For the 2025 school year, there are 3,925 private schools serving 661,595 students in California (there are 10,369 public schools, serving 5,826,838 students). 10% of all K-12 students in California attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $16,573 for elementary schools and $23,128 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in California include The Webb Schools, Castilleja School, and Cate School.
The average acceptance rate is 84% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 51% and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked California Private Schools by County (2025)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in California?
The top-ranked private schools in California include The Webb Schools, Castilleja School, and Cate School.
How many private schools are located in California?
There are 3,925 private schools are located in California.
How much do private schools cost in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $16,573 for elementary schools and $23,128 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in California?
Approximately 51% of students in California private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in California go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in California attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in California?
Which private schools in California are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in California include: Monarch Montessori vs. Community Christian School, Molokan Elementary School vs. St. Mark's Lutheran School, Kiddie Academy Cc Learning Center vs. La Petite Academy
Recent Articles
A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.
February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.
January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.
