For the 2026 school year, there are 2,403 private schools belonging to membership associations in California.
The most popular school membership associations are Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) (29% of schools), National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) (21% of schools) and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) (16% of schools).
Top-Ranked California Private Schools by Membership Association (2026)
Membership Association
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Recent Articles
How to Stress-Test a Private School Budget Before Enrolling
Learn how to stress-test a private school budget before enrolling and avoid financial surprises that can affect your family's long-term plans.
When “Affordable Private School” Means Fewer Services
Learn what families may sacrifice when choosing an affordable private school and how to evaluate whether lower tuition still delivers long-term value.
Voucher Eligibility Fine Print Parents Miss
Learn the hidden voucher eligibility rules that can affect school choice decisions and how parents can avoid common application mistakes.
