian, English, French, Math, History, Science, and more! This school is perfect for students with talent and innovations!
Read 22 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
241 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maranatha Christian Schools
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 3.5 out of 5 24 reviews
#10 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Junior: I loved everything about Maranatha. The teachers were amazing, the students were so welcoming, and I learned so much. Being at a private Christian school has really helped me grow in my faith and prepare me for a degree in ministry. And being at a college prep school has quickly helped me advance academically. Even though this was my first year at Natha, I was quickly able to get plugged into clubs and extracurriculars and sports and the performing arts program. I love MCS!
Read 24 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
905 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Literacy First Charter School
Public School
El Cajon, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.3 out of 5 23 reviews
#59 Best Public Elementary Schools in San Diego Area
Alum: Went here K-12 and had a great experience! Loved the teachers, peers, and culture. I wish there would have been more options for classes, sports, and clubs, but overall it was a great school.
Read 23 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,678 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Calvin Christian School
Private School
Escondido, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.14 out of 5 29 reviews
#11 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Alum: This school has made some AMAZING changes in the past year! This is a great place to go to school. The students are more connected than ever, teachers genuinely care about their students, the facilities are great, and student events, festivals, and dances are always super fun. For a small school, they have a large selection of clubs, sports, and classes and have a lot of involvement. It’s a great place to connect with other Christians while also getting a top notch education.
Read 29 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
410 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tri-City Christian School
Private School
Vista, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.73 out of 5 62 reviews
#12 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Parent: Tri City provided a top-notch education with a Christ-centered environment. The teachers, staff, administrators and coaches gave individual attention to both of my sons and they THRIVED! They each grew into their faith while at Tri City, played on the worship team for chapel and both received Academic College Scholarships. After taking college classes, my sons realize that they received an excellent education at Tri City Christian School. My eldest son got his Dental Degree from UCLA and is becoming an Oral Surgeon at Loyola Medical in Chicago. My youngest son got a Bachelor's Degree in Writing and Literature from California State Univ, San Marcos.
Read 62 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
596 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Balboa School
Private School
Escondido, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.36 out of 5 14 reviews
#13 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
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
Overall Niche Grade
91 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Rock Academy
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 3.83 out of 5 36 reviews
#14 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Alum: I love the way teachers really invest in their students! If you are looking for a school that will give your child a personal connection with their teachers, this is it! However, due to the size of the school, resources are difficult to come by, and sports are lacking, but the staff do their best to optimize what they are given!
Lack of resources does not equal less passion for an area. Visit the school to see if it is a good fit for you!
Read 36 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
364 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Crown Point Elementary School
San Diego Unified School District, CA
PK, K-5
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
#169 Best Public Elementary Schools in San Diego Area
Parent: Great school for your kids if you want to focus on both academics and the arts. The teachers all seem friendly and great with the kids. The school is well maintained. They offer a preschool on campus which is a huge bonus.
Read 1 Review
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
318 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Horizon Prep School
Private School
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
PK, K-11
Rating 5 out of 5 9 reviews
#16 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Alum: I was a student at Horizon Prep from preschool through high school. I cannot speak more highly of how Horizon Prep prepared me for success in college and beyond. I not only grew academically, but I also grew in character, relationship building and most importantly spiritually because of Horizon Prep. The teachers are the most wonderful part of HP. They care deeply, teach from a Christian worldview and small class sizes allow for ample help in understanding concepts. One thing I am very grateful for is the high school program preparing me to think for myself and the development of my Christian worldview. Because of HP, I was well equipped to be a strong Christian in a large secular college environment. Horizon Prep is such a blessing and I am so thankful for everything I learned during my time as a student there!
Read 9 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
286 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Calvary Christian Academy
Private School
Chula Vista, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.2 out of 5 69 reviews
#18 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Parent: CCA is a great school. All three of our sons graduated and continued on to a tertiary education including post graduate degrees. CCA prepared them well from preschool to high school where values were taught, they were challenged by great academics and disciplined with athletics. CCA helped mold them into great men who have a firm christian foundation, are problem solvers, hard working, and successful.
Read 69 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
396 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Edison Elementary School
San Diego Unified School District, CA
PK, K-5
Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews
#207 Best Public Elementary Schools in San Diego Area
Works Here: Edison Elementary is a high performing school with a biliteracy pathway, cross-curricular standards-aligned curriculum, offers physical education, and after school programs. They were a 2018 California Distinguished School, a Bronze Healthy School finalist, and a 2019-2020 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll recipient. Among the schools in the area, Edison easily rises to the top.
