20 Best Private High Schools in California for 2025–26

Choosing the right private high school can shape a student’s academic journey, college opportunities, and personal growth. This guide profiles 20 of the top California private high schools for 2025–26, with key details on tuition, enrollment, deadlines, and standout Ivy+ college placement records—helping you find the best fit for your child’s future.

Schools Covered in This Article

School	Location	Enrollment	Tuition (2025–26)
The College Preparatory School	Oakland, CA	~370	$60,050
Stanford Online High School	Redwood City, CA (online)	1,034	$30,970 (full); $18,580 (part); $6,195 (single)
Harvard-Westlake School	Los Angeles, CA	~1,620	$52,500
The Nueva School	Hillsborough, CA	~967 (Upper ~450)	$62,560 (+$4,400 trips)
The Bishop’s School	La Jolla, CA	~800	$49,600 (incl. lunch)
Flintridge Preparatory School	La Cañada Flintridge, CA	~530	$50,750 (+$2,000 new student)
Windward School	Los Angeles, CA	~550	$53,718
Sage Hill School	Newport Coast, CA	590	$55,900
The Quarry Lane School	Dublin, CA	950 (K–12)	$49,889 (Upper)
Crystal Springs Uplands School	Hillsborough, CA	569	$66,450
Cate School	Carpinteria, CA	307	$83,580 (boarding); $67,290 (day)
The Thacher School	Ojai, CA	251	$81,000 (boarding); $65,600 (day)
The Webb Schools	Claremont, CA	~401	$84,070 (boarding); $59,790 (day)
Head-Royce School	Oakland, CA	906 (411 Upper)	$60,500 (9–12)
Marlborough School	Los Angeles, CA	530	$54,700 (+$3,150 new; +$3,200 senior)
Castilleja School	Palo Alto, CA	235 (Upper)	$65,300
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences	Santa Monica, CA	1,203 (582 Upper)	$55,489 (6–12)
Polytechnic School	Pasadena, CA	~870 (385 Upper)	$47,100 (9–12)
San Francisco University High School	San Francisco, CA	517	$64,850
Sierra Canyon School	Chatsworth, CA	1,200 (520 Upper)	$46,300 (9–12)

1. The College Preparatory School — Oakland, CA

Highly selective Bay Area day school known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, diverse community, and strong placement into top universities.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: ~370 students; ~92 per grade; 71% students of color
• Application deadline: January 8, 2026 (docs due February 1; decisions March 20)
• Tuition (2025–26): $60,050
• Average class size: 14
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1462 SAT; 33 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Last five years include Harvard (13), Yale (8), Brown (10), Dartmouth (9), Cornell (12), UChicago (24).

To learn more information: Fast Facts

2. Stanford Online High School — Redwood City, CA (online)

A Stanford University–affiliated independent online school for advanced learners worldwide, offering seminar-style classes and elite college outcomes.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: 1,034
• Application deadline: January 9, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $30,970 (full-time, 4+ courses); $18,580 (part-time); $6,195 (single course)
• Average class size: 12
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg, 2023): 1502 SAT; 35 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Strong outcomes to Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, Stanford, Penn, UChicago.

To learn more information: School Profile

3. Harvard-Westlake School — Los Angeles, CA

One of Los Angeles’s premier day schools, blending rigorous academics, championship athletics, and vibrant arts with exceptional college placement.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: ~1,620 students; ~270 per grade; 67% students of color
• Application deadline: January 16, 2026 (interview guarantee by Nov 14; decisions March 13)
• Tuition (2025–26): $52,500
• Average class size: 16
• Graduation rate: 100%
• Average GPA (median, weighted): 3.8–3.99
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1463 SAT; 33 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): ~20% to Ivies; 2020–2024 saw 10+ to each Ivy and top-tier (Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Yale, Penn, UChicago).
• Sports teams: 90

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

4. The Nueva School — Hillsborough, CA

A nationally recognized school for gifted learners, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, design thinking, and innovative programs.

