#1 Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
The Girls' Middle School
Independent school · Grades 6–8
Smaller classes than 67% of independent schools in California
Palo Alto, CA
A+Overall gradeAll girls198 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Palo Alto, CA. Top 5 of 5 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
Castilleja School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
97% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Palo Alto, CA
A+Overall gradeAll girls424 students7 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
Keys Family Day School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 61% of independent schools in California
Palo Alto, CA
A+Overall grade321 students7 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
Silicon Valley International School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Growing: enrollment up 677% since 2019–20
Palo Alto, CA
AOverall grade567 students6 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Palo Alto, CA
Keys Family Day School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 60% of independent schools in California
Palo Alto, CA
AOverall grade323 students7 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.