10 Best Private High Schools in California 2024 | How to Apply

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California’s best private high schools also make it to the top US high school ranking. 

Being the most populous state in America, California has a lot of high schools and students to match. 

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Also, California ranks as the first state in student enrollment and the first in the total number of schools. 

Also, it ranks 51st for the student/teacher ratio and 37th for the percentage of students on free or reduced lunches.

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Accompanying its many high schools, it is also home to some of the most popular destinations in the world. 

Some of the best are the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley, some of the popular California high schools.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Private High Schools in Colorado| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

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What You Should Know About High Schools in California

Having a good feel of the generality among high schools across the state is a good way to channel your expectations. 

Therefore, on that note, we’ve briefly pointed out some norms among high schools in California.

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Before graduating from a California high school, students must take 13 specific yearlong courses. 

Of course, this includes three English classes, two math classes, and two science courses. 

High Enrollment in Private High Schools in California

California is the most populous state in the U.S. and has the most school students. 

In the 2005–06 school year, over 6.2 million students were enrolled in high schools in California. 

Thus, giving California one of the highest projected enrollments in the country. 

With such a high population of students, private high schools and public schools try as best possible to serve such a number.

Number of Dropouts in California Private High Schools

One of the biggest problems in the California school system is the high level of high school dropouts, especially among minority students.

Approximately 22% of African Americans and Hispanic Californians are living in poverty.

However, only about 68% of students living below the poverty line usually graduate from high school. 

In light of this, the state of California has in place the Dropout Recovery and Prevention Act (SB 65) as a governmental way of dealing with the high dropout rate in California.  

Also, senate bill 65 initiated three new dropout prevention efforts: the Pupil Motivation and Maintenance Program, the Alternative Education Outreach Consultant (AEOC) Program, and the Educational Clinic Program.

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Class size

Comparatively, the class size in California private high schools is reasonably larger. 

However, the overall teacher-pupil ratio in California was also 49th, with 21 students per teacher.

Just Arizona and Utah have lower rates in the USA.

Nonetheless, we can attribute this to the sheer population of students.

Although the typical teacher-to-student ratio is estimated to average 12:1 in recent times.

Low NAEP Scores

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is an assessment that measures what U.S. students know and can do in various subjects across the nation, states, and some urban districts. 

Typically for a representative sample of 4th, 8th, and 12th graders.

California’s children tend to score poorly on the NAEP tests. 

However, the California school results have improved significantly over the long term. 

But they are still pretty mediocre.

Scores on NAEP, though imperfect, enable researchers and policymakers to monitor the overall education system, comparing student achievement between years, states, grades, and student subgroups.

Acceptance Rates in California Private High Schools

By very keen estimates, the average acceptance rate is 84%. 

However, minority enrollment is 48%, and 50% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Roman Catholic and Christian).

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How Many Private High Schools are in California?

Out of  3,892 high schools in California, 730 are private.

However, 3,162 are public schools. 

Additionally, California ranks as the 1st state in student enrollment and 1st in the total number of schools, serving about  658,760 students.

What is the Average Private School Tuition in California?

California’s average tuition is lower than its median tuition.

This means that most California private schools charge a low-end tuition rate. 

However, among private elementary schools, California has some of the most expensive in the country.

Also, from our research, the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in California is about $12,860.

But the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools is $11,080.

However, private high schools pay about $19,830 in California.

List of 10 Best Private Schools in California

To end, we’ve compiled a list of some of California’s best private high schools that you may be interested in. 

Here they are:

#1. The College Preparatory School

  • Location: OAKLAND, CA 9-12 
  • Current Rating 4.16 out of 5 in 81 reviews
  • Student population: 373
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Annual Tuition: $48, 300

#2.  The Nueva School

  • Location: HILLSBOROUGH, CA PK, K-12 
  • Current Rating 4.53 out of 5 in 53 reviews
  • Student population: 853
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
  • Annual Tuition: $53, 350

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#3. Harvard-Westlake School

  • Location: LOS ANGELES, CA 7-12 
  • Current Rating 4.47 out of 5 in 152 reviews
  • Student population: 1,620
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Annual Tuition: $42, 600

#4. Stanford Online High School

  • Location: REDWOOD CITY, CA 7-12
  • CurrentRating 4.64 out of 5 in 154 reviews
  • Student population: 903
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Annual Tuition: $26, 570

#5. Castilleja School

  • Location: PALO ALTO, CA 6-12 
  • Current Rating 4.32 out of 5 in 57 reviews
  • Student population: 430
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Annual Tuition: $47, 970

Read Also: 10 Best Private High Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Some Other Private High Schools in California

#6. Crystal Springs Uplands School

  • Location: HILLSBOROUGH, CA 6-12 
  • Current Rating 4.41 out of 5 in 44 reviews
  • Student population: 539
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
  • Annual Tuition: $46, 780