Read 2 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
404 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bella Mente Montessori Academy
Public School
Vista, CA
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 6 reviews
Parent: Bella Mente has been an amazing school for our children. Our son was there from the time the school opened until he graduated at 8th grade. He had the best teachers who truly gave his the attention he needed to succeed in the subjects he was behind on. He always felt happy and proud of his accomplishments! Our daughter has been there since Kindergarten and is now in 6th grade. She is doing great and has made wonderful friends. She has struggled in math at times but her teachers were wonderful in working through her struggles. The staff is very kind to all the kids and I have always felt the school is clean and safe. I can’t really imagine my kids not attending Bella Mente. When our son left for high school he was well equipped and ready and is now in 10th grade and has been successful in high school also. I will be so sad when the day comes that my daughter leaves Bella Mente because it has been such a huge part of our lives. We are so thankful to have this school near us.
Read 6 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
662 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Warner Elementary School
Warner Unified School District, CA
PK, K-6
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
107 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Kings Academy
Private School
Escondido, CA
PK, K-12
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Senior: What I like about about Kings Academy, despite it being a Christian school it's a school that helped me with discipline. I improved my character and help me show my true potential in my studies and talents out side of school.
Read 1 Review
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
45 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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San Diego French American School
Private School
La Jolla, CA
PK, K-8
Rating 4.8 out of 5 25 reviews
Parent: I would like to encourage parents to enroll your children to this amazing school! We've been at the school for two years and love our community. My children are under 5, and for this young age, it is hard to pick the right school that is safe, has a good educational and engaging program, and has a community. We found all of that at SDFSA. They have small classroom size that helps my kids thrive, thoughtful and kind teachers who give a lot of attention to each child and most importantly, it is a bilingual school with immersion not just another language, but culture. None of us speak French at home, but I'm thinking about the future for my children and want them to thrive in the world. Give it a try, you'd be happy you did!
Read 25 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
386 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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La Petite Ecole - Le Lycee Francais de San Diego
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-8
Rating 4.75 out of 5 4 reviews
Parent: Has been an amazing experience for our child to be immersed in another language and get contextual learning and perform very well in both French and English. Great community of parents, committed teachers and administration. The school is moving, expanding to higher grade levels and heading in very positive direction! Teachers for our child have been excellent. Current location hasn't been great, but the new location for the 2018-2019 school year and on looks to become spectacular!
Read 4 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
217 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chabad Hebrew Academy
Private School
San Diego, CA
PK, K-8
Rating 4.75 out of 5 8 reviews
Parent: My children have been at the CHA preschool for several years, and we have been extremely pleased with both our experience with the school and our children’s experience as students. They offer a supportive and communicative environment for parents, the administrative and teaching staff always have made time to discuss my children’s progress with me and to listen to my ideas or concerns. From a religious perspective, they focus on forming a strong Jewish identity in the preschool and it has proven to be a beautiful learning experience for my children.
My daughter graduated from CHA preschool last year and was more than ready for Kindergarten.
The campus is safe, clean, family oriented, they offer many opportunities for families to be involved at the school.
I would highly recommend CHA
Read 8 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
219 Students
73:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Randolph-Macon Academy
Private School
Front Royal, VA
6-12
Rating 4.24 out of 5 113 reviews
Senior: Randolph-Macon Academy is an amazing school. There’s no doubt about that. Its excellent Air Force JROTC program taught me what it means to be a true leader and to learn and respect everything our military does for this country.

Going to a boarding school did seem scary at first, but you are guaranteed to make great relationships in the dorms. I was very shy when transitioning from a small Middle School where I knew everybody. While this school was a lot larger, I still made many lifelong friends by participating in the school’s sports and intramural opportunities.

When I say the school prepare you for college, it certainly does. Just the fact that this is a boarding school already prepares you for out of state colleges. The military aspect further solidifies your capability to be organized and have proper etiquette. I cannot stress this enough that this school prepares you for real life!
Read 113 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
246 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Woodberry Forest School
Private School
Woodberry Forest, VA
9-12
Rating 4.61 out of 5 36 reviews
Junior: It's a great school and I have no regrets in attending. The academics are fantastic, and there are plenty of extracurriculars. The brotherhood, or community, is very close-knit, and you will make friends for life.
Read 36 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
405 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sheridan School
Private School
Washington, DC
K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 10 reviews
Parent: Without a doubt, Sheridan is the best investment we have ever made for our family. Our daughters attended K-8th grade. I was not previously familiar with the progressive education model, but after seeing its impact, I am a believer. The compassionate, humane instruction belies the curriculum’s rigor and efficacy. Sheridan graduates are the smartest, most thoughtful, articulate young adults I have ever met. Students leave Sheridan not only well prepared for even DC’s most rigorous high-schools, but prepared to be community leaders. They are curious, kind and well rounded. At Sheridan’s Mountain Campus students learn about the natural world, environmental education, teamwork, science, and risk taking. Students have opportunities to play on numerous school sports teams. An exceptional arts program enhances and supports the other classroom curriculum and invites student to stretch themselves - to be bold and brave and have fun doing it.
Read 10 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
225 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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