Renaissance Academy Photo - Summer Camp

Best California Private High Schools with Special Program Emphasis (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 69 private high schools with special program emphasis serving 17,806 students in California.
The top ranked with special program emphasis private high schools in California include The Nueva Middle School, Besant Hill School, and Marlborough School.
The average tuition cost is $29,598, which is higher than the California private high school average tuition cost of $23,224.
24% of private high schools with special program emphasis in California are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).
Special education schools primarily serve specific student groups such as those that may be hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, health impaired, orthopedically impaired, cognitive delays/impairments, seriously emotionally disturbed, multi-handicapped, visually handicapped, or deaf and blind.

Top Ranked California Private High Schools with Special Program Emphasis (2025)

School
Location
Quick Facts
The Kehillah School
The Kehillah School Photo - World-class academics in a supportive environment
Special Program Emphasis (Jewish)
(1)
3900 Fabian Way
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 213-9600
Gr: 9-12 | 190 students Avg. class size: 11 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Lycee Francais De San Francisco
Lycee Francais De San Francisco Photo - Respect, one of the Lycee values, is essential to building a trusting and healthy learning environment. At Lycee, we emphasize the importance of inclusion through respect for others as well as self-respect.
Special Program Emphasis
610 Coloma Street
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 661-5232
Gr: NS-12 | 170 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
The Open School
The Open School Photo - Our student-created ramen week was a hit!
Special Program Emphasis
(3)
2625 N. Tustin Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 326-9736
Gr: K-12 | 80 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Archbishop Mitty High School
Special Program Emphasis (Catholic)
(2)
5000 Mitty Way
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 252-6610
Gr: 9-12 | 1,752 student Tuition listed
Areteem Institute
Areteem Institute Photo - Students work together at a Summer Camp at Yale University.
Special Program Emphasis
15707 Rockfield Blvd. Suite 110
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 305-1705
Gr: 4-12 Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 7 Acceptance rate listed
Army and Navy Academy
Army and Navy Academy Photo
All-boys | Special Program Emphasis
(1)
2605 Carlsbad Boulevard
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(888) 762-2338
Gr: 7-12 | 285 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 20 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Besant Hill School
Besant Hill School Photo - Nestled on 520 stunning acres in Ojai Valley, Besant Hill School offers breathtaking views, 3 dorms, an aquatic center, theater, studios, and classrooms tucked among oak trees. Our greenhouses and outdoor sports facilities complete the vibrant, inspiring campus.
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd.
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Gr: 9-12 | 72 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 17 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Besant Hill School Of Happy Valley
Special Program Emphasis
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 223-5698
Gr: 9-12 | 73 students
Bridges Academy
Bridges Academy Photo - Bridges is a college prep school serving twice-exceptional (2e) students--students who are gifted and have learning differences. Bridges graduates move to to colleges and universities across the country.
Special Program Emphasis
(12)
3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-1091
Gr: 4-12 | 162 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
German International School of Silicon Valley
German International School of Silicon Valley Photo
Special Program Emphasis
(1)
310 Easy Street
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 254-0748
Gr: PK-12 | 563 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 7 Tuition listed
Highland Hall Waldorf School
Highland Hall Waldorf School Photo - Our classrooms contain furniture made of natural materials and slate chalkboards.
Special Program Emphasis
(5)
17100 Superior Street
Northridge, CA 91325
(818) 349-1394
Gr: PK-12 | 219 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
International School of Los Angeles - Burbank
Special Program Emphasis
1105 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 900-1895
Gr: 6-12 | 398 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
International School Of Los Angeles-burbank
International School Of Los Angeles-burbank Photo - The International School of Orange County is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, as well as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The International School of Orange County is the Orange County campus of the International School of Los Angeles which was established in 1978 by visionaries of varied cultural backgrounds.
Special Program Emphasis
(12)
1838 N. Shaffer St.
Orange, CA 92865
(818) 900-1895
Gr: 6-12 | 334 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 10 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Korean School Of Sacramento
Special Program Emphasis
3641 S Port Dr Ste 2
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 364-0533
Gr: PK-12 | 108 students Tuition listed
Legacy Christian Academy
Special Program Emphasis (Christian)
5500 Olive Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 393-1783
Gr: K-12 | 388 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 16 Tuition listed
Light Islamic Academy
Special Program Emphasis (Islamic)
9857 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 712-1000
Gr: PK-12 | 140 students Avg. class size: 25 students Sports: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Lydian Academy
Lydian Academy Photo - Cole in the hallway of 205 Park Road.
Special Program Emphasis
205 Park Rd.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 437-2633
Gr: 5-12 | 20 students Avg. class size: 1 student Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Marlborough School
