Best California Private Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3,910 private schools serving 659,293 students in California, versus 10,323 public schools serving 5,788,587 students (10% of K-12 students attend private schools, vs. national average 10%).
The average private school tuition is $17,768 for elementary schools and $23,881 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
48% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • # Private Schools: 3910
  • # Students Served: 659,293
  • Average Tuition: $18,350
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 29%
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Average Class Size: 17 students
  • % Students of Color: 52%
  • View California School Trends

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • # Private Schools: 3910
  • # Students Served: 659,293
  • Average Tuition: $18,350
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 29%
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Average Class Size: 17 students
  • % Students of Color: 52%
  • View California School Trends

Top Ranked California Private Schools (2026-27)

Action Day Elementary School Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 551 students
Avg. class size: 18 students
Sports: 7 | Extracurriculars: 7
3500 Amber Dr
San Jose, CA 95117
(408) 248-2464
(1)
Adda Clevenger School - Noe Valley Campus Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 144 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 4 | Extracurriculars: 9
Specialized Curriculum
180 Fair Oaks Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 824-2240
(3)
BASIS Independent School of Dublin Photo
Gr: 5-12 | 135 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 6
7950 Dublin Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 886-3152
BASIS Independent Fremont Lower School Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 693 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 36
3300 Kearney Street
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 738-3684
(1)
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper School Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 1,269 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 83
1290 Parkmoor Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
(669) 766-1001
(1)
California Crosspoint Academy Photo
Gr: NS-12 | 642 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 10 | Extracurriculars: 30
Christian
25500 Industrial Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
(510) 995-5333
Calvary Preparatory Academy-Online Photo
Gr: 6-12 | 348 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Extracurriculars: 12
Christian
1740 La Costa Meadows Dr. Suite 105
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 410-8283
(24)
Cambrian Academy Photo
Gr: 6-12 | 107 students
Avg. class size: 8 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 10
4340 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 833-7050
(13)
Campbell Hall Photo
Gr: K-12 | 1,148 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 13 | Extracurriculars: 1
Episcopal
4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Studio City, CA 91607
(818) 980-7280
(11)
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 710 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 14 | Extracurriculars: 6
Christian
32032 Del Obispo St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-5683
(16)
Show 10 more private schools in California (out of 3,905 total schools)
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California Private School Trends (10-Year)

Download state snapshot: CSV | XML | JSON Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in California?
The top-ranked private schools in California include The Webb Schools, Cate School, and Chadwick School.
How many private schools are located in California?
There are 3,910 private schools are located in California.
How much do private schools cost in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $17,768 for elementary schools and $23,881 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in California?
Approximately 52% of students in California private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in California go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in California attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in California?
48% of private schools in California are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.
Which private schools in California are often viewed compared to one another?

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