#1 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
The Berkeley School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 64% of independent schools in California
Berkeley, CA
A+Overall grade113 students7 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Berkeley, CA. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Berkwood Hedge School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 64% of independent schools in California
Berkeley, CA
A+Overall grade128 students7 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 75% of independent schools in California
Berkeley, CA
A+Overall grade125 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Walden Center & School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Berkeley, CA
A-Overall grade67 students8 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Black Pine Circle School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The largest independent school in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
A-Overall grade319 students10 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Maybeck High School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
92% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Berkeley, CA
B+Overall grade114 students8 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of 11 independent schools in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
B+Overall grade314 students9 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Berkeley, CA
BPC Upper School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The largest independent school in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
BOverall grade319 students10 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.