#7. Flintridge Preparatory School

  • Location: LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA 7-12 
  • Current Rating 4.65 out of 5 in 99 reviews
  • Student population: 530
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Annual Tuition: $40, 500

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#8. The Bishop’s School

  • Location: SAN DIEGO, CA 6-12 
  • Current Rating 4.55 out of 5 in 80 reviews
  • Student population: 800
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Annual Tuition: $39, 460

#9. Polytechnic School

  • Location: PASADENA, CA K-12 
  • Current Rating 4.19 out of 5 in 104 reviews
  • Student population: 859
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Annual Tuition: $37, 500

#10. Cate School

  • Location CARPINTERIA, CA 9-12 
  • Rating 4.41 out of 5 in 44 reviews
  • Student population: 298
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
  • Annual Tuition: $49, 700

ALSO READ: 10 Best Private High Schools in New Jersey| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What are the Best Private High Schools in Orange County, California?

Orange County is one of the best cities in California for high school education.

In that regard, there are 79 private high schools in Orange County, California, with over 23,470 students.

When it comes to the best private high schools in Orange County, the likes of Fairmont Preparatory Academy, Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, and Sage Hill School.

However, 51% of private high schools in Orange County, CA, have religious affiliations with Christians and Catholics.

Here is a list of Private High Schools In Orange County, California;

  • Pacific Academy
  • Sage Hill School
  • Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
  • Fairmont Preparatory Academy
  • Westcliff Preparatory Academy
  • Fairmont Schools – San Juan Capistrano
  • Fusion Academy Huntington Beach
  • Fusion Academy Mission Viejo
  • Futures Academy – Aliso Viejo
  • Futures Academy – Anaheim Hills

What are the Best Private High Schools in Pasadena, California?

Pasadena, California, has 16 private high schools with a population of 4,610 students.

With a 72% acceptance rate, in Pasadena, California, private high schools welcome students from all countries.

The highly rated private high schools in Pasadena, CA, are Westridge School, Sequoyah School, and The Marianne Frostig Center for Educational Therapy.

However, 25% of the private high schools in Pasadena, CA, have religious affiliations with Catholic and Christian churches.

Here is a list of Pasadena, California, private high schools in a particular order;

  • Sequoyah School
  • Westridge School
  • EF Academy Pasadena 
  • Futures Academy – Pasadena
  • La Salle College Preparatory
  • Maranatha High School
  • The Marianne Frostig Center for Educational Therapy
  • Mayfield Senior School
  • Polytechnic School
  • Renaissance Academy
  • Villa Esperanza Services
  • The Waverly School
  • Abundant Life Academy-other

What are the Best Private High Schools in Fresno CA?

There are 18 private schools for high school students in Fresno CA with a student population of 3,016.

Out of these 18 schools, Fresno Christian Schools, Fresno Adventist Academy, and Carden School Of Fresno are rated as the best private schools in the area and CA.

Here is a list of other Best Private High Schools In Fresno, CA;

  • Carden School Of Fresno
  • Fresno Adventist Academy
  • Fresno Christian Schools
  • St. Anthony Of Padua School
  • San Joaquin Memorial High School
  • Apples Of Gold Educational Center
  • Campus Christian Academy
  • Fairmont Private School
  • Faith Baptist Academy
  • Fresno Montessori School
  • KinderCare Learning Center
  • Koinonia Christian School
  • La Petite Academy
  • Reaching Potentials Education Institute
  • St. Helens School

What are the Best Private High Schools in San Jose, California?

San Jose, California, has a total of 22 private high schools, a student population of 11,642, and an average acceptance rate of 81% across its schools.

The best private high schools in San Jose, California, are Cambrian Academy, The Harker School Upper School, and BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

Others include;

  • BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
  • Cambrian Academy
  • The Harker School Upper School
  • Archbishop Mitty High School
  • Bellarmine College Prep School
  • Notre Dame High School
  • Presentation High School
  • Renaissance Learner Academy
  • Second Start-Pine Hill School
  • Valley Christian High School
  • Achieve Kids
  • Apostles Lutheran School
  • As-safa Institute/as-safa Academy
  • The Creekside School
  • Cristo Rey San Jose High School

What are the Best Private High Schools in Fremont CA?

Fremont CA is one of California’s towns with a few private High schools.

There are currently just 5 private high schools in Fremont CA with a student population of 872 and an acceptance rate of 93%.

The top 2 private schools for high school students in Fremont CA include Alsion Middle/High School and Fremont Christian School.

The others include;

  • Averroes High School
  • Bethel Christian Academy
  • Seneca Centers Pathfinder Academy

What are the Best Private High Schools in Roseville CA?

Roseville CA has just 3 private high schools with a student enrollment of 492 students.

Out of the 3 Roseville CA private high schools, Valley Christian Academy is the best.

