The Best Private Schools in San Bruno, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Bruno. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Nueva School
The Nueva School
The Nueva School is a nationally recognized independent school serving gifted and talented students from preschool through high school. Located just minutes from San Bruno in San Mateo, Nueva is renowned for its innovative approach to education that emphasizes design thinking, social-emotional learning, and interdisciplinary studies. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, makerspaces, and performing arts centers. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, Nueva provides an exceptional educational experience that consistently ranks among the top private schools in the Bay Area.
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Stratford School - Millbrae
Stratford School
Stratford School's Millbrae campus serves families throughout the San Bruno area with a comprehensive private education from preschool through middle school. The school is known for its rigorous academic program that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) throughout the curriculum. With modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, and technology-integrated learning spaces, Stratford provides a well-rounded education that includes foreign language instruction, arts, and athletics. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Catherine of Siena School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco
St. Catherine of Siena School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located in nearby Burlingame, serving students from San Bruno and surrounding communities from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers a balanced education that combines strong academics with faith formation and character development. Features include modern technology integration, a comprehensive STEM program, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school community is known for its welcoming environment and strong parent involvement, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top Catholic and private high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Bruno, California
What are the main private school options available for families residing in San Bruno, California?
San Bruno itself has a limited number of private schools, leading many families to look at highly-regarded institutions in neighboring cities within San Mateo County. A prominent local option is St. Catherine of Siena School, a Catholic K-8 school in the heart of San Bruno. For broader choices, families commonly consider schools like The Nueva School (PreK-12) in nearby Hillsborough, known for its gifted and talented program, and Stratford School in Millbrae, offering a rigorous, project-based curriculum from preschool through middle school. Other nearby options include schools in Burlingame, San Mateo, and South San Francisco, making the private school landscape for San Bruno residents regional in nature.
How does the tuition for private schools in the San Bruno, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the San Bruno area is typically higher than the California state average due to the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the 2023-2024 academic year, K-8 tuition often ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+, while high school tuition can exceed $50,000 at elite institutions like The Nueva School. However, most established private schools in the region offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher program, but the California Credit Union offers education loans, and some families utilize the Coverdell ESA or 529 plan savings.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from San Bruno?
The private schools accessible from San Bruno offer distinct specializations. The Nueva School is internationally recognized for its social-emotional learning (SEL) framework and innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum designed for gifted learners. Stratford School in Millbrae emphasizes STEM, Mandarin and Spanish language programs, and a structured, advanced academic track from an early age. St. Catherine of Siena School provides a faith-based education with a strong core curriculum and community service focus. Furthermore, given the proximity to Silicon Valley, many area schools integrate technology, coding, and design thinking into their programs in unique ways not always available in local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the San Bruno area?
The enrollment timeline for Bay Area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For most schools, including those popular with San Bruno families, the process starts in August or September a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (Fall), submitting applications (typically due in January), completing student assessments/interviews (Winter), and receiving decisions (March). Many schools adhere to the common notification dates set by the Bay Area Independent School Association (BAISA). It is vital to plan ahead, as waitlists for popular grades can be long. We recommend contacting schools like Stratford or St. Catherine of Siena directly, as their timelines may have slight variations.
For a San Bruno resident, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private school options in the region?
San Bruno residents should consider several local factors. The San Bruno Park School District and the Hillsborough City Elementary School District (for some residents) serve the public school population. Key considerations include: class size (private schools often have smaller ratios), specific academic philosophies (e.g., project-based, gifted, or faith-based), and program consistency. Private schools may offer more specialized arts, languages, or STEM labs. However, the financial commitment is significant. Transportation is also a practical concern; while San Bruno public schools provide neighborhood access, private options often require commuting to Millbrae, Hillsborough, or beyond. Many parents weigh the tailored environment of a private school against the community investment and no-cost option of their local public school.
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