For the 2026 school year, there are 3,924 private schools serving 665,290 students in California (there are 10,357 public schools, serving 5,825,514 students). 10% of all K-12 students in California attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $17,427 for elementary schools and $23,319 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in California include Chadwick School, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, and Castilleja School.
The average acceptance rate is 80% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 51% and the student-teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top-Ranked California Private Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in California?
The top-ranked private schools in California include Chadwick School, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, and Castilleja School.
How many private schools are located in California?
There are 3,924 private schools are located in California.
How much do private schools cost in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $17,427 for elementary schools and $23,319 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in California?
Approximately 51% 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?
Which private schools in California are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in California include: Monarch Montessori vs. Community Christian School, Molokan Elementary School vs. St. Mark's Lutheran School, Kiddie Academy Cc Learning Center vs. La Petite Academy
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