San Diego’s Top Private Schools 

When it comes to your child’s education, there’s no such thing as settling. The foundations for a successful future are set in youth, and it all starts with a strong and well-rounded education. The top private schools in San Diego have a deep understanding of teaching fundamentals, and they get to know their students one-on-one. Students are introduced to an array of studies and opportunities—everything from arts to athletics to technology, and more.

It’s never the wrong time to start thinking about your child’s future. San Diego’s top private schools are already there and eager to transform young minds into thoughtful, engaged and curious people who can impact society and help shape the future to come.

Maranatha Christian Schools

Maranatha Christian Schools is a dynamic community of students, teachers and alumni who are making a difference in the world. With an emphasis on college prep, Maranatha inspires progress and advancement in excellence as students move forward from one grade to the next. While building a strong academic foundation, students can also experience a culture of excitement. They may have the chance to perform on stage, compete in athletics, play in a band, or even design a robot. A genuine love for others permeates our culture, and that extends beyond our campus through a variety of student community service opportunities. Though there is a relaxed and friendly environment, our teachers are devoted to academic excellence. Our qualified professional staff helps students prepare to succeed in some of the finest colleges in the country. MCS has over 25 years of experience in education—we inspire students to use their knowledge and talents to make the world a better place and to serve God in every area of their lives.

Preschool-Grade 12

9050 Maranatha Drive, San Diego, CA 92127

858-759-9737 maranathachristianschools.org

The Bishop’s School

The long road to self-discovery starts early at The Bishop’s School, where students are encouraged to try new things and follow their passions. From academics to athletics to the arts, there’s an expansive array of activities and subjects that introduce students to exciting new possibilities during this formative period in life. A student’s potential is cultivated and developed in a welcoming community that strives to see everyone not only succeed but also discover themselves in the process.

It all begins in middle school, where in addition to a full docket of math, English, history, world language and science courses, students experience two elective rotations for P.E. and art, allowing them to get a brief taste of the options available at Bishop’s. Middle schoolers try sports like football, tennis and water polo during the day, with the opportunity to join teams after school. The arts rotation is similar, letting students explore vocal and instrumental music, theater, dance, visual art and digital media.

"Lessons learned from athletics go far beyond the field or court, so we encourage participation by offering teams for all levels of athletes," says Athletics Director Joel Allen. "We don’t want students standing on the side watching. Creating an environment that allows middle school students to feel comfortable putting the first foot forward to try something new, that’s our goal."

In upper school, a student is able to pursue their newly-discovered passions with in-depth, focused classes and extracurricular activities. The inclusive culture at Bishop’s makes it easy to get involved.

Academically, Bishop’s provides students with the necessary tools to develop their skills and inspire purpose in themselves and others. The rigorous curriculum includes unique courses at the Advanced Placement level and beyond, as well as cross-disciplinary study. For example, Bishop’s Performing Arts Department Chair Christine Micu says that many of the performance programs work with disciplines like history and English to provide a contextual element and richer understanding of a play or song. "The arts are the one place that I believe incorporate all of the other disciplines," says Micu. "You can't-do a historical piece without talking about the culture in which it was created. It has to happen within a cultural context."

Part of instilling cross-disciplinary learning at the school is incorporating STEM/STEAM fields into classrooms and activities. Wu Tsai Endowed Chairholders Lani Keller and Alex Cabral, who teach science and computer science respectively, are leading the faculty in creating a plan for building a STEAM program at Bishop’s. Student interest and achievement in robotics and coding has blossomed, and the two are harnessing that ebullient energy and forming collaborative, creative spaces for students to build and learn.

One such plan is a new maker space, which will include tech-driven machinery like 3D printers or laser engravers. Keller and Cabral hope that the space could be used by all faculty and students at Bishop’s for educational gain, artistic expression or simply curious exploration.

