Excelsior School is a small, independent high school that offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education, and our school has established an excellent track record of graduates matriculating at distinguished colleges and universities.
Our program is designed to develop an awareness of their potential.
Commitment to community service and individual responsibility are also strongly emphasized. An in-depth, enriched curriculum, close faculty-student relations, diverse activities, and a variety of special programs and traditions support these goals.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 81 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,500
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Excelsior School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1986
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
81 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
99%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
100%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
12 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus
AP ChemistryAP English
AP European HistoryAP Government and Politics
AP Human GeographyAP Music Theory
AP PhysicsAP Statistic
AP US HistoryAP World History
Average SAT score
1350
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,500
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Timothy Lee
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
BasketballChoir
DramaKey Club
Model UNNewspaper
SpeechYearbook
School Notes
- Excelsior School is a small, independent high school that offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education, and our school has established an excellent track record of graduates matriculating at distinguished colleges and universities. Our program is designed to develop an awareness of their potential. Commitment to community service and individual responsibility are also strongly emphasized. An in-depth, enriched curriculum, close faculty-student relations, diverse activities, and a variety of special programs and traditions support these goals.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- PhiKhanh Nguyen, Class of 2014 -
- Sarah Yang, Class of 2017 -
- Cherry Ngo, Class of 2016 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Excelsior School cost?
Excelsior School's tuition is approximately $14,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Excelsior School?
The acceptance rate of Excelsior School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
Who are famous alumni from Excelsior School?
Excelsior School famous alumni include: PhiKhanh Nguyen, Class of 2014, Sarah Yang, Class of 2017 and Cherry Ngo, Class of 2016.
Does Excelsior School offer a summer program?
Yes, Excelsior School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Excelsior School offer?
Excelsior School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country and Soccer.
What is Excelsior School's ranking?
Excelsior School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of students of color and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Excelsior School?
The application deadline for Excelsior School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Excelsior School also viewed these schools: Arroyo Pacific Academy, Polytechnic School, Maranatha High School, La Salle College Preparatory and San Gabriel Academy.
The nearest high school to Excelsior School is EF Academy Pasadena (0.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Tabernacle Of David Christian Academy (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Levon & Hasmig Tavlian Armenian Preschool & Kdgn (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
325 N SANTA ANITA AVE
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 294-0661
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 294-0661
5.3 miles
Gr: K-12 | 96 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 17 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1030 E California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 396-6303
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 396-6303
2.6 miles
Gr: K-12 | 871 students Avg. class size: 18 students Tuition listed
169 South Saint John Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 817-4000
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 817-4000
3 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 516 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 55 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3880 E Sierra Madre Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 696-4309
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 696-4309
3 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 611 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition listed
San Gabriel Academy
Alternative School
8827 E Broadway
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 292-1156
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 292-1156
5.6 miles
Gr: K-12 | 347 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Reviews
5 8/28/2021
Overall, I feel very prepared for my secondary education. The culture is unique at Excelsior School. The school curriculum and general rigor of instruction does prepare the students for highly selective colleges and universities. I have really enjoyed my time at Marlborough. The classes are small and provide individual attention when needed.
5 6/12/2017
The teachers are very helpful. They are very patient. I learned a lot at Excelsior. I lived in school for two years. The dormitory is roomy, comfortable and clean. The camp is so beautiful. School counselors guided every student step by step for college application. I got accepted by many top universities.
Endorse Excelsior School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.
