For the 2026 school year, there are 3,929 private schools serving 665,486 students in California (there are 10,357 public schools, serving 5,827,030 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 $17,474 for elementary schools and $23,315 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in California include Castilleja School, Chadwick School, and Cate School.
The average acceptance rate is 81% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 51% and the student-teacher ratio is 12:1.
Overview
This State (CA)
US
# Schools
3,929 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
665,486 Students
5,709,608 Students
% Average Students of Color
51%
34%
Student By Grade
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
55,529 Teachers
508,013 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
59%
55%
Average Class Size
17 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
15 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1262
(Out of 1600)
1233
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
26
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$18,037
$14,889
Average Summer Program Cost
$1,044
$1,154
Average % on Financial Aid
29%
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$8,884
$7,118
Average Acceptance Rate
81%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$33.91 million
$61.83 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.74
0.65
# American Indian Students
3,583 Students
30,180 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
72,174 Students
265,302 Students
% Asian Students
11%
5%
# Hispanic Students
104,621 Students
507,894 Students
% Hispanic Students
16%
9%
# Black Students
30,465 Students
417,176 Students
% Black Students
5%
7%
# White Students
236,378 Students
2,937,451 Students
% White Students
37%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
5,515 Students
22,254 Students
% Hawaiian Students
1%
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
189,984 Students
1,473,886 Students
% of Others Students
30%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
7 sports
7 sports
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 Castilleja School, Chadwick School, and Cate School.
How many private schools are located in California?
There are 3,929 private schools are located in California.
How much do private schools cost in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $17,474 for elementary schools and $23,315 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
Recent Articles
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.