Ultimately, The Bishop’s School is creating the kind of community where students are free to discover who they are and fearless about deciding who they want to become. Head of School Aimeclaire Roche believes Aristophanes said it best and quoted his inspiring words at the start of the school year: "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

Grades 6-12

7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA

(858) 459-4021 bishops.com

Pacific Ridge School

Since the world outside the classroom sees no divide among subjects and learning material, why should life inside the classroom? At Carlsbad’s Pacific Ridge School, students in grades 7-12 gain an education with the impact and relevance found when course subjects intersect. Integrated with meaningful discussion, the course study creates a well-rounded learning experience and fully developed graduates ready for college.

Pacific Ridge student voices are heard and honed through the Harkness teaching method. Classrooms employ the use of Harkness tables, essentially large oval-shaped tables, which seat 15 students side-by-side for discussion-based learning. The design of it is simple but effective—every student gets a front row seat to the lesson and participation.

"Harkness is a method of teaching where the teacher guides, but the students lead," says Elizabeth Grossman, the 11th and 12th grade Academic Dean; she also teaches English at Pacific Ridge. As a practitioner of the Harkness method, Grossman has found that students take ownership of the material they study and are highly engaged in the classroom.

The benefit lies in the result: deeper learning. Grossman has found that her students engage in a higher level of discourse and richer conversation due to the amount of practice they get in public speaking every day. "[College reps] are just amazed by our students and their ability to articulate," Grossman says. The extensive discussions held in the classroom involve daily practice in critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration skills.

In fact, collaboration is another stone in the school’s foundation of academic excellence. One teacher facilitating collaboration is Richard Masland, who leads the multi-faceted, multi-subject STEAM projects. The projects are as diverse as they are fascinating. For example, Masland melds podcasting and history for a class project that invites students to take a formal research paper and transform it into an auditory medium. He also co-teaches a section on computer programming in the Life Science classroom and helps the foreign language classes produce TV segments. The collaborative efforts all have a decidedly tech twist, but he also helps facilitate projects among the arts as well as more traditional school subjects.

"As an extension of the Harkness philosophy, the projects are designed for all grades to leverage technology and an interdisciplinary approach," Masland says. Interdisciplinary study is something that Pacific Ridge fosters on its campus and part of what makes the education here a well-rounded academic experience for students. "Ultimately, I think that both this collaborative learning model and the Harkness method are designed to simulate the world outside of schooling," Masland adds. "Interdisciplinary teams work well together and I think that encouraging students to use their whole brain all the time is something that will serve them in the future."

If the teaching style at Pacific Ridge sounds different and exciting, that’s because it is. The nontraditional methods melded with traditional methods effectively prepare students for a purposeful life, even beyond the classroom. Students learn how to adapt in an ever-changing world, to collaborate and ultimately to solve new problems through critical thinking and relevant hands-on practice. Learning doesn’t have to occur in a vacuum, and if the world is going to evolve, teaching should be evolving too.

Learn more about Pacific Ridge School and its mission to foster a community of academic excellence, ethical responsibility and global engagement at the upcoming Open House on November 4th, 1pm. Visit pacificridge.org.

Grades 7-12

6269 El Fuerte Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009

760.448.9820, pacificridge.org

Santa Fe Christian Schools

Academic excellence is not just part of the mission statement at Santa Fe Christian Schools (SFC) − it’s a way of life. Applying a rigorous curriculum combined with a biblical world view, the faculty and staff create an engaging environment that encourages students to succeed.

The model for success works, and the Department of Education recognizes the school’s dedication to learning and faith; both the Lower School and Middle School were named National Blue Ribbon Schools. In 2015, Santa Fe Christian Middle School was also recognized as an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School, one of only two private schools in California to earn such a distinction.

"Our vision at Santa Fe Christian is to be a model for world-class Christian education, and receiving the National Blue Ribbon as an Exemplary High Performing School is a significant step toward that goal," says Todd Deveau, Principal of SFC Middle School.

Students at SFC are adequately challenged in lower, middle and upper school, and they build Christ-centered relationships along the way that pave the way for success in both college and life. The Upper School proudly announces a 100% acceptance rate of its graduates to 4-year colleges.

