Best California Private Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 3,846 private schools serving 658,714 students in California (there are 10,375 public schools, serving 5,876,295 students). 10% of all K-12 students in California are educated in private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $15,961 for elementary schools and $21,960 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The best top ranked private schools in California include Mission Basilica School, Pilgrim School and Campbell Hall.
The average acceptance rate is 84% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 51% and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
49% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Top Ranked California Private Schools by County (2024)

County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
220
34,033
13%
14
1,345
4%
33
6,038
3%
37
5,732
3%
6
1,014
3%
1,117
195,592
13%
48
8,356
21%
16
2,110
3%
27
4,644
20%
397
73,040
14%
37
4,307
6%
153
23,955
5%
303
52,080
10%
113
20,799
19%
262
54,438
19%
13
1,582
6%
34
5,054
8%
60
6,360
9%
16
2,731
3%
91
26,239
15%
18
2,389
8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in California?
The best top ranked private schools in California include Mission Basilica School, Pilgrim School and Campbell Hall.
How many private schools are located in California?
3,846 private schools are located in California.
How much do private schools cost in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $15,961 for elementary schools and $21,960 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in California?
California private schools are approximately 51% minority students (view national minority students).
What percentage of students in California go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in California are educated in private schools (compared to national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in California?
49% of private schools in California are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

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