List of 97 Best Schools in California (2026 Fees)

A popular choice for immigrants and international students, California has been attracting residents of other states and countries to explore its unique lifestyle and culture. California is home to Silicon Valley, which is the birthplace of many technological innovations known to the world today. The public school system in California guarantees quality education at an affordable price.

California is also home to many immigrants from other cultures; thus, students in this state are exposed to diverse cultures which can shape the way they think about the world. For those who value entertainment, California promises a thrilling experience which can open various opportunities for learning and living.

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Facts about Schools in California

  • California has the largest number of enrolled school students in all of the US.
  • There are more than 9,500 schools subsidized by the local government in California.
  • Public schools in California are managed by locally elected school boards and superintendents according to school districts.
  • The average teacher to student ratio in public schools in California is 1:24.
  • Most schools in California require students to attend 180 days of learning sessions.
  • The school year in California varies per institution. Typically, however, it begins in mid-August and ends in April of the following year.

Education System in California

In California, all children are required to attend school by the time they turn 6 years old. The mandatory education in California is from primary school to secondary school. Enrolling a child to a kindergarten facility or a university is solely the parent’s choice. Nonetheless, California has state schools which provide free education for those who cannot afford the expensive fees in private institutions.

Most parents in California send their children to kindergarten at age 5, just before the children are enrolled in a primary school. Some parents even start early education for their kids by enrolling them in preschool at age 3 or 4, before they go to kindergarten and primary schools. After 6 years in primary school, students are sent to junior high school and senior high school, where they will be prepared to either pursue a degree from a university or search for employment.

This system of education implemented by the majority of schools in California is modeled on the American curriculum or K to 12 education system as it is more popularly known. In this system, kindergarten to senior high school is considered a mandatory education requirement for all students. It also trains students to become well-rounded individuals, as the K to 12 curriculum emphasizes the importance of co-curricular activities in shaping the personality of each learner. Moreover, the American curriculum in California has recently incorporated the “Common Core State Standards Initiative”, which emphasizes the achievement of aptitude in mathematics and English from kindergarten to senior high school. The American curriculum is a highly respected format of education around the world. Most importantly, it helps students in their holistic development – a goal consistent with the objectives of the education system in California.

Quick Facts about California

  • California is home to many educational institutions. It is known for having the largest education system for tertiary education. Likewise, California is home to some of the world’s top universities, i.e. Stanford University.
  • California is the most densely populated state in the United States.
  • California used to be called the “Grizzly Bear State”. However, through time, the nickname for the state was changed to the “Golden State”, because of California’s history in gold mining.
  • California is home to a significant number of minority groups. Most of its residents are Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians.

Below is a comprehensive list of all schools in California. Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best schools in California with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.

Edarabia showcases all private schools in California through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.

Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in California tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

For more details, please click here

USD 3,400

USD 81,900

Midland School
  • Address: 5100 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos
  • Founded: 1932
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 6 Reviews
  • USD 81,900
Inquire
Oak Grove School
  • Address: 220 W. Lomita Avenue
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 3 Reviews
  • USD 32,200
Inquire
American University Preparatory School
  • Address: 345 S Figueroa St #100
  • Founded: 2013
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
Inquire
Archbishop Riordan High School
  • Address: 175 Frida Kahlo Way
  • Founded: 1949
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 21,950
Inquire
Army and Navy Academy
  • Address: 2605 Carlsbad, Boulevard
  • Founded: 1910
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 32,625
Inquire
Besant Hill School
  • Address: 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd, Ojai
  • Founded: 1946
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 29,295
Inquire
California Lutheran High School
  • Address: 31970 Wildomar Trail, Wildomar
  • Founded: 1977
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 4,455
Inquire
Cate School
  • Address: 1960 Cate Mesa Road
  • Founded: 1910
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 51,675
Inquire
Dunn School
  • Address: 2555 West Highway 154, Los Olivos
  • Founded: 1957
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 29,100
Inquire
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
  • Address: 2200 W Sequoia Ave
  • Founded: 1953
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 20,650
Inquire
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
  • Address: 440 St. Katherine Drive
  • Founded: 1931
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 27,650
Inquire
Harvard-Westlake School
  • Address: 700 North Faring Road
  • Founded: 1900
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 42,600
Inquire
Hebrew Academy Orange County
  • Address: 14401 Willow Lane
  • Founded: 1969
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 16,475
Inquire
Idyllwild Arts Academy
  • Address: 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild
  • Founded: 1946
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 30,000
Inquire
Instilling Goodness Elementary & Developing Virtue Secondary Schools
  • Address: 2001 Talmage Road
  • Founded: 1981
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
Inquire
Justin-Siena School
  • Address: 4026 Maher Street
  • Founded: 1966
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 20,750
Inquire
Lake Tahoe Preparatory School
  • Address: 235 Squaw Valley Road
  • Founded: 1978
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 55,000
Inquire
Mater Dei Catholic High School
  • Address: 1615 Mater Dei Drive
  • Founded: 1960
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 17,680
Inquire
Monte Vista Christian School
  • Address: 2 School Way
  • Founded: 1926
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 54,000
Inquire
Monterey Bay Academy (MBA)
  • Address: 783 San Andreas Road
  • Founded: 1949
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 17,050
Inquire
Newbury Park Adventist Academy (NPAA)
  • Address: 180 Academy Drive, Newbury Park
  • Founded: 1948
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 7,775
Inquire
Oaks Christian School
  • Address: 31749 La Tienda Dr.
  • Founded: 1994
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 34,500
Inquire
Ojai Valley School
  • Address: 723 El Paseo Rd
  • Founded: 1911
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 24,750
Inquire
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy
  • Address: 3200 Rio Lindo Ave, Healdsburg
  • Founded: 1962
  • Curriculum: Boarding
  • 2 Reviews
Inquire
San Domenico School
  • Address: 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo
  • Founded: 1850
  • Curriculum: Boarding, American
  • 2 Reviews
  • USD 53,150
Inquire
2026-04-01T00:01:01+04:00