Top 15 Bay Area Private High School Rankings

In the San Francisco Bay Area, high-quality educational resources are widely available, especially among private high schools, which offer a wealth of choices. Faced with numerous prestigious institutions, many parents find themselves in a dilemma when selecting the right school. Compared to public schools, private high schools typically feature smaller class sizes, more personalized teaching approaches, and a richer array of extracurricular resources—creating an ideal environment for students' holistic development. Moreover, many of the Bay Area’s top private schools are highly professional in college counseling, helping students gain admission to their dream universities. Among so many options, understanding each school's overall strength, curriculum highlights, and educational philosophy is the first step toward making a well-informed educational decision.

Top 15 Bay Area Private High Schools (2025 Rankings by Niche.com)

1. The College Preparatory School (CPS) 

Located in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, CPS is known for its rigorous academics, emphasis on critical thinking, and ethical discourse. It aims to develop engaged, thoughtful citizens. 

• Location: Oakland, CA 

• Grades: 9–12 

• Students: 373 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1500, ACT 34 

• Niche Rating: 4.4/5 

2. The Nueva School 

Nueva is nationally recognized for its innovative, project-based learning model. It’s ideal for students with strong intellectual curiosity and creative thinking skills. 

• Location: Hillsborough, CA 

• Grades: PK–12 

• Students: 853 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1490, ACT 34 

• Niche Rating: 4.5/5 

3. The Quarry Lane School 

Offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Quarry Lane emphasizes academic excellence and a global perspective, fostering critical thinking in a nurturing environment. 

• Location: Dublin, CA 

• Grades: PK–12 

• Students: 1,050 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1460, ACT 32 

• Niche Rating: 4.2/5 

4. Crystal Springs Uplands School 

This school is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and close-knit learning environment, with small class sizes and personalized academic support. 

• Location: Hillsborough, CA 

• Grades: 6–12 

• Students: 565 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 9:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1490, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.4/5 

5. Head-Royce School 

Head-Royce delivers a comprehensive K–12 education with a strong emphasis on academic rigor, diversity, and leadership development within a values-based community. 

• Location: Oakland, CA 

• Grades: K–12 

• Students: 906 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1440, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.3/5 

6. Castilleja School (Girls) 

Castilleja is an all-girls school that offers a challenging academic program and leadership training in a supportive, empowering environment. 

• Location: Palo Alto, CA 

• Grades: 6–12 

• Students: 416 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 8:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1470, ACT 34 

• Niche Rating: 4.4/5 

7. San Francisco University High School 

Located in the heart of San Francisco, this school provides a rich and varied curriculum and encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and worldviews. 

• Location: San Francisco, CA 

• Grades: 9–12 

• Students: 436 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1440, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.0/5 

8. The Branson School 

Known for academic excellence and a supportive faculty, Branson offers robust extracurriculars and leadership development in a small, highly collaborative environment. 

• Location: Ross, CA 

• Grades: 9–12 

• Students: 345 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 8:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1450, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.5/5 

9. Menlo School 

Menlo offers exceptional STEM and liberal arts programs. The school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals with access to numerous clubs, sports, and creative opportunities. 

• Location: Atherton, CA 

• Grades: 6–12 

• Students: 796 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1440, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.0/5 

10. Marin Academy 

Marin Academy values creativity, innovation, and social responsibility. The school combines a strong liberal arts curriculum with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. 

• Location: San Rafael, CA 

• Grades: 9–12 

• Students: 448 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1410, ACT 32 

• Niche Rating: 4.0/5 

11. Bentley School 

Bentley School is known for its academic rigor and personalized approach to teaching. The school emphasizes leadership, creativity, and student-centered learning while offering a wide array of extracurricular programs to support holistic development. 

• Location: Lafayette, CA 

• Grades: K–12 

• Students: 650 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1360, ACT 31 

• Niche Rating: 4.4/5 

12. Woodside Priory School 

This Benedictine Catholic school promotes a balanced approach to education by nurturing academic excellence alongside personal and spiritual growth. It offers boarding options and places strong emphasis on individuality and responsibility. 

• Location: Portola Valley, CA 

• Grades: 6–12 

• Students: 443 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1430, ACT 32 

• Niche Rating: 4.1/5 

13. The Athenian School 

Athenian offers an experiential learning model that encourages students to learn through doing. With outdoor education, international programs, and hands-on academics, students develop global awareness and leadership capabilities. 

• Location: Danville, CA 

• Grades: 6–12 

• Students: 525 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 8:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1420, ACT 32 

• Niche Rating: 4.4/5 

14. Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton 

A private Catholic school rooted in Sacred Heart values, this campus emphasizes both academic strength and character development. Montessori principles are part of early education, cultivating independence from a young age. 

• Location: Atherton, CA 

• Grades: PK–12 

• Students: 1,190 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1380, ACT 32 

• Niche Rating: 4.5/5 

15. The Harker School 

Harker is widely recognized for its rigorous STEM curriculum and elite college preparatory programs. The school combines top-tier academics with global education and rich extracurricular opportunities to nurture future innovators. 

• Location: San Jose, CA 

• Grades: K–12 

• Students: 1,970 

• Student–Teacher Ratio: 9:1 

• Avg. SAT/ACT: SAT 1500, ACT 33 

• Niche Rating: 4.2/5 

Important Considerations When Choosing a Private High School 

When selecting the right private high school for your child, be sure to consider these key factors: 

• Academic Curriculum: Does the school offer AP, IB, or honors classes that match your child’s goals and interests? 

• Faculty: What are the teachers’ qualifications and experience? Will your child receive individual attention? 

• Extracurriculars: Does the school offer clubs, sports, arts, and community service programs that support holistic growth? 

• School Culture: Are the school’s values and community culture aligned with your family’s priorities? Is diversity supported? 

• College Counseling: Is there a dedicated college prep team that will guide your child’s academic path? 

• Location & Commute: Is the school easily accessible and manageable for your family’s routine? 

• Tuition & Aid: Are there financial aid options or scholarships to make tuition affordable? 

• Facilities: Are the school’s learning and recreational facilities up-to-date and conducive to student well-being? 

By evaluating these aspects, families can make a confident and informed decision to support their child’s academic and personal success.