Villanova Preparatory School Photo - Founded in 1924, Villanova Prep is the only Catholic boarding school in the Augustinian tradition. Our 130-acre campus located in Ojai, California, approximately 60 minutes north of Los Angeles, has several athletic and academic facilities to support our students' development of mind, body, and spirit.

Best California Private Schools Belonging to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 18 private schools belonging to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) serving 5,840 students in California. You can also find more schools membership associations in California.
The top ranked private schools belonging to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) in California include The Webb Schools, Cate School, and The Athenian School.
The average tuition cost is $56,197, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $17,931.
22% of private schools belonging to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) in California are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).

Top Ranked Private Schools Belonging to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) in California (2025)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Dunn School
Dunn School Photo - The outdoor education program at Dunn School fosters greater self-awareness through physical challenges and leadership experiences in the outdoors.
(5)
2555 West Highway 154
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-6471
Grades: 6-12
| 256 students
San Domenico School
San Domenico School Photo - Located on 515 acres in San Anselmo, California, our campus features state-of-the art academic facilities, a music conservatory, swimming pool, gymnasium, one-acre organic garden, 2,358 solar panels, and six tennis courts. We are located 20 minutes north of San Francisco.
(15)
1500 Butterfield Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
(415) 258-1900
Grades: K-12
| 672 students
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools Photo - Welcome to Webb
Special Program Emphasis
1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Grades: 9-12
| 405 students
Archbishop Riordan High School
Archbishop Riordan High School Photo - A view of Riordan's gym.
(Catholic)
175 Frida Kahlo Way
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 586-8200
Grades: 9-12
| 1,140 students
The Athenian School
The Athenian School Photo
2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Grades: 6-12
| 539 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 72 students
Cate School
Cate School Photo - Sunset Bench
1960 Cate Mesa Road
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Grades: 9-12
| 299 students
Idyllwild Arts Academy
Idyllwild Arts Academy Photo - Idyllwild Arts Academy is home to approximately 270 students from 30 countries and 26 US states, all devoted to intensive study of the arts. Located 2 hours from Los Angeles, 2 hours from San Diego, and 1 hour from Palm Springs, the Academy is an artistic crossroads for Southern California.
(7)
52500 Temecula Road #38
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 468-7223
Grades: 9-12
| 271 students
Midland School
Midland School Photo - How is Midland different? Our 4:1 student to faculty ratio allows for small class sizes and close-knit relationships. With under 90 students, everyone knows your name. No cell phones here, but Midlanders do spend a lot of time together in real life: horseback riding, hiking, gardening, creating art, building things, and envisioning an environmentally sustainable and just future.
Special Program Emphasis
5100 Figueroa Mountain Rd
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-5114
Grades: 9-12
| 72 students
Ojai Valley School
(4)
723 El Paseo Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-2575
Grades: PK-12
| 286 students
Santa Catalina School
Santa Catalina School Photo - The Marine Ecology Research Program on their summer trip to Hawaii.
All-girls (Catholic)
(6)
1500 Mark Thomas Dr.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 655-9300
Grades: 9-12
| 200 students
Southwestern Academy
Southwestern Academy Photo - San Marino Campus
(2)
2800 MONTEREY ROAD
San Marino, CA 91108
(626) 799-5010
Grades: 6-12
| 70 students
3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Grades: 9-12
| 523 students
The Thacher School
The Thacher School Photo - "Education is not merely the making of scholars. It is the making of men and women. It is the training of the younger generation in the art of living for their own greatest good and the greatest good of their fellow citizens." -Sherman Day Thacher
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
Grades: 9-12
| 259 students
Villanova Preparatory School
Villanova Preparatory School Photo - Founded in 1924, Villanova Prep is the only Catholic boarding school in the Augustinian tradition. Our 130-acre campus located in Ojai, California, approximately 60 minutes north of Los Angeles, has several athletic and academic facilities to support our students' development of mind, body, and spirit.
(Catholic)
12096 N Ventura Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1464
Grades: 6-12
| 188 students
Woodside Priory School
Woodside Priory School Photo - School spirit is huge at Priory. More than 30 club and activity choices are available to High School students. Clubs provide opportunities to discover passions, develop strengths, apply academic knowledge in a practical way, develop self-knowledge, and learn to make the choices necessary to manage a busy schedule independently.
(Catholic)
302 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-8223
Grades: 6-12
| 444 students
Oakland Montessori School
Montessori School
3625 Fruitvale Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 482-3111
Grades: PK
| 27 students
Santa Susana School
22280 Devonshire Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 709-9854
Grades: PK-7
| 117 students

Recent Articles

The End of Teacher Tenure As We Know It?
The End of Teacher Tenure As We Know It?
Teacher tenure in our public schools is under attack. Will tenure as we know it survive? Some thoughts here.
Schools for Gifted Children
Schools for Gifted Children
Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their special gifts and themselves appropriately.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.