Through arts, athletics, academics and a Christian community, students are gaining skills for life. Santa Fe Christian Schools strives to challenge, inspire and guide students as they discover their interests, develop talents and deepen their Christian faiths.

Through weekly chapel, frequent retreats, and yearly missions trips, the school prides itself on strengthening faith, friendship and moral integrity. Head of School Dr. Tom Bennett states, "Each day our dedicated faculty continues to build on our legacy of academic excellence while preparing students to be Christian leaders of the future."

Kindergarten-Grade 12

838 Academy Drive, Solana Beach, CA

858-755-8900

Listed Below Made The Best Private Schools List In 2013

[Updated] In San Diego County, a variety of schools present families with the opportunity to find pedagogy that forms to the needs and internal desires of their children. The following eight private and independent schools present diverse options to help students reach their personal best.

7. Horizon Prep In Rancho Santa Fe 

Preschool – Grade 10

6233 El Apajo Road

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

858-746-5599

Information from 2013 - Formerly offering preschool through eighth grade, Horizon Prep is offering high school grades 9 and 10 starting fall 2013, with plans to expand to include grades 11 in 2014 and 12 in 2015. The graduating class of 2016 will be the first to cross the stage at Horizon Prep.

Tutition

For preschool, tuition costs $4,050 to $8,820 annually, while pre-kindergarten falls between $6,318 and $8,820, depending on the number of days enrolled. Tuition starts at $12,300 for kindergarten through fifth grade, and increases to $17,520 for high school.

6. The Grauer School

Grades 6 – 12

1500 S. El Camino Real

Encinitas, CA 92024

760-944-6777

Information from 2013 - The "small schools" movement in the United States creates the opportunity for individualized attention for students to expand their educational opportunities. The Grauer School has established itself as leader, accepting a select 150 students for class sizes capping at about 12. This college preparatory school extends beyond the classroom to support students as they discover their life purposes. Through a humanitarian environment, leadership opportunities and education expeditions, The Grauer School upholds the vision that "graduates will become humanitarian, ethical and exemplary leaders."

"I wanted the whole world to be my campus… here we use an expeditionary approach." - Dr. Stuart Grauer

Founder and visionary Dr. Stuart Grauer is a world traveler, a passionate educator and articulate expert on the matter of independent education. "I wanted the whole world to be my campus…here we use an expeditionary approach," he explained. "Human beings are naturally curious. The Grauer School is constantly seeking spaces in and out of classroom, with individual students to provide opportunities so kids can exercise that natural curiosity and we balance that with our requirements for college preparatory."

Grades 6 through 12 have a variety of options for enrollment as 160 courses are offered at The Grauer School. In the classroom, the student-teacher ratio is low at about 7 to 1. For those requiring more interaction on a personal level, several student support programs are available through The Grauer School mentoring. The 3 – 5 Homework Program sets aside two hours Monday through Thursday for students to have hands-on interaction and answer coursework questions. One-on-one classes, where a faculty member teaches a student individually, take this a step further. A third option is educational mentoring that is available to students who want educational and organizational assistance, as well as the option for private mentoring. Only full-time students have this option available with limited enrollment. This program is set up to work on social, homework and tutoring matters.

This school year’s tuition is estimated to range from $22,000 to $23,500, with an annual enrollment fee of $1,700 to $2,200. This includes most field trips, comprehensive college placement counseling and academic, athletic and arts programming, as well as the Expeditionary Learning program.

Every student at The Grauer School steps out of the classroom for these twice annual, week long expeditions, one in the fall and one in the spring or winter. Activities include a range from hiking, backpacking and climbing to humanitarian work like building homes. At the essence of it, students are learning to communicate with nature, volunteer and team build. Through these excursions, students broaden their education experiences in the arts, culture and geography, as well as physical and social challenges, community service, and student reflection. The expeditions also provide another method to practice resourcefulness, compassion and humanitarian service, which are all a part of the Grauer Philosophy. On average, by graduation, students will have completed well more than 50 hours of community service and typically eight weeks of expeditions. Through its range of educational offerings to students in and out of the classroom, The Grauer School holds true to its credo: "Our students mean the world to us."

