#1 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Warren-Walker School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
San Diego, CA
A+Overall grade143 students7 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in San Diego, CA. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Del Mar Pines School
Independent school · Grades K–6
Serving families in San Diego since at least 2011
San Diego, CA
A+Overall grade155 students8 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
The Waldorf School of San Diego
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
San Diego, CA
A+Overall grade251 students8 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Francis Parker School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
98% of graduates go to four-year colleges
San Diego, CA
BOverall grade1,276 students11 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Francis W Parker School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in San Diego
San Diego, CA
BOverall grade1,280 students11 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Le Lycee Francais De San Diego
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 140% since 2011–12
San Diego, CA
BOverall grade149 students10 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Childrens Creative/Performing Arts Acad San Diego
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One school from pre-K through 12th grade
San Diego, CA
BOverall grade186 students11 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in San Diego, CA
Warren-Walker Middle School
Independent school · Grades K–8
One of 14 independent schools in San Diego
San Diego, CA
B-Overall grade222 students15 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.