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Discover Private Schools in San Francisco, Marin & the North Bay
Choosing the right San Francisco private school or North Bay private school is an important step for families.
From San Francisco, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Healdsburg,
the region offers a rich mix of Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Montessori, Waldorf, bilingual, IB, STEM-focused, progressive, and special-needs schools.
Whether you are looking for preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, families have access to some of the most diverse educational options in Northern California.
Our guide includes in-depth school profiles and city-by-city directories, as well as
the San Francisco & North Bay School Open House Calendar
— the most up-to-date resource for admissions events, tours, and open houses. These events give parents the chance to connect with educators, explore campuses,
and learn how schools support student success.
City-Specific Private School Highlights
- San Francisco private schools – Catholic schools, Jewish day schools, bilingual immersion programs, Montessori and Waldorf preschools, and nationally recognized high schools with AP and IB programs.
- Marin County private schools – Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Larkspur, and San Rafael offer Montessori, Catholic, Waldorf, and independent schools with outdoor and arts emphasis.
- Novato private schools – Faith-based schools, Montessori programs, and independent K–12 schools with strong academics and athletics.
- Petaluma private schools – Catholic academies, bilingual schools, and Waldorf programs serving preschool through high school.
- Santa Rosa private schools – Montessori and Waldorf schools, Catholic K–12 options, and independent schools with advanced STEM and arts programming.
- Sebastopol & Healdsburg private schools – Waldorf-inspired education, bilingual immersion, and progressive programs rooted in community and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco & North Bay Private Schools
What types of private schools are in San Francisco and the North Bay?
Families can choose from Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Montessori, Waldorf, bilingual/dual-immersion, IB, progressive, STEM, and special-needs schools covering preschool through high school.
Which cities in San Francisco and the North Bay have private schools?
Private schools are found across San Francisco, Marin (Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael, Novato), and Sonoma (Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg).
How much do private schools cost in San Francisco and Marin/North Bay?
Tuition ranges from under $10,000 at smaller faith-based schools to $50,000+ at selective K–12 institutions. Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and sliding-scale tuition options.
Are there bilingual or dual-immersion schools in San Francisco and the North Bay?
Yes. Families will find Spanish-English, French-English, and Mandarin-English immersion programs in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma counties.
Do San Francisco & Marin private schools offer IB or AP programs?
Several independent high schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, while others provide a full range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
How do North Bay private schools support students with learning differences?
Some schools specialize in ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and twice-exceptional learners. Others provide small class sizes, resource specialists, and tailored academic support.
When are San Francisco & North Bay open houses and admissions events?
Most schools host open houses and admissions events in the fall and winter. Families can view current schedules on the
San Francisco & North Bay School Open House Calendar
.
What extracurricular opportunities are offered?
Extracurriculars include athletics, music, theater, STEM labs, robotics, outdoor education, and service-learning projects. Programs vary by school and community.
Do private schools in San Francisco and the North Bay include preschool programs?
Yes. Many private institutions include preschools alongside elementary and middle schools, offering a seamless path through high school.
Are there boarding schools in San Francisco or the North Bay?
Most schools in San Francisco and the North Bay are day schools. However, families may consider nearby Bay Area boarding schools for residential options.
