#1 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Carlthorp School
Independent school · Grades K–6
The smallest classes of any independent school in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
A+Overall grade280 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Private schools in Santa Monica, CA with the highest overall grades. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#2 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Pacifica Christian High School
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades 9–12
The largest Christian school in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
A+Overall grade255 students10 students per teacher
#3 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
St. Annes School
Independent Catholic school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 60% of Catholic schools in California
Santa Monica, CA
A+Overall grade136 students15 students per teacher
#4 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Ps1 Pluralistic School
Alternative school · Grades K–6
Serving families in Santa Monica since at least 2011
Santa Monica, CA
A+Overall grade200 students9 students per teacher
#5 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
New Roads School
Independent school · Grades K–12
The largest independent school in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
AOverall grade562 students7 students per teacher
#6 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
St. Monica Catholic Elementary School
Diocesan school · Grades K–8
Serving families in Santa Monica since at least 2011
Santa Monica, CA
AOverall grade287 students18 students per teacher
#7 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Lighthouse Church School
Pentecostal school · Grades K–12
Growing: enrollment up 41% since 2011–12
Santa Monica, CA
A-Overall grade142 students10 students per teacher
#8 Best Private Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Sycamore Community School
Independent school · Grades K–7
One of 4 independent schools in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
BOverall grade92 students9 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.