Private high schools are popular choices because their rigorous academic programs and extracurricular opportunities prepare students for the demands of college and beyond. A good foundation for your child’s secondary education can send them to leading universities. Luckily, San Diego has among California’s best private high schools, so you’re in a good spot.
In today’s fast-paced world, sending your child to a private school gives them an upper hand in preparing them for a lifetime of academic success. From awe-inspiring school buildings to state-of-the-art school facilities, San Diego private high schools have limitless resources, which can provide students with an advantage in the college admissions process.
Private high schools are worth consideration because they open doors for your child’s future. To identify the best private high school, we reviewed rankings for all private schools from the 2024 Best Private High Schools in San Diego list released by school and neighborhood data clearinghouse Niche. The rankings below have been compiled based on several factors:
Now that the admission season is fast approaching, let’s find a school that is perfect for your child’s unique needs!
7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone Number: (858) 459-4021
#1 Best Private High Schools in the San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 800
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $47,100
Bishop’s is an Episcopal school that nurtures students of intellect and character to think independently, learn collaboratively, grow their sense of self, and act with greater purpose. Classrooms are designed for interaction and conversation rather than lecture. The school respects the dignity of every human being and aspires to be a school where all are known, cared for, and feel that they belong.
Bishop’s is an inclusive community that believes its differences are a source of strength. Its vision is pursuing the question: How do our students learn and grow best? With core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion, intellect, excellence, and justice, the community includes students representing diverse religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
6501 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA 92111
Phone Number: (858) 569-7900
#1 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,312
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $44,300
Francis Parker School is committed to graduating students who embody the qualities essential for academic success and personal fulfillment: intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and global competence. They offer a balanced, challenging, and integrated high school educational program in academics, athletics, and the arts, all in a vibrant and diverse school community.
The lessons learned within their classrooms and on the fields and stages prepare students to think beyond what they discover in their readings and classes. They are committed to cultivating active learners and changemakers who can solve challenging problems, collaborate in multicultural environments, and harness the tools necessary to make a meaningful difference.
9490 Genesee Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone Number: (858) 453-3440
#2 in Best High Schools for STEM in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,157
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $41,530
La Jolla Country Day School is an independent school in San Diego serving young scholars aged 3 to Grade 12 on a single campus where proven and progressive meet. It is a community committed to inspiring greatness for a better world. LJCDS prepares students for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal development, and social responsibility.
They believe in the dignity of all people because every human has inherent value and self-worth. The school is committed to inspiring greatness for a better world by fostering a culture and a community that leads with dignity. They value collaboration, inclusion and safety, student independence and growth, and diversity.
12855 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92129
Phone Number: (858) 484-3488
#2 in Best Christian High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 392
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $28,280
The Cambridge School seeks a distinctly Christian education in the classical tradition. This education equips students to know, love, and practice what is true, good, and beautiful and thus prepares them to live purposefully and intelligently in service of God and neighbor. The school is not simply concerned with what kind of student your child is but is more concerned with what kind of person your child is becoming.
Committed to a robust anthropology, Cambridge endeavors to teach the whole student through embodied learning experiences and a sensitivity to the complexity of human nature: its dignity and frailty. While they vigorously pursue academics, they recognize that people are more than their knowledge, and they intentionally concern themselves with character maturation.
1500 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone Number: (760) 944-6777
#6 in Best Private High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 160
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $30,365
As a premier independent private school in San Diego, The Grauer School is steadfastly dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s leaders for roles in our global community. Their Socratic learning environment allows students to stand on their own two feet while developing critical thinking skills necessary to meet the unique challenges of a rapidly changing society and world.
Their curriculum allows students the flexibility to take classes for fun, learn how to make mistakes, become confident pursuing their passions, and ultimately follow their hearts by doing things they are drawn to rather than plotting out preordained or controlled paths they have little or no control over. It has resulted in many students matriculating to the nation’s finest colleges and universities.
5555 Del Mar Heights Rd., San Diego, CA 92130
Phone Number: (858) 523-4000
#1 in Best Catholic High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,640
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $20,088
Cathedral Catholic High School is a leader in Catholic, college-preparatory education. Its rigorous, innovative program is offered in a nurturing community based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the traditions of the Catholic church. The school’s core values, developed from the University of San Diego High School heritage, guide graduates’ growth to become responsible leaders.
Their program is student-centered, recognizing that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and shaped by differences in interest, ability, and background. They are a collaborative community dedicated to lifelong learning and teaching students to assume responsibility for their own educational and spiritual growth. They form an educational ministry that is mutually supportive and committed to excellence.
11860 Carmel Creek Rd., San Diego, CA 92130
Phone Number: (858) 704-3700
#5 in Best Jewish Schools in California
Grade: A+
Students: 569
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $26,560
San Diego Jewish Academy is shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators, and community leaders by blending modern education with greater purpose and meaning. They inspire and support students with innovative learning guided by Jewish values that create meaningful Jewish life for generations.
At SDJA, students receive personalized attention, engage in innovative approaches to learning, and are a part of academics that challenge and inspire all in a supportive, welcoming Jewish community environment. Small classes and a connected campus allow them to guide learning in intimate and thoughtful ways.
3547 Altadena Ave., San Diego, CA, 92105
Phone Number: (619) 280-8016
#5 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 273
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $21,810
The Waldorf School of San Diego’s classes are all college preparatory, often exceeding the academics in an AP classroom. They pride themselves on moving far beyond the academic bounds of a typical high school curriculum and supporting students in their growth and maturity through the challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Their curriculum requires class participation and engages students in a comprehensive study of various disciplines, including academics, drama, arts and crafts, music, and movement. The four years of high school together form an integrated whole, and each grade’s curriculum is tailored to address critical stages in adolescent development.
4860 Oregon St., San Diego, CA 92116
Phone Number: (619) 297-2266
#2 in Best Catholic High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 750
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $24,250
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) is a rigorous college preparatory school with an unparalleled leadership program and various co-curricular activities. The school is committed to research-based practices that foster intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning through an interdisciplinary lens in order to form collaborative learners, visionaries, and innovators.
Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”
5531 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
Phone Number: (858) 509-9101
#152 Best Private High Schools in California
Grade: A+
Students: 80
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $25,500
At High Bluff Academy, teachers and staff meet students where they are and take them farther than they thought possible. They do this by working with students and parents to create challenging and goal-oriented class schedules, engaging students in small classes, providing individual instruction to address deficiencies and enhance capabilities, and encouraging interests through clubs and community service.
Tutorial sessions are built into the school day for students to work on assignments, conference with peers, or get tutoring from their teachers. Students have five class periods daily, Monday through Thursday, with one rotating block. On Fridays, activities and social events take place, such as spirit days, hiking, cooking, drama, art, technology, SAT prep, and college application workshops.
Not every school is suitable for every child. Regardless of what private institution you choose, always consider your child’s unique needs and how they learn best. The student’s personal development goes hand in hand with academic preparation. So, it is very important to do your in-depth research and assess carefully in choosing one of the best private high schools in San Diego.
San Diego offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Diego with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Diego? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended education blog posts.
Our 10 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles
Best Private High Schools in Fresno
Our 10 Best Private High Schools in San Francisco
10 Best Private High Schools in San Jose
Categories :
Tags :
