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Most Selective Private High Schools in California

The average private high school acceptance rate in California is 78% per year (2025).

The most selective school in California is Seton School, Inc., with an acceptance rate of 3%.

Fusion Academy San Mateo - Foster City Photo - Classes at Fusion are one-to-one: one student and one teacher. Teachers personalize content and act as mentors in the one-to-one setting.

Qualia: The School for Deeper Learning Photo - Provocative, hands-on teaching, highlighting puzzles, mysteries, controversies and quandaries, is crucial to our deeper learning model.

Westridge School Photo - Westridge is an independent, forward-thinking girls school for students in grades 4-12. We are committed to educating intellectually adventurous thinkers, and courageous, compassionate leaders.

Palo Alto Preparatory School Photo - Our classes have an average student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. This means students receive individualized support from teachers who have the time to teach to their students' specific learning needs.

Drew School Photo - Drew School believes in teenagers - their ideas, their dreams, their opinions, and their potential. That's why we've created a high school community that challenges the traditional definition of success and celebrates achievement one student at a time.

California Crosspoint Academy Photo - Our firm belief and practice is that all students can excel given the right environment and opportunity. All of our students have many opportunities and the support needed to find their passion and God-given calling for their lives.

Lycee Francais de San Francisco LFSF Photo

Cambrian Academy Photo - Cambrian Academy students have been accepted by the world's best universities.

The Compass School Photo - The Compass School is an online K12 School. We offer hundreds of live online courses with expert faculty (over 95% of our teachers have a Masters Degree or Higher). Our affordable homeschool program gives students a flexible high quality schooling option that can be taken from anywhere.

The Open School Photo - Our student-created ramen week was a hit!

Excelsior School Photo - School Front View

Fusion Academy Cupertino Photo - Classes at Fusion are one-to-one: one student and one teacher. Teachers personalize content and act as mentors in the one-to-one setting.

Laurel Springs School Photo - Class of 2024

Victory Christian Academy Photo - We are Grounded in Christ and Ready for the World

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Photo - Since 1973, Capistrano Valley Christian Schools has been dedicated to providing a high standard of college preparatory education, set within the framework of Christ-centered instruction and example. Our staff is committed to partnering with an extremely supportive school community to offer a truly unique educational experience.

The Harker School Upper School Photo - Harker's Eagle Buddies program matches upper school students with lower school students for three years. The buddies meet 3 times per year for fun and food!

Brighton Hall School Photo - Brighton Hall welcomes all students in grades 2-12, with a curriculum that accommodates working professional children, as well as students who simply do best with a personalized, flexible approach to excellent education.

The Webb Schools Photo - Welcome to Webb

Acceptance Rate Range: 3% 30% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 22%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California average private high schools acceptance rate?

The California average private high schools acceptance rate is 78% for 2025.

What are the most selective private high schools in California?

The top ranked private high schools in California include Seton School, Inc., Khan Lab School and Silicon Valley International School.

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