5. Santa Fe Christian Schools

Kindergarten – Grade 12

838 Academy Drive

Solana Beach, CA 92075

858-755-8900

Information from 2013 - "Open Hearts, Open Doors" symbolizes the promise of Santa Fe Christian Schools. It commits to honor students and their families while they are enrolled and in the time following.

This also embraces the culture and passion as it aims to expand minds, build faith and enrich lives. The Solana Beach campus consists of three schools: Lower (kindergarten through grade 5), middle (grades 6 to 8) and upper (grades 9 to 12). Each year, the middle and upper school students select a theme and scripture verse for the lower school to adopt. Small class sizes of about 20 ensure individual opportunities for success.

In 2013, 87 percent of seniors received college merit scholarships. Santa Fe Christian also offers a preschool in Encinitas.

4. Maranatha Christian Schools

Preschool – Grade 12

9050 Maranatha Drive

San Diego, CA 92127

858-759-9737

Maranatha Christian Schools help students build the fundamentals for lifelong achievement. Students are encouraged to grow in multiple areas, including sports, arts and academics.

Small class sizes, enrichment programs and technology integration support students from preschool to grade 12 and build the school’s core values: faith, honor and diligence. The school started a private school satellite program for homeschooled students this year. This flexible program works with families and provides athletes an opportunity to meet NCAA and CIF eligibility requirements through its sports programs. Non-athletes are also welcome to enroll on campus for classes if desired. Tuition starts at $7,908 for kindergarten through fifth grade, and goes up to $9,689 for high school.

3. La Jolla Country Day School

Age 3 – Grade 12

9490 Genesee Ave.

La Jolla, CA 92037

858-453-3440

Information from 2013 -  Fostering scholars, artists and athletes, La Jolla Country Day School maintains its moral and ethical tone with its Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Students in the lower school (Tiny Torreys through grade 4), middle school (grades 5 to 8) and upper school (grades 9 to 12) participate in small size classes for individualized attention.

About 70 percent of the teachers have postgraduate degrees with an average tenure of 15 years. The curriculum emphasizes global engagement and understanding, and the World Language Program.

Tuition for Tiny Torreys starts at $13,520 and $14,400 for junior kindergarten, while kindergarten through grade 12 ranges from $24,830 to $28,650.

2. The Bishop’s School

Grades 6-12

7607 La Jolla Blvd.

La Jolla, CA 92037

858-459-4021

[Updated October 2017] Since 1909, students have been welcomed to The Bishop’s School community through its annual matriculation ceremony. With a 9-to-1 student-teacher ratio, the upper and middle schools focus on academic stimulation paired with moral and ethical responsibilities.

The middle school serves as a three-year transition between elementary and the upper school. These students learn thematic approaches to coursework to prepare them for high school.

In the upper school, students enter a range of studies to prepare them for college and their life goals. Tuition for the 2017-2018 school year it is $35,150. The Bishop’s School awards about 20 percent of its students about $3 million annually in financial aid.

1. Francis Parker School

Junior Kindergarten – Grade 5

4201 Randolph St.

San Diego, CA, 92103

619-298-9110

Grades 6 – 12

6501 Linda Vista Road

San Diego, CA, 92111

858-569-0621

Information from 2013 - As San Diego’s oldest independent, non-denominational, coeducational day school, Francis Parker School presents a successful history of educating students since 1912. The student-faculty ratio is 10-to-1 for the more than 1,230 students in the lower, middle and upper schools on two campuses.

For junior kindergarten, tuition costs $18,000 and goes up to $27,300 for grade 12. One step Francis Parker School takes to prepare its students for the technologically advancing world is through its iPad Initiative; this school year is the first students in grades 6 – 9 will be required to use iPads to replace some course textbooks with e-books.

In a few years, grades 10 – 12 will also participate in this 1-to-1 computing environment.