The Best Private Schools in Burlingame, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlingame. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crystal Springs Uplands School
Independent
Crystal Springs Uplands School is a highly selective co-educational independent school serving grades 6-12, known for its rigorous academic program and exceptional college placement record. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and global perspectives, preparing students for top-tier universities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and numerous student-led clubs and organizations.
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The Nueva School
Independent
The Nueva School is a nationally recognized independent school serving gifted and talented students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Founded on principles of gifted education, the school emphasizes design thinking, innovation, and social-emotional learning across its curriculum. The campus features innovative learning spaces, including design labs, science facilities, and collaborative classrooms. Nueva's approach integrates deep academic content with hands-on, project-based learning experiences. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers extensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Stratford School - Middle School Campus
Stratford Schools
Stratford School provides a challenging and well-rounded education for students in preschool through middle school. The curriculum emphasizes advanced mathematics, science, and language arts while integrating technology throughout all subject areas. The middle school campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Stratford's approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and character development. The school offers a comprehensive enrichment program including music, art, physical education, and various extracurricular activities. With a strong track record of preparing students for competitive high schools, Stratford maintains high parent satisfaction and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlingame, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Burlingame, CA, and how do they differ?
Burlingame offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including prestigious independent day schools and well-regarded private networks. Top-tier independent schools like Crystal Springs Uplands School (grades 6-12) and The Nueva School (pre-K-12, with its Hillsborough campus nearby) are known for rigorous academics, innovation, and strong college preparation. Stratford School represents a private network model with a structured, accelerated curriculum. Additionally, Burlingame hosts several respected parochial schools (e.g., St. Catherine of Siena) and smaller independent academies. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, selectivity, campus culture, and program focus, from project-based learning to classical education.
How does the competitive admissions timeline for top Burlingame-area private schools like Nueva and Crystal Springs Uplands work?
The admissions process for the most selective schools in the Burlingame area is highly structured and begins very early. For entry in Fall, parents typically need to start the process 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the spring or early fall prior to the enrollment year), submitting applications by early January (often with deadlines between Jan. 1-15), completing student assessments and interviews in January/February, and receiving decisions in mid-March. For kindergarten entry, this means starting tours when your child is 3 or 4 years old. It's crucial to check each school's website, as deadlines are strict, and sibling/legacy applicants may have priority.
What is the range of annual tuition for private schools in Burlingame, CA, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Burlingame-area private schools varies significantly. For the top independent schools like Nueva and Crystal Springs Uplands, tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year ranges from approximately $55,000 to $62,000 for upper grades. Stratford School and other mid-range private schools typically charge between $25,000 and $40,000. Parochial schools are often less, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Importantly, most independent schools offer robust need-based financial aid. For example, Crystal Springs Uplands and Nueva award millions in aid annually, making them accessible to a broader socioeconomic range. California does not have state-funded voucher programs, so aid is primarily school-based. It's essential to apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Burlingame's private schools leverage the local Bay Area environment?
Private schools in Burlingame deeply integrate the resources and culture of the San Francisco Bay Area into their programs. This includes partnerships with Silicon Valley tech companies for internships and mentorship (especially at schools like Nueva, known for its innovation lab), robust STEM and entrepreneurship programs, and environmental science curricula that utilize the nearby coastline and parks. Many schools emphasize global citizenship and languages, reflecting the area's international diversity. Extracurriculars often include unique offerings like competitive sailing, robotics competitions tied to local tech hubs, and easy access to San Francisco's museums and cultural institutions for enrichment trips.
For families considering Burlingame public schools versus private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
The decision in Burlingame is nuanced because the public school district (Burlingame School District and San Mateo Union High School District) is highly rated. Key factors include: **Class Size** (public schools average 25-30 students, while private often have 15-20), **Specialized Programs** (private schools may offer more individualized learning paths, like Nueva's gifted focus or Crystal Springs' college-prep intensity), **Campus Resources** (private schools often have newer facilities and lower student-to-teacher ratios), and **Educational Philosophy** (public schools follow state standards, while private schools have more curricular freedom). Many local families choose private for a specific pedagogical fit or more competitive academic environment, despite the excellent public options and the significant cost of private tuition.
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