#25 Best Independent Schools in California
Almaden Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 71% of independent schools in California
San Jose, CA
A+Overall grade399 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in California
The highest-graded schools of this kind in California. Top 50 of 302 schools.
#26 Best Independent Schools in California
Golden Bridges School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 92% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade105 students4 students per teacher
#27 Best Independent Schools in California
Presidio Hill School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 65% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade210 students7 students per teacher
#28 Best Independent Schools in California
Sacramento Country Day School
Independent school · Grades K–12
The largest independent school in Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
A+Overall grade562 students8 students per teacher
#29 Best Independent Schools in California
Bridges Academy
Independent school · Grades 4–12
The only independent school in Studio City
Studio City, CA
A+Overall grade159 students4 students per teacher
#30 Best Independent Schools in California
The Webb Schools
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Claremont, CA
A+Overall grade404 students6 students per teacher
#31 Best Independent Schools in California
Park Day School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 71% of independent schools in California
Oakland, CA
A+Overall grade359 students6 students per teacher
#32 Best Independent Schools in California
Marin Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 96% of independent schools in California
San Rafael, CA
A+Overall grade145 students3 students per teacher
#33 Best Independent Schools in California
Windward School
Independent school · Grades 7–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall grade625 students6 students per teacher
#34 Best Independent Schools in California
John Thomas Dye School
Independent school · Grades K–6
Smaller classes than 66% of independent schools in California
Los Angeles, CA
A+Overall grade338 students6 students per teacher
#35 Best Independent Schools in California
Valley Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest independent school in Redlands
Redlands, CA
A+Overall grade130 students6 students per teacher
#36 Best Independent Schools in California
Marin Primary & Middle School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 82% of independent schools in California
Larkspur, CA
A+Overall grade199 students5 students per teacher
#37 Best Independent Schools in California
Merryhill School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
The smallest classes of any independent school in Roseville
Roseville, CA
A+Overall grade93 students6 students per teacher
#38 Best Independent Schools in California
Laurence School
Independent school · Grades K–6
The largest independent school in Van Nuys
Van Nuys, CA
A+Overall grade378 students7 students per teacher
#39 Best Independent Schools in California
The Branson School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Ross, CA
A+Overall grade370 students7 students per teacher
#40 Best Independent Schools in California
The Athenian School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The only independent school in Danville
Danville, CA
A+Overall grade537 students8 students per teacher
#41 Best Independent Schools in California
Tessellations
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 92% of independent schools in California
Cupertino, CA
A+Overall grade189 students4 students per teacher
#42 Best Independent Schools in California
Childrens Community School
Independent school · Grades K–6
Smaller classes than 71% of independent schools in California
Van Nuys, CA
A+Overall grade103 students6 students per teacher
#43 Best Independent Schools in California
Hillbrook School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–9
Growing: enrollment up 17% since 2011–12
Los Gatos, CA
A+Overall grade366 students7 students per teacher
#44 Best Independent Schools in California
The Saklan School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 75% of independent schools in California
Moraga, CA
A+Overall grade98 students6 students per teacher
#45 Best Independent Schools in California
The College Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Oakland, CA
A+Overall grade367 students8 students per teacher
#46 Best Independent Schools in California
Dunn School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The largest independent school in Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
A+Overall grade218 students6 students per teacher
#47 Best Independent Schools in California
Alta Vista School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 67% of independent schools in California
San Francisco, CA
A+Overall grade323 students6 students per teacher
#48 Best Independent Schools in California
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
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.