Roseville CA private high schools have a 33% acceptance rate and they’re religiously affiliated to the Baptist church.

Here are other Roseville CA private high schools;

  • Gates Of Learning Center
  • Granite Bay Montessori

What are the Most Expensive Private High Schools in California?

California has about 339 private high schools, some of which have the most expensive tuition.

The average annual private high school tuition in California is $21,205.

The private high school with the lowest tuition is Granite Bay Montessori, with a tuition of $1,125, and the most expensive high school is The Webb School, with a tuition of $73,320.

Here is a list of The Most Expensive Private High Schools in California;

  • San Francisco University High School
  • Jewish Community High School Of The Bay
  • Westmark School
  • Woodside Priory School
  • Urban School Of San Francisco
  • Menlo School

What are the Best Private High Schools in Berkeley CA?

Berkeley, CA has 25 private high schools with a student enrollment of 2,846 and an average acceptance rate of 69%.

Across Berkeley, CA, the best private high schools include; The Berkeley School, Maybeck High School, and Black Pine Circle School.

Only a few of the 25 private high schools in Berkeley, CA have Catholic affiliation.

Here is a list of the Best Private High Schools In Berkeley, CA;

The Berkeley School

  • Fusion Academy Berkeley
  • The Academy
  • Black Pine Circle School
  • Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley
  • Maybeck High School
  • School Of The Madeleine
  • Walden Center & School
  • American International Montessori School
  • Bayhill High School
  • Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
  • Berkwood Hedge School
  • Cedar Creek Montessori School
  • The Crowden School

What are the Best Private High Schools in Hayward CA?

There are 15 private schools with about 3,000 students in Hayward, CA, and an acceptance rate of 74%.

Out of the 15 schools, California Crosspoint Academy, Moreau Catholic High School, and St. Clement School are considered the best private high schools in Hayward, CA.

However, about 80% of private high schools in Hayward, CA, are affiliated with either the Catholic or Christian religion.

Here is a list of the best private high schools in Hayward, CA;

  • California Crosspoint Academy
  • Moreau Catholic High School
  • Northstar School
  • St. Clement School
  • St. Joachim School
  • A Joyful Noise Learning Center
  • All Saints Catholic School
  • American Heritage Christian School
  • Bayside Adventist Christian School
  • California Crosspoint Academy
  • Children’s Choice Educare

What are the Best Private High Schools in Riverside, CA?

There are 45 private high schools in Riverside County, CA, with an enrollment of about 11,228 students and an acceptance rate of 80%.

Of these 45 private high schools in Riverside County, CA, Rancho Christian School, St. Jeanne De Lestonnac School, and Idyllwild Arts Academy are considered the best. 

Here are other of the best private high schools in Riverside, CA;

  • Bethel Christian Schools
  • Carnegie Schools Riverside
  • Desert Christian Academy
  • La Sierra Academy
  • Linfield Christian School
  • Mesa Grande Academy
  • Notre Dame High School
  • Palm Valley School
  • Van Avery Prep
  • Woodcrest Christian School System
  • Xavier College Preparatory High School
  • Alpha Omega Christian School
  • Applied Scholastics Online Academy

What are the Best Private High Schools in Beverly Hills, California?

There are 5 private high schools with a student population of 1,045 students in Beverly Hills, CA.

The private high schools in Beverly Hills, California, ranked as the best, include Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy and Good Shepherd Catholic School.

Going to a private high school in Beverly Hills, California, will mean you have a high chance of getting into a Jewish or Catholic-affiliated school.

Here are the best private high schools in Beverly Hills, California;

  • Futures Academy – Beverly Hills
  • Good Shepherd Catholic School
  • Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy
  • Beverly Hills Presbyterian Ps & Kindergarten
  • Temple Emanuel Academy Day School

What are the Best Private High Schools in Sacramento, California?

There are 38 private high schools with 9,256 students in Sacramento County, California.

58% of Sacramento County, California’s private high schools are either Christian or Catholic-affiliated.

The best top ranked private high schools in Sacramento County, California include;

  • Sacramento Country Day School
  • Capital Innovations Academy
  • READ Academy of Sacramento
  • Alternative School
  • Al-arqam Islamic School & College Preparatory
  • Bradshaw Christian High School
  • Capital Christian School
  • Christian Brothers High School
  • Cornerstone Christian School
  • Cristo Rey High School
  • Jesuit High School
  • Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Sacramento Waldorf School

Conclusion: California Private High Schools

California high schools can be a little too rowdy if you like a more serene leading environment. 

Although the population of students enrolled may be so much. 

However, some of the best schools in the US rankings are in California. 

Besides pure academics, whatever city you may be in, California is bliss. 

Owing to the mere presence of tech inspirations and entertainment giants. 

However, be rest assured your creativity will always be on its heels with only a little effort to be a better student.

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