Private Schools in Tahoe City, California

Lake Tahoe School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the entire Lake Tahoe basin, including Tahoe City. The school offers a rigorous academic program for students in Pre-K through 8th grade with small class sizes and personalized attention. Their unique mountain campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and character development. The school's outdoor education program integrates the natural surroundings into daily learning, with skiing, hiking, and environmental science as core components. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.

Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS) is a highly-rated K-8 charter school located in Truckee that serves families throughout the North Lake Tahoe region, including Tahoe City. The school follows the nationally-recognized Expeditionary Learning model, which emphasizes hands-on, experiential education through interdisciplinary projects and outdoor adventures. Students engage in authentic learning experiences that connect classroom studies to real-world applications. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and science spaces, and direct access to outdoor learning environments. SELS is particularly noted for its strong community partnerships, character education program, and commitment to developing lifelong learners who are prepared for high school and beyond.

While not a traditional private school, the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District offers several highly-regarded public school choice and charter programs that serve as private school alternatives for Tahoe City families. These include specialized programs at Tahoe Lake Elementary, the Global Studies program at Kings Beach Elementary, and the International Baccalaureate program at North Tahoe School. These programs feature small class sizes, specialized curricula, and unique educational approaches that rival private school offerings. The district's schools benefit from significant community support, modern facilities including recently renovated campuses, and extensive extracurricular programs. Many Tahoe City families choose these specialized public programs for their academic rigor, diverse student body, and comprehensive educational experiences without private school tuition costs.