A high school student works the most not only in academics but also in extra-curricular aspects. Unlike our elementary school students who focus on primary education, a high school student takes a measure of both academic and extra-curricular activities and a preparatory program for college entry. Indeed, for a student to excel in these aspects, an institution must follow a curriculum that offers a full range of courses and proper programs. With private schools in Santa Clara, the school administration considers these perspectives as essential.
Parents must realize the importance of having an excellent educational foundation for their children. As an initial step, one must choose the best schooling institution. Corollary to this, private schools in Santa Clara will challenge students to achieve not only academic but personal success as well.
To identify the best private high schools, we reviewed rankings for all private schools from the 2020 Best Private High Schools in Santa Clara County list released by school and neighborhood data clearinghouse Niche. The rankings of private schools in Santa Clara below have been compiled based on several factors:
Take the ink and make the grade as we check and choose from the ranked best private high schools in Santa Clara County.
220 Blake Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051
Phone Number: (408) 247-4740
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 87
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
After testing and careful placement, the Sierra high school student receives the best possible chance to obtain a quality education. A full range of courses, taught in small groups with personal attention, affords an optimum environment for achievement.
Sierra High School is one of the private schools in Santa Clara that offers a college preparatory and general education program. The Sierra students enjoy small class sizes from 10 to 20 students so that they receive the attention they need. Focus to study habits, organizational skills, and a 100% understanding of materials are the basis for all Sierra courses. This type of learning promotes an ongoing sense of success and achievement.
This highly rated private school has 87 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. After graduation, 83% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
1310 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone Number: (650) 328-3160
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 434
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $47,970
Faculty, coaches, and advisors who are well-versed in the way girls analyze and synthesize information facilitate every aspect of Castilleja’s collaborative and hands-on curriculum. This supportive environment allows Castilleja girls to take risks, tackling our challenging curriculum with boundless curiosity. Together as peers in learning, our students nurture and mentor each other to build braver aspirations.
Similar to most private schools in Santa Clara, Castilleja admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, after school programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
500 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129
Phone Number: (408) 249-2510
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 2,048
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $51,300
Since 1893, The Harker School has believed the best way to prepare students for the future is to provide an environment that brings out their best in the academic, extracurricular, and personal domains. With a thriving global education program, Harker offers abundant opportunities for students to discover and nurture their talents, develop self-confidence, and unleash their creative potentials, fostering a challenging and supportive environment where inspiration has no limits.
A Harker education features inspiring and challenging academics, comprehensive extracurricular programs and electives, and leading-edge facilities and resources. At Harker’s upper school, their expert team of teachers offers students a world-class and well-rounded education.
1290 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose, CA 95126
Phone Number: (408) 291-0907
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 800
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $30,700
One of the top-ranked private high schools in Santa Clara County, the BASIS Curriculum Schools High School Program, is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country. The building blocks of the program include an advanced, liberal arts and sciences curriculum benchmarked to the best educational systems in the world.
The High School Program prepares students to be active participants in their futures and challenges them to reach the highest international benchmarks. The curriculum builds off the foundation of content and skills learned in middle school, and they offer students a diverse course of study that is unmatched in breadth and depth.
26800 Fremont Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Phone Number: (650) 209-3010
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 297
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $34,170
Pinewood School empowers students to embrace and navigate the challenges faced in the technologically advanced, globally-connected society of the 21st century. Their core curriculum helps students develop academic stamina through the rigors of classical education. Expert teachers employ proven methods while connecting with their students as individual learners.
Same with other private schools in Santa Clara, Pinewood’s comprehensive college preparatory program ensures that students are ready for the next steps in their academic life. As Pinewood students are cultivating the ability to think deeply, read carefully, speak confidently, and collaborate effectively across disciplines, they are also learning to use technology responsibly and innovatively. Pinewood teachers treat students with care and respect, nurturing their social, emotional, and physical well-being along with their academic growth
960 W Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95126
Phone Number: (408) 294-9224
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 1,643
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduation Rate: 98%
Yearly Tuition: $22,230
Being one of the top private high schools in Santa Clara, Bellarmine embraces the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis: the care of the whole person. Therefore, the education they provide goes beyond the classroom. Their program of study instills the values and skills needed in the 21st century to shape young men of faith and leadership.
