#1 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Serendipity School
Independent school · Grades K–5
Smaller classes than 76% of independent schools in California
Belmont, CA
A+Overall grade147 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in San Mateo County, CA. Top 15 of 15 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
The Carey School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
San Mateo, CA
A+Overall grade252 students7 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Hilldale School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 66% of independent schools in California
Daly City, CA
A+Overall grade162 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Synapse School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 506% since 2011–12
Menlo Park, CA
A+Overall grade327 students7 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Woodland School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 37% since 2011–12
Portola Valley, CA
A+Overall grade272 students8 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
The Nueva School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in San Mateo
San Mateo, CA
A+Overall grade950 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
The Primary School - East Palo Alto
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
Smaller classes than 82% of independent schools in California
East Palo Alto, CA
AOverall grade255 students5 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Belmont Oaks Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
The largest independent school in Belmont
Belmont, CA
A-Overall grade227 students9 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Sea Crest School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in Half Moon Bay since at least 2011
Half Moon Bay, CA
A-Overall grade280 students10 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Stanford Online High School
Independent school · Grades 7–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Redwood City, CA
B+Overall grade985 students15 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Mid-Peninsula High School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Menlo Park, CA
B+Overall grade126 students10 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Crystal Springs Uplands School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The only independent school in Hillsborough
Hillsborough, CA
B+Overall grade569 students9 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Kids Connection Elementary
Independent school · Grades K–5
Serving families in Foster City since at least 2011
Foster City, CA
BOverall grade188 students15 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Menlo School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
An independent school in Atherton
Atherton, CA
B-Overall grade818 students9 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in San Mateo County, CA
Stratford School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
The only independent school in San Bruno
San Bruno, CA
B-Overall grade257 students18 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.