#1 Best Independent Schools in California
San Francisco Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade334 students4 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in California
The highest-graded schools of this kind in California. Top 50 of 302 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in California
Turning Point School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The smallest classes of any independent school in Culver City
Culver City, CA
A+Overall grade241 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in California
Viewpoint School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Calabasas, CA
A+Overall grade1,156 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in California
Idyllwild Arts Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Idyllwild, CA
A+Overall grade265 students4 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in California
Escuela Bilingue Internacional
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 76% of independent schools in California
Emeryville, CA
A+Overall grade268 students6 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in California
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
#7 Best Independent Schools in California
Town School for Boys
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 75% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall gradeAll boys416 students6 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in California
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
#9 Best Independent Schools in California
The Country School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Valley Village
Valley Village, CA
A+Overall grade118 students4 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in California
Pilgrim School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall grade342 students6 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in California
Adda Clevenger School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 88% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade143 students5 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in California
Polytechnic School
Independent school · Grades K–12
The largest independent school in Pasadena
Pasadena, CA
A+Overall grade874 students7 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in California
Presidio Knolls School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 76% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade269 students6 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in California
Prospect Sierra School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 85% of independent schools in California
El Cerrito, CA
A+Overall grade476 students5 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in California
Gateway School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The smallest classes of any independent school in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
A+Overall grade144 students5 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in California
Cate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Carpinteria, CA
A+Overall grade306 students6 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in California
Mirman School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 73% of independent schools in California
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall grade417 students6 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in California
Live Oak School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 70% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade415 students6 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in California
Rolling Hills Preparatory
Independent school · Grades 3–12
The only independent school in San Pedro
San Pedro, CA
A+Overall grade167 students6 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in California
The Spring Hill School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Petaluma
Petaluma, CA
A+Overall grade109 students5 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in California
Le Lycee Francais De Los Angeles
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall grade651 students6 students per teacher
#22 Best Independent Schools in California
The Wesley School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The only independent school in North Hollywood
North Hollywood, CA
A+Overall grade297 students6 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in California
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
#24 Best Independent Schools in California
Marlborough School
Independent school · Grades 7–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall gradeAll girls559 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.