At Bellarmine, they strive to develop academic courses that require their students to think critically and creatively. They offer a broad array of college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, each designed to give students a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
596 South 2nd St., San Jose, CA 95112
Phone Number: (408) 294-1113
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 650
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $19,080
Among the few Santa Clara private high schools for girls, Notre Dame educates today’s young women for leadership, global citizenship, and socially responsible entrepreneurship. Their rich urban landscape and innovative programs cultivate young women with influential voices who will bring intelligent compassion to their world – young women who become active leaders in the local, national, and global communities.
In addition to a general course of college preparatory study, students can specialize through Academic Pathways that provide a particular focus for college majors and careers. Interested students work with their counselor to identify courses and map out a graduation plan to meet the student’s needs and interests.
1885 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone Number: (650) 968-1213
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 1,755
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $17,370
In the tradition of the Catholic Church and the spirit of the Holy Cross, Saint Francis High School is one of the Santa Clara private high schools that is committed to providing the most exceptional college-preparatory program in an inclusive family environment. They encourage students to achieve their highest potential. Their graduates are spiritually aware, intellectually active, and socially confident young men and women. They are prepared to excel in college and life. They become responsible citizens who are rooted in faith and victorious in all of their pursuits.
At Saint Francis, they believe a well-developed curriculum that is diverse in its offerings will spark students’ imaginations and prepare them for their future. Their curriculum provides a solid foundation in traditional science and humanities courses. It offers several forward-thinking classes that give students the ability to stretch their knowledge in the arts, languages, technology, and religious studies and act as compassionate stewards of society.
5000 Mitty Ave., San Jose, CA 95129
Phone Number: (408) 252-6610
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 1,735
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $19,250
Archbishop Mitty High School is the Catholic, coeducational school of the Diocese of San Jose. Along with other private schools in Santa Clara, Mitty embraces the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the Gospel message, and promoting service, peace, and justice. It is the only college preparatory school in Northern California offering an eight-period schedule that allows students to take a full, college preliminary class load that includes the option to add courses in the arts, science, or mathematics class.
The rigorous, college preparatory curriculum offered at Archbishop Mitty prepares students for admission to the leading colleges and universities in America. Class sizes average of 27 with a teacher/student ratio of one to sixteen. Through classes designed to promote critical thinking, students excel in English, Mathematics, World Languages, Performing Arts, Physical Development, Religious Studies, Science, Social Studies, and Visual Arts.
562 N. Britton Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone Number: (408) 481-9900
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 955
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $20,400
The King’s Academy is a Christ-centered college prep school that inspires academic excellence, servant leadership, and enduring relationships. At TKA, students graduate with a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose—students know they matter. With a low teacher-student ratio, your student will receive individual attention.
As one of the best private high schools in Santa Clara, King’s Academy offers multiple tracks of study, custom-tailored to the individual student’s talents and aspirations. Students are encouraged to choose the path that best suits them, whether it be a challenging all-around course of study or one tailored to a more specific interest or goal. This multi-faceted curriculum prepares graduates for a college career built on the cornerstones of intellectual curiosity, ingenuity, diligence, and confidence.
3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone Number: (650) 213-9600
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 208
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $40,950
Kehillah Jewish High School offers an excellent academic program and a supportive environment that pairs rich traditions with the best of the Silicon Valley mindset. At Kehillah, students embark on a journey of self-discovery guided by a community of passionate educators. They graduate with the knowledge, values, and community that enable them to create extraordinary futures.
Their faculty has mastery in the subjects they teach, infusing their lessons with knowledge and passion. They provide a robust curriculum in computer science, engineering, the humanities, mathematics, sciences, visual and performing arts, and world languages. The classroom experience at Kehillah includes debate, dialogue, critical inquiry, and experimentation, bringing every class to life. Each student is ready for any challenges, actively encouraged, and supported to reach his or her potential.
105 John Wilson Way, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Phone Number: (408) 782-7177
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 466
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Oakwood High School provides Morgan Hill and neighboring communities a local, private, independent high school. Growing from roots that run nearly fifty years deep, Oakwood is led by a family in its third generation of running successful private schools. Oakwood School strives to create an enriching, nurturing educational environment in which students advance within a rigorous academic core curriculum. Moreso, they will help also develop intellectual maturity, self-confidence, and strong character.
When a student enters a ninth grade, their individualized, intentional college counseling process fully supports your student. They are the ones who define, pursue, and reach their higher educational goals. It’s no wonder its students regularly score in the top percentiles on their college entrance exams, go on to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation, and continue to learn and lead for a lifetime.
