The College Preparatory School is a private coeducational high school, located in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, for students who want to pursue a serious, purposeful education with others who feel the same way.
We challenge our students to engage deeply in learning, appreciate one another, and grow into adults who are intellectually adventurous, ethically sure-footed, and generous of heart and spirit.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 374 students
- Yearly Tuition: $57,600
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The College Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1960
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
6
Student Body
Total Students
374 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
86%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1513
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
33
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$57,600
Tuition Notes
$1,200-$1,500 annually in non-tuition costs such as books. laptop, and other fees.Learn more about our Financial Aid Program: www.college-prep.org
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$37,930
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Evie Koh
Admissions Associate
Jonathan Zucker
Application URL
Endowment Size
$22 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
22 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Applied Learning Programs, Asian American Association, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Community Action Team, Creative Writing Club, Feminist Union, Green Team, Jewish Club, Latin Club, LatinX Club, Mock Trial, Model UN, No Place for Hate Coalition, Peer Tutoring, Showing up for Racial Justice, South Asian Aliance, Speech and Debate
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Program, Drama Production
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Ultimate Frisbee
Applied Learning Programs, Asian American Association, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Community Action Team, Creative Writing Club, Feminist Union, Green Team, Jewish Club, Latin Club, LatinX Club, Mock Trial, Model UN, No Place for Hate Coalition, Peer Tutoring, Showing up for Racial Justice, South Asian Aliance, Speech and Debate
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Program, Drama Production
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Ultimate Frisbee
School Notes
- School Motto: Mens Conscia Recti—a mind aware of what is right
- School Mascot: Cougars
- We value the individuality of our community members and our egalitarian school culture.
- We believe that high expectations, kindled curiosity, and dedicated effort encourages students to discern excellence and strive to do their best.
- We affirm that deep learning requires patience, creativity, reflection, and practice.
- We cultivate an awareness of self and others that is rooted in respect and empathy and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's impact and actions.
- We work in a collaborative environment that gives young people opportunities to take risks, express themselves, and appreciate the perspectives and gifts of others.
- We embrace the variety of backgrounds and life experiences within our community and recognize that the rich expression of diversity is essential to a meaningful education.
- We integrate work and play, helping students recognize the elements of a balanced life.
- We foster an understanding of interdependence and stewardship that starts with care for our open-air Oakland campus and extends to our greater community.
- We prepare students to make a positive difference, encouraging engagement in a full array of school activities, and service and learning opportunities in the broader world.
- We dedicate ourselves, as teachers and mentors, to our own ongoing development, modeling commitment to learning and growth.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tom Clifford, Principal at CliffordMoss -
- Katie Ferrier, Chief Financial Officer at HoneyBook -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The College Preparatory School cost?
The College Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $57,600 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The College Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of The College Preparatory School is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. The College Preparatory School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The College Preparatory School?
The College Preparatory School famous alumni include: Tom Clifford, Principal at CliffordMoss and Katie Ferrier, Chief Financial Officer at HoneyBook.
What sports does The College Preparatory School offer?
The College Preparatory School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The College Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The College Preparatory School's ranking?
The College Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The College Preparatory School?
The application deadline for The College Preparatory School is Jan. 9.
In what neighborhood is The College Preparatory School located?
The College Preparatory School is located in the Upper Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Upper Rockridge.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The College Preparatory School also viewed these schools: Head Royce School, Bentley School, Holy Names High School, Bishop Odowd High School and The Harker School Upper School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to The College Preparatory School is Bentley School (0.5 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Little Elephant Montessori School (0.5 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: K-12 | 877 students 3.5 miles 4315 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 531-1300
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 531-1300
3.5
K-12
877
Bentley School
(3)
Grades: K-12 | 700 students 0.5 miles 1 Hiller Dr
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512
0.5
K-12
700
Grades: 9-12 | 142 students 0.9 miles 4660 Harbord Drive
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 450-1110
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 450-1110
0.9
9-12
142
Grades: 9-12 | 1,248 students 8.1 miles 9500 Stearns Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 577-9100
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 577-9100
8.1
9-12
1,248
Grades: K-12 | 793 students 39.5 miles 500 Saratoga Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 249-2510
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 249-2510
39.5
K-12
793
School Reviews
Endorse The College Preparatory 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
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
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.
