Discover Private Schools in Silicon Valley & the Peninsula
Choosing the right Silicon Valley private school or Peninsula private school is one of the most important decisions for your family.
From Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and San Mateo to Burlingame, Hillsborough, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and San Jose,
this region offers hundreds of top-rated preschool through high school programs. Options range from
Catholic and Christian schools to Jewish day schools, Montessori and Waldorf programs, bilingual and dual-immersion schools, STEM academies, IB diploma schools, progressive independent schools, and specialized programs for students with learning differences or advanced talents.
Our guide not only profiles schools city by city but also highlights
upcoming open houses and admissions events
across the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. These events allow families to tour campuses, meet teachers,
and understand each school’s curriculum, culture, and community before applying.
City-Specific Private School Highlights
- Palo Alto private schools – elite high schools, Montessori preschools, and IB programs.
- Menlo Park private schools – progressive K–8 programs, Catholic and Christian academies.
- Redwood City private schools – bilingual Spanish-English schools, faith-based programs, project-based learning.
- San Mateo private schools – Montessori, STEM, and Catholic schools with rolling admissions.
- Burlingame & Hillsborough private schools – long-established independent schools with strong academics and arts.
- Los Altos & Mountain View private schools – immersion, progressive, and STEM-focused high schools.
- Sunnyvale & Cupertino private schools – STEM and global citizenship programs at the heart of Silicon Valley.
- Santa Clara private schools – Catholic K–8, Montessori, and rigorous high schools with college counseling.
- San Jose private schools – Catholic high schools, Jewish day schools, bilingual preschools, and independent academies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peninsula & Silicon Valley Private Schools
What types of private schools are in Silicon Valley and the Peninsula?
Families can choose from Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Montessori, Waldorf, bilingual/dual-immersion, IB, progressive, STEM-focused, arts-based, and special-needs schools, covering preschool through 12th grade.
Which Peninsula and Silicon Valley cities have private schools?
Private schools are found in every community, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and San Jose.
How much do private schools cost in Silicon Valley and the Peninsula?
Tuition varies from under $10,000 at some faith-based schools to $50,000+ at selective K–12 academies. Many schools provide financial aid, scholarships, or sliding-scale tuition based on family income.
Are there bilingual or dual-language schools in the Peninsula?
Yes. Families will find Spanish-English, Mandarin-English, French-English, and other immersion programs in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Mountain View, and beyond.
Do Silicon Valley private schools offer IB or AP programs?
Several high schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, while others feature Advanced Placement (AP) courses, ensuring students are competitive for top universities worldwide.
How do Peninsula private schools support students with special needs?
Some schools specialize in ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and twice-exceptional learners, while others offer resource specialists, individualized support, and small class sizes.
When are open houses and admissions events held?
Most schools host open houses in the fall and winter (October–February). For current events, visit the
Peninsula & Silicon Valley School Open House Calendar.
What extracurricular programs are available?
Extracurriculars range from sports, music, and theater to robotics, STEM labs, service learning, and leadership programs. Offerings vary by school and city.
Do private schools in Silicon Valley offer preschool as well as K–12?
Yes. Many institutions include preschool and elementary divisions, allowing students to transition smoothly through middle and high school in one community.
Are there boarding schools in the Peninsula or Silicon Valley?
Most schools are day schools, though families may explore nearby Bay Area boarding schools if seeking residential options.