100 Skyway Dr., San Jose, CA 95111
Phone Number: (408) 513-2400
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 1,607
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduation Rate: 99%
Yearly Tuition: $23,735
The academic journey continues for high school students as they pursue their educational passions while growing stronger in their Christian faith. With access to a rich combination of core classes and electives in a rigorous, comprehensive college preparatory environment, VCHS students have the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines that lead them to achieve their God-intended purposes.
At Valley Christian School, they believe in creating unique opportunities to maximize each four-year high school academic experience. Through its 1:1 iPad technology, the Dual Credit program, the Academic and College Counseling staff, and a variety of levels of classes so students can learn at their own pace. They strive to provide each student with a customized high school experience that sets them up for success academically, professionally, and personally.
2281 Plummer Ave., San Jose, CA 95125
Phone Number: (408) 264-1664
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 757
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $21,580
Presentation High School dedicates their time to the education of the whole person, with high academic standards, a focus on spiritual development, and many sports, clubs, and other social activities. This balanced approach helps young women develop into critical thinkers and leaders well-prepared for college and a career.
Each student at Presentation is encouraged to think critically, speak, write clearly and apply her knowledge to 21st century problem-solving. Presentation students learn how to think, not what to think. It gives them the knowledge and confidence to discover their unique voices and points of view. That confidence, combined with a multi-faceted curriculum, instills students with the skills they need for success in college and a career.
909 N San Antonio Rd., Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone Number: (650) 941-4350
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 13
Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
School for Independent Learners is a progressive, independent, college-preparatory school for students grades 8-12. They offer college preparatory, advanced / honors, UC-honors, and Advanced Placement coursework, as well as academic tutoring, standardized test preparation, and college counseling. Personalized instruction is a collaboration between student and teacher, allowing students to fearlessly explore questions, discover connections, and demonstrate authentic understanding through mastery of each subject.
With a focus on mastery outcomes, SIL individualizes curriculum, instruction, and assessment–along with student-support programs–to help each student become a self-aware individual, invested community member, and life-long learner.
180 N Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone Number: (650) 417-7600
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Students: 142
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $38,000
Waldorf education is often described as a modern renaissance education, resulting in students who are cultured and knowledgeable, educated, and proficient in a wide range of fields, and possess the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in college, the workplace, and life. Key areas of focus include the development of critical thinking, a highly developed ethical compass, and a lifelong love of learning, while at the same time fostering creativity, innovation, cooperation, and strong communication skills.
In addition to their rich curriculum, signature streams for their high school include experiential and interdisciplinary learning, technology transformation, social and emotional development, service learning and social justice, and environmental stewardship. WSP high school follows an innovative assessment policy that focuses on the goal of intrinsic knowledge rather than rewards-based grades.
5828 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose, CA 95123
Phone Number: (408) 578-4800
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 186
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
At Apostles High School, students continue their academic journey as they nurture their future ambitions and grow in their faith. With a rich curriculum and college preparatory classes, students and teachers work together to maximize the high school experience.
Students are guided in their learning according to their abilities and levels by the teachers. With a strong curriculum across many college preparatory classes, students are setup up for success academically, professionally, and personally. WASC fully accredits Apostles High School, and the curriculum meets the required standards of the University of California.
4340 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118
Phone Number: (408) 833-7050
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 75
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Yearly Tuition: $15,500
Among all of the Santa Clara private high schools, Cambrian Academy is the school for students who aspire for admission to and success in top four-year colleges and universities. In addition to intense academic preparation, they provide a unique class specially designed to help students through the college selection and application process.
Cambrian Academy parents do not need to spend extra on learning centers or outside consultants to make sure their children get into great colleges. 100% of their graduates enter college–all with multiple offers and most with some sort of scholarship assistance.
360 S Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94041
Phone Number: (650) 967-2324
Overall Niche Grade: A-
Students: 135
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduation Rate: 96%
Yearly Tuition: $16,600
With some Santa Clara private high schools that offer Christian college-preparatory, Mountain View Academy is the only one operated by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Its primary mission is to educate the whole person by nurturing the development of the student’s spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical potential, to provide quality education to a culturally diverse student body in a contemporary Christian environment.
The conviction that God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend, is the Source for all knowledge and wisdom, comprises the educational philosophy at Mountain View Academy. MVA focuses on mainstream college preparatory, where academics are of the highest priority. They enhance their curriculum in a positive Christian atmosphere. They encourage their students to go beyond essential learning by forming their thoughts and opinions through the study and research of facts and evidence.