• Grades: Pre-K–12 (Upper: 9–12)
• 2025 Total Student Number: 967 (~450 upper school; ~112 per grade; 70% students of color)
• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025 Guarantee Deadline (all docs due on January 8, 2026)
• Tuition: $62,560 (+ $4,400 mandatory trips; total $66,960)
• Average Class Size: 16
• Graduation Rate: 100% to four-year colleges
• Average GPA: —
• Average SAT/ACT: 1510 SAT, 33 ACT
• Matriculation of Ivy League/Ivy-plus: From 2020–2023, 10+ to Ivy and top-tier schools like Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Penn, and UChicago.

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• Most recent school profile

5. The Bishop’s School — La Jolla, CA

An Episcopal day school with a strong academic tradition, combining STEM and liberal arts with a supportive community and robust Ivy+ placement.

• Grades: 6–12, co-ed day
• Enrollment: ~800 students; ~130 per grade; 51% students of color
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $49,600 (includes lunch)
• Average Class Size: 14—16
• Average GPA: 3.70—4.32 (Mid 50%)
• SAT/ACT: 1360—1550 (Mid 50%) SAT, 33—35 (Mid 50%) ACT
• AP Pass Rate: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024 with 9.3% to Ivies, with 2021–2024 totals exceeding 10 matriculants each to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UCB, UChicago and other top-tier universities.

To learn more information: School profile

6. Flintridge Preparatory School — La Cañada Flintridge, CA

A close-knit Los Angeles–area day school known for small classes, strong community values, and excellent college outcomes.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: ~530 students; ~88 per grade; 62% students of color
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 7, 2026 (documents due January 16)
• Tuition (2025–26): $50,750 (+$2,000 new student fee)
• Average class size: 15
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1350—1520 (Mid 50%) SAT, 34—38 (Mid 50%) ACT
• AP/Advanced pass rate: 92%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): —

To learn more information: School Profile

7. Windward School — Los Angeles, CA

Prestigious Westside LA school blending academics, arts, and athletics, with a reputation for innovation and strong college admissions.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: ~550 students; ~90 per grade
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 10, 2025
• Tuition (2025–26): $53,718
• Average class size: 16
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1383; ACT 31
• AP/Advanced pass rate: 90%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024 placements included 3 to Stanford, 8 to UC Berkeley, 5 to Columbia/NYU/USC each, plus admits to Harvard, Yale, Penn, Cornell, and MIT.

To learn more information: School Profile

8. Sage Hill School — Newport Coast, CA

Orange County’s top independent high school, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and personalized academic pathways.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 590 students; ~148 per grade
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 31, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $55,900
• Average class size: 14
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1441; ACT 32
• AP/Advanced: 22 AP and 2 Post-AP courses offered
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 included 13 students to Ivy League schools (4 to Brown, 3 to Cornell, 2 to Yale), plus 5 each to Stanford and UCLA, and 2 to MIT.

To learn more information: School Profile

9. The Quarry Lane School — Dublin, CA

A large East Bay independent school offering both the IB Diploma Programme and extensive AP options, with a global outlook.

• Grades: PK–12 (upper school 9–12)
• Enrollment: 950 students (K–12); student-to-teacher ratio 7:1
• Application deadline (last year 2024–25): Early admission December 15; regular ends February 1
• Tuition (2025–26): $49,889 (upper)
• Average class size: 20
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): —
• AP/Advanced: 20 AP courses; 25 IB courses in full IB Diploma Programme
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 included 5 to Stanford, 2 to MIT, 1 each to Princeton, Harvard, and UChicago, and 13 total to Ivy League schools.

To learn more information: Fast Facts

10. Crystal Springs Uplands School — Hillsborough, CA

A small, selective Bay Area day school celebrated for its liberal arts curriculum, close faculty mentorship, and excellent college outcomes.

