Private high schools in the United States have been around since before the creation of the United States. Today, these schools are seen as a fast lane for admission to elite universities. Twenty-three California schools make the list of the top 100 private high schools in the United States. Faced with the rigorous demands of the competitive college admissions process and the increasing pressure to enter the right school, parents (in most cases parents with means) often consider private schools for their children.
To stay relevant, private schools changed from promoting themselves as the only option to presenting their education as the best option. Historically, private schools have served America's most elite, with exorbitant enrollments and legacy admissions ensuring socio-economic exclusivity for students. The Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century created private schools in Florida and Louisiana, while in New York (a former Dutch colony called New Amsterdam), the Dutch West India Company and the Dutch Reformed Church created private schools that filled the void left by the lack of a system education of the colonies. Scholarships, incremental transparency in the admissions process, and improved (although still imperfect and uneven) access to excellent early education for students of all backgrounds have allowed more low-income and minority students today to take advantage of these schools. Of the top 100 Golden State schools ranked by the site, most were close to metropolitan areas of San Francisco or Los Angeles. When it comes to finding the best private high school in California, there are many factors to consider.
It is important to research each school's curriculum, student-teacher ratio, extracurricular activities, and other offerings. Additionally, it is important to consider a school's location and cost. With so many options available, it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you make an informed decision.
Niche.com ranks private high schools based on a variety of criteria including academics, student life, diversity, and more. According to Niche's rankings, The Bishop's School in La Jolla is ranked as California's number one private high school. The Bishop's School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a focus on developing critical thinking skills and fostering creativity. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities including sports teams, clubs, and community service opportunities. When considering private high schools in California, it is important to research each school thoroughly before making a decision.
Fortunately, resources like Niche can help you make an informed decision about which school is right for you.