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Santa Clara, Santa Clara County · Silicon Valley · 2026–27 Enrollment Guide

Best Private Schools in Santa Clara, CA

Private schools near Santa Clara — rated across 6 categories using reviews from Google, Yelp, Niche.com, and GreatSchools. Average tuition: $20,900/year. Average class ratio: 10:1.

14
Private schools
$20K
Avg tuition/yr
10:1
Avg class ratio
Jan
Aid deadline
Top-rated private schools near Santa Clara
Ratings aggregated from Google, Yelp, Niche.com, GreatSchools, and Indeed staff reviews · 2026
The Harker School
San Jose, CA · Grades PK–12 · Independent · Coed
4.6
Annual tuition: ~$40,000+
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BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
San Jose, CA · Grades K–12 · STEM · Coed
4.4
Annual tuition: ~$27,000
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Cambrian Academy
San Jose, CA · Grades 6–12 · Future-Ready · 84 students
4.4
Annual tuition: ~$18,000
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Fusion Academy Cupertino
Cupertino, CA · Grades 4–12 · 1-to-1 · AI-ready
4.3
Annual tuition: Contact for pricing
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Presentation High School
San Jose, CA · Grades 9–12 · Catholic · All-female
4.5
Annual tuition: $31,220
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Notre Dame High School
San Jose, CA · Grades 9–12 · Catholic · Coed
4.3
Annual tuition: ~$24,000
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About private schools in Santa Clara

Private school landscape in Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara is home to Intel headquarters and Santa Clara University. It sits within the Santa Clara Unified School District, which provides Santa Clara High School and Wilcox High School within Santa Clara Unified. For families seeking private education, St. Lawrence Academy, Jesuit High School (nearby), and The Harker School (10 min) are among the most frequently considered options in and near the city.

Santa Clara has a diverse community with a strong Catholic school tradition tied to Santa Clara University's Jesuit heritage. The city has a high proportion of tech-industry families, and proximity to San Jose's top independent schools makes the broader private school market accessible.

Private school tuition near Santa Clara ranges from approximately $13,000/yr to $40,000+/yr. The average class ratio across private schools in the area is approximately 10:1. Most schools offer need-based financial aid through FACTS or SSS — financial aid applications should be submitted by January 2027 for Fall 2027 enrollment.

How to choose a private school near Santa Clara

When evaluating private schools near Santa Clara, look for specific, verifiable data rather than marketing language. A trustworthy school provides: average class size (not a range — an actual number), student-teacher ratio, named faculty with qualifications, actual college matriculation data for high schools (where students enrolled, not just where they were accepted), and a complete fee schedule including every mandatory charge beyond headline tuition.

The California Department of Education does not regulate, approve, or endorse private K–12 schools — a school's CDE Private School Affidavit is a registration document, not a quality certification. Accreditation from a named body (WASC, WCEA, or NAIS membership) is a more meaningful signal. Verify which accreditor a school uses before treating "accredited" as a trust signal.

For a complete guide to the admissions process, deadlines, financial aid, and what to look for during campus visits, see our San Jose private school admissions timeline. For AI and coding school options, see which private schools near Santa Clara teach AI in 2026.

Data sources: Santa Clara Unified School District · California Department of Education

Frequently asked questions — Santa Clara private schools
What private schools are in Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has approximately 14 private schools including faith-based Catholic and Christian programs and independent schools. The Harker School in adjacent San Jose is 10 minutes away and serves many Santa Clara families. Santa Clara University's Jesuit tradition has strengthened Catholic school culture in the city.
What private schools are near Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara is centrally located in Silicon Valley, putting families within 15–20 minutes of Harker School, BASIS Independent SV, Valley Christian Schools, Notre Dame High School San Jose, and Bellarmine College Prep. Locally, there are several Catholic elementary schools tied to Santa Clara University's Jesuit tradition. Santa Clara Unified public schools are solid but not at the level of Cupertino Union or PAUSD — private school becomes more compelling here for academically advanced students.
What is the best private high school for a Santa Clara student?
Depends on what your child needs. For academic prestige and STEM focus: Harker School ($40,000/yr). For Catholic Jesuit education and strong college prep: Bellarmine College Prep (all-boys, $25,000/yr). For Catholic girls education: Notre Dame High School San Jose or Presentation High School. For evangelical Christian values: Valley Christian Schools ($18,000/yr). For non-traditional learners: Fusion Academy ($30,000/yr, 1-to-1). Visit all schools before deciding — fit matters more than rankings for most students.
How do I start the private school application process in Santa Clara?
Begin in September of the year before you want enrollment. Register for the ISEE or SSAT by October — these exams are required by most competitive private high schools in the area. Schedule school tours in October and November. Most application deadlines fall in December or January. Request financial aid information at the first tour, not after you fall in love with the school — tuition at top schools runs $25,000–$40,000/year, and aid availability varies widely by institution.
How much does private school cost in Santa Clara?
Private school tuition in Santa Clara ranges from approximately $13,000/yr for Catholic elementary programs to $40,000+/yr for elite independent schools. The average is approximately $20,900/yr. Need-based financial aid is available at most schools through FACTS or SSS.
Are there Catholic private schools in Santa Clara?
Yes. Santa Clara has a strong Catholic school tradition connected to Santa Clara University's Jesuit heritage. Catholic private schools in and near Santa Clara serve PreK through 12th grade. Bellarmine College Preparatory (all-male Jesuit, San Jose) and Notre Dame High School (coed Catholic, San Jose) are both within 15 minutes and are among the highest-rated Catholic high schools in the region.
When do Santa Clara private school applications open?
For Fall 2027 enrollment, open houses begin September 2026. Most application deadlines fall December 2026 through February 2027. Financial aid applications should be submitted by January 2027. Contact each school directly for current grade-level availability.
Which Santa Clara private schools are best for STEM?
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (San Jose, 10 minutes) is the strongest STEM-focused private school near Santa Clara, with an internationally benchmarked curriculum emphasizing computer science and advanced mathematics. The Harker School also has strong STEM programs and facilities. For 1-to-1 personalized STEM instruction, Fusion Academy Cupertino (15 minutes) can customize a full science and coding curriculum for individual students.
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