• Grades: 6–12
• Enrollment: 569 students; student-to-teacher ratio 9:1; senior class ~87
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 9, 2026 (notification March 21)
• Tuition (2025–26): $66,450
• Average class size: 14
• Average GPA: 3.9
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1466; ACT 32
• AP/Advanced: No AP classes; 15 self-designed Honors courses
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 100% to four-year colleges

To learn more information: School profile

11. Cate School — Carpinteria, CA

A renowned California boarding school combining rigorous academics, close community, and a tradition of service with strong college outcomes.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 307 students (78% boarding); 54% students of color
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 15, 2025
• Tuition (2025–26): $83,580 (boarding); $67,290 (day)
• Average class size: 10–11
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1352; ACT mean 33
• AP/Advanced: 51 honors & advanced courses offered
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Classes of 2020–2024 included 10 to UChicago, 7 to Yale, 6 to Stanford and Columbia, 5 to Brown, and 4 each to Harvard, Princeton, and Penn.

To learn more information: School Profile

12. The Thacher School — Ojai, CA

A selective boarding school distinguished by its honor code, horseback program, and rigorous academics leading to elite college placement.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 251 students (233 boarding, 18 day); 58% students of color; student-to-teacher 6:1
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 15, 2026 (notification March 10)
• Tuition (2025–26): $81,000 (boarding); $65,600 (day)
• Average class size: 11
• Average GPA: ~3.72 (unweighted)
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT mid-50% 1290–1440; ACT mean 30
• AP/Advanced: 39 honors & advanced courses
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 included 4 to Columbia and 2 each to Stanford, Cornell, and Dartmouth, with placements also at Princeton, Brown, Duke, and Yale.

To learn more information: School Profile

13. The Webb Schools — Claremont, CA

Twin boys’ and girls’ boarding schools known for STEM excellence, leadership development, and unique programs such as the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: ~401 students
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 15, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $84,070 (boarding); $59,790 (day)
• Average class size: 11
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1520; ACT 34
• AP/Advanced: 38 honors & AP courses
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024 sent 6 to Ivies (3 to Cornell), plus 15 to Ivy+ including Stanford (3), Johns Hopkins (3), and WashU (3), with additional admits to Princeton, Yale, MIT, and Caltech.

To learn more information: School Profile

14. Head-Royce School — Oakland, CA

A leading K–12 independent day school recognized for academic rigor, diversity, and strong Ivy+ college placement.

• Grades: K–12 (upper school 9–12)
• Enrollment: 411 in upper school (906 total K–12); 70% students of color
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 9, 2026 (notification March 19)
• Tuition (2025–26): $60,500 (grades 9–12)
• Average class size: 18; student-to-teacher ratio 8:1
• Highest GPA: 4.72
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1479; ACT 32
• AP/Advanced: 60 honors & advanced courses
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2020–2024 included 17 to UChicago, 10 to Brown, 8 to Northwestern, 7 to Stanford, and 7 to Cornell.

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

15. Marlborough School — Los Angeles, CA

Southern California’s oldest independent girls’ school, combining academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and a strong record of selective college admissions.

• Grades: 7–12 (all-girls)
• Enrollment: 530 students
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 9, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $54,700 (additional new student fee $3,150; senior fee $3,200)
• Average class size: 14; student-to-teacher 7:1
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): —
• AP/Advanced: 17 AP courses; 32 advanced courses in total
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 placements included 17 to UChicago, 18 to UCLA, 10 to Brown, 8 to Northwestern, and 7 to Stanford.

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

16. Castilleja School — Palo Alto, CA

An elite all-girls school with a mission to develop confident, compassionate leaders, featuring a unique Advanced Topics curriculum and strong Ivy+ placement.

• Grades: 6–12 (all-girls)
• Enrollment: 235 upper school students
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 8, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $65,300
• Average class size: 14
• Median GPA: 3.96 (unweighted)
• SAT/ACT (avg): —
• AP/Advanced pass rate: 93%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 saw ~16% of its 51 graduates enroll at Ivy League universities, along with admits to Stanford, Duke, and UChicago.

To learn more information: School Profile

17. Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences — Santa Monica, CA

A progressive K–12 school renowned for integrating arts and academics, fostering creativity, and preparing students for selective colleges.

• Grades: K–12 (upper school 9–12)
• Enrollment: 582 in upper school (1,203 total K–12)
• Application deadline (2025–26): December 18, 2025 (docs due January 9, 2026; notification March 13)
• Tuition (2025–26): $55,489 (grades 6–12)
• Average class size: 14; student-to-teacher 8:1
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): —
• AP/Advanced: No AP courses
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2022–2024 included 47 to Ivies and 25 to Ivy+ schools, with Yale (9), Brown (8), and Columbia (7) as top destinations.

