Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 168 students
Yearly Tuition: $16,000
Acceptance rate: 75%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School
Pre-K	18
Kind	19
1	13
2	19
3	13
4	20
5	10
6	13
7	22
8	21

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild Learning Differences

Year Founded

1992

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

7 acres

Student Body

Total Students

168 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

47%

State avg.: 52%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

15 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

11:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

90%

Average Class Size

15 students

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

School Uniform

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$16,000

View national tuition avg.

Acceptance Rate

75%

National avg.: 82%

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

6 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

Flag FootballGolf

Track and FieldVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

5 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Computer ScienceSpanish Language Program

Student Leadership

Arts and Music Programs:

Fine Arts ProgramMusic Program

School Notes

Golden Hills School Mission Statement "Golden Hills School is a close, diverse community dedicated to inspiring a love of learning and empowering each child to achieve his or her personal best.
We provide an enriched educational environment that fosters a culture of integrity, respect and service to others.
With high standards in academics and character development, we prepare students to be confident and successful global citizens.".

School Motto: A Lifetime of Success Starts Here

Welcome to Golden Hills School (GHS).We are a special place that inspires and empowers every child to achieve his or her personal best.

Founded in1992 as a one-room school house, GHS has grown into a Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade school, accredited by both the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). GHS is also a proud member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Our students, teachers, and parents form a close, educational community who work as partners to develop each child`s full potential.

GHS is consistently voted the Best Private School in our area and we are especially known for:

Our small class sizes with experienced, caring and credentialed faculty that get to know every child in school and offer a personalized education that inspires each child`s full potential
Our integrated, values-based character and leadership development programs that address the "whole child" and build confident and thoughtful graduates and citizens
Complete Athletics program, Daily P.E., weekly Art, Music and Computer Science classes, and a comprehensive Spanish program from K to 8th grade
Secure and well-equipped facilities including a technology lab, art and music studios, gymnasium, athletic field, a Learning Garden, and two playgrounds
A welcoming and diverse community with active parent participation that supports strong "educational partnerships" for student education

A complete education from GHS develops students of character and integrity who are confident and academically well-prepared for the most challenging high school programs and for successful lives in the world.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School cost?

Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School's tuition is approximately $16,000 for private students.

What schools are Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School often compared to?

Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School is often viewed alongside schools like Marble Valley Academy by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School?

The acceptance rate of Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 81%.

What sports does Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School offer?

Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School's ranking?

Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School?

The application deadline for Ghs Academy- Golden Hills School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (9 reviews)

5 6/2/2023

We have been part of the GHS family for the past 5 years! We couldn't be happier or more pleased with our experience at this school. GHS is a very close-knit, diverse community that empowers our children to achieve academic excellence. Higher standards and expectations at GHS prepare students to be successful in life while stimulating a love of learning which makes going to school here exciting and fun! This environment certainly challenges each student, but the small class sizes and astute teachers allow each student to progress at their own pace. GHS teaches our children how to be confident, respectful and to lead with integrity. As a parent, it is very encouraging to see our kids treated as individuals and cared for like family. Our dedicated teachers and staff are second to none! They maximize students` potential, inspire creativity, promote self-understanding, and create a safe and loving environment for children to grow. The variety of enrichment classes and athletics, along with other extracurriculars such as Science Olympiad and The Spelling Bee, help students become more well-rounded and prepare them for greater education. We love Golden Hills School!

- Posted by Parent - DM

5 4/20/2023

When we moved to the EDH area in 2016, my older son was nervous about entering a 4th-grade class in a new state. He asked us to find him a school as similar to his old one as we could, and as soon as we met the Head of School, Armaghan Mirhaj, we knew we'd found something very special. Not only does she know every single child at Golden Hills School and every single family, but the entire staff is also noticeably dedicated to her and the mission of GHS. We've now graduated our older son, who has gone on to Jesuit High School and is doing very well, and our younger son started GHS in their JK program and has been there ever since. Besides having an excellent academic program (which is teaching a curriculum at least one grade higher than the surrounding public schools) and a well-rounded enrichment program (immersive Spanish, art, music, tech & innovation, etc.), their focus on character-building is truly inspiring! If you're looking for an exceptional education for your child, visit GHS first - you won't be disappointed!

- Posted by Parent - km

5 4/20/2023

Two of our kids have been to GHS. The academics are challenging, but the teachers are very good at helping kids achieve at their pace in a way that is unique to them. The school just implemented an international baccalaureate program for the middle school. We are excited for our son to learn in an IB environment for his final years at GHS before moving on to high school. All students get an opportunity to participate in athletics. Pre-COVID there was a drama program. Hopefully, that will come back soon. We cannot say enough good things about Golden Hills School.

- Posted by Parent - Dan

5 5/17/2016

Our kids have been at GHS for several years now and the school just continues to get better. The new Head of School is incredibly dedicated and very experienced in private school education. She and the other administrators as well as the teachers care so deeply about all of the kids. With one small class per grade of about 20-22 kids, each teacher has really gotten to know my children and they personnally work to ensure their success. The community is great and the facilities are wonderful. It's kind of a hidden gem in the Latrobe Business Park, but we love it. It's just a safe, warm and inviting place where the kids can really flourish. I highly recommend visiting if you are looking at private schools. Just wait until you see how polite and well-mannered the kids are there and you will know why we have kept our kids there throughout elementary and we plan to continue all the way through eighth grade.

- Posted by Parent - spcol

5 4/15/2016

GHS is the best private school in the area. High academic standards and a well rounded curriculum. The teachers are very caring and will go the extra mile for your child if needed. Our child has attended other private schools in the area and after returning to GHS we could not be happier. It has given us the opportunity to really appreciate the administration and teachers including Ms. Mirhaj who has been instrumental in creating a stable, enjoyable and caring atmosphere that is academically challenging on all levels.

- Posted by Parent - chris

5 7/24/2015

My daughter is in middle school and this is her second year at Golden Hills. She loves it! The campus is much nicer than the prior private school she attend and the teachers have all been excellent. I highly recommend it. Also the children are all well mannered and polite.

- Posted by Parent - dlkin

5 7/24/2015

Our family loves GHS for its small, welcoming, comfortable environment that is encouraging and challenging for my two children. Even though my kids are young, the buddy system has really immersed them into whole school community - students and teachers of every grade know my kids as they move around campus throughout the day. My kids are receiving great instruction in the core subjects as well as spanish, music and technology. My kids are excited about what they are learning and eager to return to school each day. They are making great friendships, and I am too.

- Posted by Parent - titus

5 2/21/2013

My kids love this school! I have 1 in elementary and 1 in middle school, we have been here 3 years, and we have had a wonderful experience. The close-knit environment welcomed our family when we moved to the area, my kids have had great teachers, and we h ave made wonderful family friends. The academics are strong, there are a lot of extracurricular activities, and the environment allows kids to develop into solid human beings without the peer pressure, bullying and cliques you would see in the overcrowded public schools.

- Posted by Parent - bbuat

5 1/28/2012

The GHS students and parents are wonderful and committed to academics, character, and family. The class sizes are small and the teachers, as well as the administration know my child.

- Posted by Parent - krp

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in California is $17,739 for elementary schools and $23,888 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in California is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).