All-girls | Special Program Emphasis
250 S Rossmore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 935-1147
Gr: 7-12 | 558 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 13 Tuition listed
Minato Gakuen School Office
Special Program Emphasis
9150 Chesapeake Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 576-0434
Gr: 1-12 | 432 students
The Nueva Middle School
Special Program Emphasis
6565 Skyline Blvd
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 235-7172
Gr: PK-12 | 960 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 10 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Nueva School
Special Program Emphasis
131 E 28th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 235-7172
Gr: PK-12 | 967 students
Pasadena Waldorf High School
Special Program Emphasis
536 E Mendocino St
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 204-0786
Gr: PK-12 | 307 students Tuition listed
Pasadena Waldorf School
Pasadena Waldorf School Photo - Waldorf students play team sports!
Special Program Emphasis
(4)
209 E. Mariposa Street
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 794-9565
Gr: NS-12 | 340 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 15 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Quest Forward High School
Quest Forward High School Photo
Special Program Emphasis
(9)
1500 Farmers Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 387-1663
Gr: 9-12 | 100 students Avg. class size: 7 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Renaissance Academy
Renaissance Academy Photo - Summer Camp
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
325 N. Santa Anita Ave
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 693-1308
Gr: 1-12 | 82 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy Photo - SMA Belles taking a break in the outdoor space of our library.
All-girls | Special Program Emphasis (Catholic)
701 Grace Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 674-8470
Gr: 9-12 | 232 students Avg. class size: 21 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 17 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
San Francisco Waldorf School
San Francisco Waldorf School Photo - daily greetings
Special Program Emphasis
(1)
2938 Washington Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 875-7202
Gr: NS-12 | 419 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Saniku Gakuin Santa Clara Japanese School
Special Program Emphasis (Seventh Day Adventist)
4660 Eastus Dr
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 378-8190
Gr: K-9 | 349 students
Santa Fe Christian Schools
Santa Fe Christian Schools Photo - Named one of the best private Christian schools in San Diego, we take a comprehensive approach to education. In our high school, middle school, elementary school, and kindergarten, you will find our exceptional faculty come together to challenge, inspire, and mentor each student. Our rigorous curriculum allows students to explore their passions and talents while emphasizing the wonder of God.
Special Program Emphasis (Christian)
(14)
838 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
Gr: K-12 | 1,090 student Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Of Science Technology Engineering And Math
Special Program Emphasis
3327 Michael Dr
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 307-0700
Gr: 1-12 | 2,150 students
Silicon Valley International School
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
151 Laura Ln
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 251-8500
Gr: PK-12 | 781 students Sports: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Stanford Online High School
Special Program Emphasis
1900 Harrison
Oakland, CA 94612
(650) 721-9422
Gr: 7-12 | 798 students
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm Photo - Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm is a top-rated, independent Waldorf school located on a 38-acre campus in Sonoma County, CA. We have a deep history of nearly 50 years serving PS-G12 students and their families by offering an immersive, experiential Waldorf education.
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
655 Willowside Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 575-7194
Gr: PK-12 | 289 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
TechProtege, LLC
TechProtege, LLC Photo - 6-year-old Jared solving Algebra "Quadratic Equations" at TechProtege. In just 11 months at TechProtege, Jared has advanced from 3rd Grade Math all the way to 9th Grade Math-- even while only in 1st Grade at his regular school!
Special Program Emphasis
10250 Constellation Blvd - 23rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 499-1492
Gr: 5-10 Avg. class size: 5 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Waldorf School Of Orange County
The Waldorf School Of Orange County Photo - 6th Grade field trip to Death Valley
Special Program Emphasis
(1)
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 574-7775
Gr: PK-12 | 358 students Avg. class size: 25 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
Show 34 more private schools in California (out of 69 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private high schools with special program emphasis in California?
The top ranked private high schools with special program emphasis in California include The Nueva Middle School, Besant Hill School, and Marlborough School.
How many private high schools with special program emphasis are located in California?
69 private high schools with special program emphasis are located in California.
How much do private high schools with special program emphasis cost in California?
The average tuition cost is $29,598, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $23,224.
How diverse are private high schools with special program emphasis in California?
California private high schools with special program emphasis are approximately 48% minority students, which is same as the California private school average of 48%.
What percentage of private high schools with special program emphasis are religiously affiliated in California?
24% of private high schools with special program emphasis in California are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).

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