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

18. Polytechnic School — Pasadena, CA

A selective K–12 school with a tradition of academic excellence, small classes, and a focus on balanced intellectual and personal growth.

• Grades: K–12 (upper school 9–12)
• Enrollment: ~870 students (385 in grades 9–12); 72% students of color
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 6, 2025
• Tuition (2025–26): $47,100 (grades 9–12)
• Average class size: 15
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT mid-50% 1340–1520; ACT mid-50% 31–35
• AP/Advanced: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2025 included 10% attending Ivy League schools and ~29% to Ivy+ universities, with top placements at UC Berkeley (8), USC (6), and Stanford (4).

To learn more information: School Profile

19. San Francisco University High School — San Francisco, CA

A highly selective independent high school offering rigorous academics, individualized support, and exceptional Ivy+ matriculation outcomes.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 517 students
• Application deadline (2025–26): January 8, 2026 (notification March 20)
• Tuition (2025–26): $64,850
• Average class size: 13; student-to-teacher 7:1
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT mid-50% 1350–1520; ACT mid-50% 32–34
• AP/Advanced: 37 Honors and AP courses; pass rate 83%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2020–2024 saw 66 students to Ivies and 164 to Ivy+, including Stanford (30), UChicago (27), and UC Berkeley (18).

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

20. Sierra Canyon School — Chatsworth, CA

A fast-growing PreK–12 school known for strong academics, championship athletics, and robust college counseling, sending graduates to top national universities.

• Grades: PreK–12 (upper school 9–12)
• Enrollment: 520 upper school (1,200 total)
• Application deadline (2025–26): December 15, 2025 (notification March 13)
• Tuition (2025–26): $46,300 (grades 9–12)
• Average class size: 14; student-to-teacher 9:1
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): SAT 1221
• AP/Advanced: 24 AP courses & 35 honors; AP pass rate 91%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024 included admits to Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, plus multiple to Boston College, Michigan, and Washington.

To learn more information: School Profile

FAQs for California Private High Schools

Q1. What defines a top California private high school?
They combine rigorous academics, selective admissions, and strong college placement—often 8–20% to Ivy/Ivy-plus—with small classes (≈10–16), high scores, and distinctive models (inquiry-based, Advanced Topics, IB/AP, STEM/arts pathways).

Q2. How much is tuition at leading California private high schools?
Day schools typically start around $46,000, while elite boarding programs exceed $80,000. Many schools offer generous financial aid.

Q3. What class sizes do these schools have?
Most feature small classes (10–16 students) that support discussion-based instruction and close mentorship.

Q4. Do California’s top schools include boarding options?
Yes. Notable boarding programs include Cate, Thacher, and The Webb Schools; many others are day schools in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

Q5. Are any online private high schools included?
Yes. Stanford Online High School appears with seminar-style classes and competitive college outcomes.

Q6. What standardized test ranges for college admission are typical?
Reported averages/mid-50% often include SAT ≈ 1350–1520+ and ACT ≈ 31–35, depending on the school.

Q7. When are application deadlines for 2025–26?
Most fall November–January, with decisions typically in March. Each school’s deadline is listed in its profile.

Q8. How do these schools perform in Ivy+ admissions?
Many post consistent Ivy/Ivy-plus matriculation, with some schools reporting double-digit admits across multiple top universities.

Q9. What regional options should families consider?
Strong choices span the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Use the regional sections to compare commute, culture, and programs.

Q10. How should families choose the best fit?
Match priorities to each school’s academics, signature programs, boarding/day model, tuition/aid, outcomes, and community—then align with your student’s interests and goals.

Recommended Articles for Private School Application

• 20 Best Private High Schools in the U.S. for 2025–26
• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private High School
• ISEE vs SSAT: Complete Guide for Private School Admissions
• Private School Interview: How to Prepare and Question Checklist

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Ranking data sourced from Niche.com. School information compiled from official school websites and publicly available profiles.