The Best Private Schools in San Carlos, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Carlos. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Menlo School
Menlo School
Menlo School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school located in nearby Atherton, serving students from San Carlos and surrounding communities. With a century-long tradition of academic excellence, Menlo offers a challenging curriculum including extensive AP course offerings and innovative programs in entrepreneurship and technology. The school features exceptional facilities including the new STEM Center, state-of-the-art arts complex, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its supportive community and outstanding faculty, Menlo emphasizes both academic achievement and character development, with graduates consistently gaining admission to highly selective colleges and universities.
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Sacred Heart Preparatory
Sacred Heart Schools
Sacred Heart Preparatory is a highly-regarded Catholic independent school located just minutes from San Carlos in Atherton. Founded in 1898, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive extracurricular program that includes championship athletics, extensive arts offerings, and community service opportunities. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with graduates consistently attending top universities nationwide.
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Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women located in adjacent Belmont, easily accessible from San Carlos. Founded in 1952, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and empowering young women leaders. The curriculum includes comprehensive college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and specialized programs in STEM, arts, and athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a focus on developing confident, capable young women, Notre Dame offers a supportive community environment and maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending competitive universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Carlos, California
What are the main types of private schools available to families residing in San Carlos, California?
San Carlos itself is home to several well-regarded private elementary and middle schools, such as St. Charles School (Catholic, K-8) and The Carey School (independent, PreK-5). For high school, while there are no private high schools within the strict city limits of San Carlos, families commonly look to prestigious neighboring institutions. These include Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton (co-ed, 9-12), Menlo School in Atherton (co-ed, 6-12), and Notre Dame High School in Belmont (all-girls, 9-12). The broader Peninsula offers a rich ecosystem of independent, Catholic, and specialty schools, all easily accessible from San Carlos.
How does the tuition for private schools in the San Carlos area compare to the California state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools in the San Carlos and surrounding Peninsula area is among the highest in California, reflecting the regional cost of living and the caliber of institutions. For the 2023-2024 school year, high school tuition at schools like Sacred Heart Preparatory or Menlo School often exceeds $55,000. Elementary schools typically range from $30,000 to $40,000. This is significantly above the state average for private schools. However, these schools also offer substantial need-based financial aid programs. It is common for 20-30% of the student body to receive aid, with many schools having "need-blind" admission policies. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private high schools near San Carlos, CA?
Private high schools in the San Carlos vicinity are known for exceptional STEM, entrepreneurship, and arts programs, closely tied to Silicon Valley. Menlo School has a renowned Knight Lab for journalism and technology, and a robust entrepreneurship program. Sacred Heart Preparatory features a cutting-edge Applied Science and Engineering program and a comprehensive global education initiative. Notre Dame High School emphasizes leadership and social justice through its Beloved Community initiative and offers strong visual and performing arts. Many schools also leverage their location with internships, speaker series featuring tech leaders, and advanced research opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving San Carlos, CA families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired enrollment year (e.g., August/September for entry the following September). Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (September-November), 2) Submitting applications (usually due in early January), 3) Completing student assessments and interviews (January-February), and 4) Receiving decisions (mid-March). For popular elementary schools like The Carey School, applying two years in advance for Pre-K or Kindergarten is advisable. Given the competitiveness, especially for high school entry from public middle schools, thorough preparation for standardized tests (like the ISEE or HSPT) and securing teacher recommendations are critical components.
For a family living in San Carlos, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated public school district and private school options?
San Carlos is famous for its excellent public school district ("The San Carlos School District" for K-8 and "Sequoia Union High School District" for 9-12), which is a major draw for families. The decision often hinges on several factors: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific pedagogical philosophies (e.g., religious, progressive, or highly college-preparatory) that may differ from the standard public curriculum. **Class Size:** Private schools generally have much smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 vs. 25:1+ in public). **Resource Allocation:** Private schools can direct resources to specialized facilities, programs, and teacher salaries without state funding constraints. **Convenience vs. Choice:** Attending a local public school is tuition-free and community-centric, while opting for a private school often involves a commute to a neighboring town and significant financial investment. Many families in San Carlos choose public elementary and then consider private options for high school to access specific programs or a different social environment.
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