The Best Private Schools in Daly City, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Daly City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
West Bay Montessori School
West Bay Montessori
West Bay Montessori School is a highly-regarded private school located directly in Daly City, offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 2-6. The school features a nurturing environment with experienced AMI-certified teachers, beautiful classrooms with natural materials, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, individualized learning approach, and excellent preparation for elementary education.
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Katherine Delmar Burke School
Independent
Located in nearby San Francisco, Burke's is one of the Bay Area's premier independent schools for girls, serving families from Daly City and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional STEM education, comprehensive arts integration, and leadership development. Features include state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes with 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and a diverse, inclusive community. The school consistently sends graduates to top high schools and is known for developing confident, capable young women.
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Stratford School - San Mateo
Stratford School
Stratford School in San Mateo serves families throughout the Peninsula, including Daly City, with its acclaimed accelerated academic program. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 5th grade curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, advanced mathematics, and literacy. Features include modern technology labs, dedicated science rooms, art studios, and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school is particularly noted for its academic rigor, experienced faculty, and strong track record of student achievement and parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Daly City, California
What are the main types of private schools available within or very close to Daly City, California, and how do they differ?
Daly City itself has a limited number of private schools, but it is surrounded by a rich concentration of options in neighboring communities. The primary types include Montessori schools like West Bay Montessori School in Daly City, independent K-8 schools like Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco (just north of Daly City), and private college-preparatory institutions like Stratford School in San Mateo. These differ significantly in educational philosophy: Montessori focuses on child-led, hands-on learning; Burke's is an all-girls school with a strong emphasis on leadership and STEM; and Stratford offers a structured, accelerated academic program. Many Daly City families also consider Catholic schools like Our Lady of Mercy School and schools in the broader San Mateo County.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Daly City, CA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Daly City area is generally at or above the California private school average due to the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 for elementary grades at local parochial schools to over $40,000 for upper grades at elite independent schools like Burke's. Most established private schools in this region offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 plans can be used for K-12 private tuition, and some schools offer payment plans to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Daly City residents that leverage the Bay Area's resources?
Private schools in this region often integrate the Bay Area's tech, environmental, and cultural resources into their programs. For example, Stratford School emphasizes coding, robotics, and science labs from an early age. Schools like Katherine Delmar Burke School offer unique partnerships with Bay Area tech companies and universities for mentorship and research projects. Many schools also have strong outdoor and environmental education programs, utilizing nearby locations like the Pacific coastline, San Bruno Mountain, and various state parks for science and ecology studies. Language immersion programs (Spanish and Mandarin are common) and robust arts partnerships with San Francisco institutions are also notable features.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Daly City/San Mateo County area?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For most schools (like Burke's and Stratford), the admission process for the following fall starts in August or September, with open houses running through October. Application deadlines are typically in early January. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, student assessments or visits, and parent interviews. Notification dates are generally in mid-March. For popular Montessori and parochial schools in Daly City proper, it's advisable to inquire at least a year in advance, as waitlists can form quickly. We strongly recommend attending fall open houses and checking each school's website for specific dates, as they are strictly adhered to.
For families in Daly City, what are the key considerations when deciding between a top-rated public school in the Jefferson Elementary or Jefferson Union High School District and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on several Daly City-specific factors. The public schools in these districts are generally well-regarded and offer a strong, tuition-free education with diverse populations. Choosing private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (Montessori, single-gender, religious), smaller class sizes, or a more accelerated curriculum not bound by state testing requirements. Logistics are a major consideration: private options may require a commute to San Mateo, San Francisco, or other suburbs, impacting daily schedules. Financially, the cost of private tuition must be weighed against the potential savings from not needing to move to an even more expensive public school district. Many families also value the community and network that a private school can provide within the broader Bay Area.
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