Each student gives a firm foundation to build upon through required areas of education and extra-curricular classes. They offer Advanced Placement classes and Honors classes for our advanced students.
310 Easy St., Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone Number: (650) 254-0748
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 597
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
GISSV inspires students to become global citizens. They provide a multicultural dual-language environment that promotes responsibility, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Their programs culminate in U.S. and German diplomas, preparing their graduates for worldwide opportunities.
GISSV’s well-balanced curriculum prepares its students to become actual world citizens. Their educational programs unite the best of two worlds: Germany’s traditions, know-how, and culture with U.S. dynamics, innovation, and ambition. Besides, their multicultural student body instills an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity from an early age.
50 University Ave., Ste. A300, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone Number: (408) 354-0743
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 48
Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
Average Graduation Rate: 50%
2790 S King Rd., San Jose, CA 95122
Phone Number: (408) 274-5613
Overall Niche Grade: A-
Students: 103
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 67%
Liberty Baptist School is a fully accredited school providing private Christian education to students in grades K4-12. They work diligently to be an academically advanced, college preparatory school. Accordingly, they encourage academic excellence in all classes in every category. They firmly believe that you should be highly skilled in the major academic disciplines (science, history, mathematics, and language), and you should be well-rounded in the arts if desired.
Liberty believes that students should learn to read, write, and think well. “Liberty prepares you K through life!” When you are trained correctly in academics (taught from a Biblical perspective), you are better prepared to sort truth from error, and thus make wise decisions in all areas of adult life. Equipped with a solid Christian education, their students will also be better servants of both God and humanity.
941 Clyde Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone Number: (408) 988-8883
Overall Niche Grade: A-
Students: 233
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduation Rate: 70%
The purpose of North Valley Baptist Schools (NVBS) is to educate and train the whole student—physically, socially, intellectually, and spiritually. Because the Lord requires a fit vessel, the school provides guidelines for personal habits, strict dress codes, and proper leisure time activities. The principle of self-discipline is the basis of their disciplinary structure. They believe the student must honor the rights of others and respect the individual’s freedom.
Not only must its students have their appearance and actions reflect the Lord Jesus, but they must also acquire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to serve the Lord. Therefore, the Bible is not substituted for any academic subject but integrated into the entire educational program. The Bible is taught so that the student will develop sound values that will govern every step of his life.
1389 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95116
Phone Number: (408) 293-0425
Overall Niche Grade: C+
Students: 250
The Cristo Rey curriculum is designed and taught to prepare students for success in college. The faculty works closely with each student to help them develop a skill set that focuses on creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
Through the use of standards that prepare students for college-level courses, effective teaching styles that make learning engaging and possible, and instruction that is informed by routine classroom assessments, Cristo Rey Network schools maximize the academic achievements of their students.
2220 Pacheco Pass, Gilroy CA 95020
Phone Number: (408) 847-0111
Overall Niche Grade: C+
Students: 349
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
With a staff committed to the love of Christ and a heart to serve your children, the High School program of PacPoint offers a balance of social and academic skills, preparing students for college and later life. At the high school, students use an online learning management system for every class. Every student uses an iPad that contains digital books for school work. They provide an opportunity for high schoolers to develop a positive self-image through an awareness of God’s presence in their lives.
Pacific Point is one of the few Santa Clara private high schools that have Dual Credit college courses! It is a unique opportunity where students can begin their college general education requirements under the tutelage and encouragement of its administration. They currently have an MOU with Colorado Christian, Grand Canyon, and William Jessup Universities.
Attending the best private high schools provide a solid ground for academic excellence, helps high school students access entry into first-rate colleges, and prepares them for the challenges of the real world. One must pursue their schooling years in an institution that will make the quality of learning a top priority.
It is the knowledge and privilege that schools may effortlessly teach that matters. The learning they provide will be helpful to their students’ future well-being. Your children can study in just any school since it is the student himself who gets to decide how much he will learn. But it is never wrong to consider how the best private high schools in Santa Clara may secure a better learning foundation.
Santa Clara offers a wide variety of opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources for kids, or browse through our Places to Go section.
Are you looking for more school resources for kids around Santa Clara County? Browse through our schools and activities page. If you’re even more curious and seeking to learn more information about school kids’ topics, tips, and guides, check out our education-related blog posts.
Winter isn’t over yet! Plan a snow adventure trip with our list of ski resorts for kids near Santa Clara County.
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