Some of the best private high schools in California also make it to the top US high school ranking.
Being the most populous state in America, it is obviously one state with a lot of high schools and students to match.
Also, California ranks as the 1st state in terms of student enrollment and 1st in terms of the total number of schools.
Also, it sits 51st for the student/teacher ratio and 37th for the percentage of students on free or reduced lunches.
Accompanying its many high schools, it is also home to some of the most popular destinations in the world.
Some of the best are Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Hollywood and Silicon Valley are some of the popular California high schools.
What You Should Know About High Schools in California
Having a good feel of the generality among high schools across the state is a good way to channel your expectations.
Therefore, on that note, we’ve briefly pointed out some norms among high schools in California.
Credit load
Before graduating from a California high school, students are required to take 13 specific yearlong courses.
Of course, this includes three English classes, two math classes, and two science courses.
High Enrollment in Private High Schools in California
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and has the most school students.
To show, in the 2005-06 school year over 6.2 million students enrolled in high schools in California.
Thus, giving California one of the highest projected enrollments in the country.
With such a high population of students, private high schools, as well as public, try as best possible to serve such a number.
Number of Dropouts in California Private High Schools
One of the biggest problems in the California school system is the high level of high school dropouts, especially among minority students.
Approximately 22% of African Americans and Hispanic Californians are living in poverty.
However, only about 68% of students living below the poverty line usually graduate from high school.
In light of this, the state of California has in place the Dropout Recovery and Prevention Act (SB 65) as a governmental way of dealing with the high dropout rate in California.
Also, senate bill 65 initiated three new dropout prevention efforts: the Pupil Motivation and Maintenance Program, the Alternative Education Outreach Consultant (AEOC) Program, and the Educational Clinic Program.
Class size
Comparatively, the class size in California private high schools is reasonably larger.
However, the overall teacher-pupil ratio, California was also 49th, with 21 students per teacher.
Just Arizona and Utah have lower rates in the USA.
Nonetheless, we can attribute this to the sheer population of students.
Although the typical teacher-to-student ratio is estimated to average 12:1 in recent times.
Low NAEP Scores
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is an assessment that measures what U.S. students know and can do in various subjects across the nation, states, and in some urban districts.
Typically for a representative sample of 4th, 8th, and 12th graders.
For California’s children, they tend to score poorly on the NAEP tests.
However, the California school results have improved a lot over the long term.
But they are still pretty mediocre.
Scores on NAEP, though imperfect, enable researchers and policymakers to monitor the overall education system, comparing student achievement between years, states, grades, and student subgroups.
Acceptance Rates in California Private High Schools
By very keen estimates the average acceptance rate is 84%.
However, minority enrollment is 48% and 50% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Roman Catholic and Christian).
Read Also: Best Private High Schools in Arizona
How Many Private High Schools are in California?
Out of 3,892 high schools in California, 730 are private.
However, 3,162 are public schools.
Additionally, California ranks as the 1st state in terms of student enrollment and 1st in terms of total number of schools, serving about 658,760 students.
What is the Average Private School Tuition in California?
California’s average tuition is lower than its median tuition.
What this means is that most private schools in California charge a low-end rate for tuition.
However, among private elementary schools, California has some of the most expensive in the country.
Also, from our research, the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in California is about $12,860.
But the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools is $11,080.
However, private high schools pay about $19,830 in California.
List of 10 Best Private Schools in California
To end, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best private High Schools in California that you may be interested in.
Here they are:
#1. The College Preparatory School
- Location: OAKLAND, CA 9-12
- Current Rating 4.16 out of 5 in 81 reviews
- Student population: 373
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Annual Tuition: $48, 300
#2. The Nueva School
- Location: HILLSBOROUGH, CA PK, K-12
- Current Rating 4.53 out of 5 in 53 reviews
- Student population: 853
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Annual Tuition: $53, 350
#3. Harvard-Westlake School
- Location: LOS ANGELES, CA 7-12
- Current Rating 4.47 out of 5 in 152 reviews
- Student population: 1,620
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual Tuition: $42, 600
#4. Stanford Online High School
- Location: REDWOOD CITY, CA 7-12
- CurrentRating 4.64 out of 5 in 154 reviews
- Student population: 903
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Annual Tuition: $26, 570
#5. Castilleja School
- Location: PALO ALTO, CA 6-12
- Current Rating 4.32 out of 5 in 57 reviews
- Student population: 430
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual Tuition: $47, 970
Read Also: Best Private High Schools in Alabama
Some Other Private High Schools in California
#6. Crystal Springs Uplands School
- Location: HILLSBOROUGH, CA 6-12
- Current Rating 4.41 out of 5 in 44 reviews
- Student population: 539
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Annual Tuition: $46, 780
#7. Flintridge Preparatory School
- Location: LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA 7-12
- Current Rating 4.65 out of 5 in 99 reviews
- Student population: 530
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual Tuition: $40, 500
#8. The Bishop’s School
- Location: SAN DIEGO, CA 6-12
- Current Rating 4.55 out of 5 in 80 reviews
- Student population: 800
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual Tuition: $39, 460
#9. Polytechnic School
- Location: PASADENA, CA K-12
- Current Rating 4.19 out of 5 in 104 reviews
- Student population: 859
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Annual Tuition: $37, 500
#10. Cate School
- Location CARPINTERIA, CA 9-12
- Rating 4.41 out of 5 in 44 reviews
- Student population: 298
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Annual Tuition: $49, 700
Conclusion: California Private High Schools
California high schools can be a little too rowdy if you like a more serene leading environment.
Although, the population of students enrolled may be so much.
However, some of the best schools in the US rankings are in California.
Besides pure academics, whatever city you may be within California is bliss.
Owing to the mere presence of tech inspirations and entertainment giants.
However, be rest assured your creativity will always be on its heels with only a little effort to be a better student.