The Best Private Schools in Ssf, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ssf. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mercy High School Burlingame
Mercy High School
Mercy High School is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving South San Francisco and the broader peninsula area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate, featuring Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service, with a strong track record of academic excellence and student success.
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St. Gregory School
Catholic Schools of San Mateo
St. Gregory School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary school serving families throughout the peninsula including South San Francisco. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, faith formation, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science lab, library, and outdoor play areas. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with strong community involvement and excellent student outcomes.
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Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School is a prestigious co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the peninsula region including South San Francisco families. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, modern athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The community emphasizes holistic education with extensive extracurricular opportunities and service learning programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ssf, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in South San Francisco, CA, and are there any located directly within the city limits?
While South San Francisco (SSF) itself has a limited number of standalone private K-12 campuses, families commonly look to excellent neighboring communities on the Peninsula. Directly in SSF, you'll find St. Gregory School for grades K-8. For high school, top-rated options like Mercy High School Burlingame (all-girls) and Notre Dame High School (co-ed) in Belmont are very accessible, typically a 15-20 minute commute. This pattern means SSF residents have a strong regional network of private schools to consider, often requiring a short drive to adjacent cities.
How does the tuition for private schools in the South San Francisco area compare to the broader Bay Area, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools accessible to SSF families, like Mercy, Notre Dame, and St. Gregory, is generally in line with the high cost of living in the Bay Area, often ranging from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually for high school. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. California also has the California Credit Union School-Business Partnership Tax Credit program, which some schools utilize to provide additional tuition assistance.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools serving South San Francisco, CA, students?
Schools in this area leverage their proximity to Silicon Valley and biotech hubs like those in SSF. Notre Dame High School and Mercy High School Burlingame offer strong STEM pathways, robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech companies. Mercy has a renowned Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program. For younger students, St. Gregory School emphasizes a faith-based, whole-child education with technology integration. Many schools also have exceptional visual and performing arts programs, taking advantage of the broader cultural resources of the San Francisco metropolitan area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Mercy and Notre Dame for a student from South San Francisco?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade entry, families should attend open houses in the fall (September-October) of the student's 8th-grade year. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January. This often includes submitting the application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and taking a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT). Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. It's essential to plan ahead, as waiting lists are common for these sought-after schools.
For families in South San Francisco considering the choice, what are key differences between the SSF Unified public school district and the nearby private school options?
The SSF Unified School District offers a diverse public education with various programs. Key differences with private options include: **Class Size:** Private schools like St. Gregory, Mercy, and Notre Dame typically have significantly smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. **Curriculum Flexibility:** Private schools often have more freedom in their curriculum, allowing for deeper religious education (if faith-based) or specialized academic tracks. **Resources:** While public schools are funded by the state, private schools fundraise actively and may have newer facilities or specialized labs, but they also charge tuition. **Community:** Private schools often foster a specific community ethos (e.g., all-girls environment at Mercy) that some families seek. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, budget, and the specific needs of the child.
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