Top 10 Private High Schools in Sacramento in 2027

1. Jesuit High School Sacramento

Jesuit High School ranks first because of near-universal four-year college matriculation and the deepest AP catalog in the Sacramento region. The all-boys Catholic prep in Carmichael enrolls roughly 1,050 students at about $22,000 per year, placing graduates across the UC system, Santa Clara, and Notre Dame. Strong athletics, service programs, and an engaged alumni network complete a flagship college-prep profile.

This school suits families committed to a rigorous, faith-based single-sex environment, which is not right for everyone. It trades coeducation and a lower price point for elite outcomes and program breadth. Against St. Francis below, Jesuit offers a larger male-focused network and slightly higher tuition, though both deliver comparable college placement.

2. St. Francis High School Sacramento

St. Francis High School ranks second as Sacramento's premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory, serving roughly 900 young women at about $21,000 per year. It posts near-universal college matriculation with broad AP offerings and particularly strong STEM and arts programs. Graduates regularly enter the UC system and selective private universities, making it the top choice for college-bound young women.

This school is for families seeking a supportive single-sex Catholic environment emphasizing academic rigor and female empowerment. It trades coeducation and a slightly lower tuition than Jesuit for a tailored girls' culture. Against Jesuit above, St. Francis offers comparable academics with a distinct community focus, while Christian Brothers below provides a coed alternative at lower cost.

3. Christian Brothers High School Sacramento

Christian Brothers High School ranks third as the best value private high school in Sacramento, with tuition around $18,500 and broad need-based financial aid. This coed Lasallian Catholic school enrolls roughly 1,100 students and delivers strong college-prep outcomes, with graduates matriculating widely across the UC and CSU systems. Its below-market tuition relative to secular independents keeps it affordable without sacrificing academic quality.

This school is for families wanting a coed Catholic education with a diverse, urban campus and generous aid. It trades smaller class sizes and some independence for a larger, more affordable community. Against St. Francis above, Christian Brothers offers a coed environment and lower cost, but St. Francis holds a stronger reputation for STEM and arts among single-sex schools.

4. Sacramento Country Day School

Sacramento Country Day School ranks fourth as the leading independent, non-sectarian prep in the region, with tuition around $28,000 per year. Enrolling fewer than 700 students across all grades, its small high school division posts 100% college matriculation and low student-teacher ratios. Graduates place well at selective colleges, making it the top secular independent option for families prioritizing small classes.

This school is for families who want a non-religious, individualized college-prep environment and can afford the highest tuition tier. It trades the breadth of athletics and electives found at larger Catholic preps for personalized attention. Against Christian Brothers above, Country Day offers a secular setting and smaller classes, but at significantly higher cost with fewer program offerings.

5. Capital Christian School Sacramento

Capital Christian School ranks fifth as a solid, affordable faith-based option, with tuition around $13,500 per year. This coed Christian school in Sacramento serves a large K-12 enrollment with a substantial high school division, pairing a faith-based curriculum with college-prep academics and AP courses. Its strong athletics program and moderate tuition make it a practical choice for families seeking Christian education.

This school is for families who want an explicitly religious curriculum at a lower cost than Catholic or independent peers. It trades the depth of AP offerings and elite college placement of the top preps for affordability and faith integration. Against Sacramento Country Day above, Capital Christian offers a much lower price and a Christian environment, but with fewer advanced courses and a larger student body.

6. Cristo Rey High School Sacramento

Cristo Rey High School Sacramento ranks sixth for its income-based corporate work-study model, which keeps net tuition extremely low for eligible families. This coed Catholic school serves students from limited means, helping them fund their education through professional placements. It posts strong college-acceptance rates among first-generation students, making it an outstanding college-prep value for income-eligible families.

This school is for lower-income families who qualify based on financial need and want a work-study experience that builds professional skills. It trades a broader program range and traditional campus life for affordability and career exposure. Against Capital Christian above, Cristo Rey offers a far lower net cost and a Catholic mission, but requires income eligibility and has a smaller program scope.

7. Sacramento Adventist Academy

Sacramento Adventist Academy ranks seventh as a strong choice for Seventh-day Adventist and faith-focused families, with tuition around $11,500 per year. This small school in Carmichael offers a faith-based college-prep curriculum with a supportive community and solid college placement. Its moderate tuition and small student body provide an affordable, personalized educational environment.

This school is for families who prioritize a close-knit religious community over extensive program offerings. It trades limited AP and elective options and a small athletics program for lower cost and individualized attention. Against Cristo Rey above, Sacramento Adventist Academy offers a more traditional faith-based setting but lacks the work-study model and income-based tuition structure.

8. Brookfield School Sacramento

Brookfield School ranks eighth as a small, individualized non-sectarian program with tuition around $17,000 per year. It offers very low student-teacher ratios and a college-prep focus, serving families who want personalized attention outside the large Catholic preps. The school's small size ensures that each student receives significant individual instruction.

This school is for families who prioritize individualized attention over program breadth and a large alumni network. It trades limited athletics, electives, and extracurriculars for a highly personalized learning environment. Against Sacramento Adventist Academy above, Brookfield offers a secular curriculum and similar small classes, but at a higher tuition and without the faith-based community.

9. Faith Christian School Roseville

Faith Christian School ranks ninth as a practical, affordable faith-based option for families in the Roseville and Placer County areas, with tuition around $10,500 per year. This coed Christian school offers a college-prep curriculum with a faith-based community and athletics program at a low cost. Its convenient location for north-county families makes it a strong local choice.

This school is for families seeking an affordable Christian education outside the Sacramento city core. It trades fewer advanced courses and a small enrollment for a low tuition and a close community. Against Brookfield School above, Faith Christian offers a much lower price and a religious curriculum, but with a smaller academic program and less individualized instruction.

10. Sacramento Waldorf School

Sacramento Waldorf School ranks tenth as the best choice for families drawn to arts-integrated Waldorf education, with tuition around $20,000 per year. Located in Fair Oaks, this independent school offers a distinctive curriculum emphasizing experiential learning, the arts, and a non-traditional college-prep pathway. Its large campus and unique philosophy provide a creative alternative to conventional schools.

This school is for families who value a holistic, arts-focused approach over traditional academics and AP courses. It trades a non-traditional curriculum and fewer advanced placement options for a beautiful campus and a distinctive educational philosophy. Against Faith Christian above, Sacramento Waldorf offers a secular, arts-integrated program, but at a significantly higher tuition and with a less conventional academic structure.

How we ranked these

We ranked each school on six weighted criteria: academic performance including test scores and AP depth at 25%, college and post-graduate outcomes at 20%, value and tuition at 15%, teachers and resources at 15%, environment and culture at 15%, and extracurriculars and fit at 10%. Data came from Niche, U.S. News, school profiles, and WASC/WCEA accreditation records, with net cost after financial aid treated as a serious factor rather than sticker price alone.

We deliberately ignored glossy marketing, a single famous alum, and the highest sticker price, since these rarely predict student success. We also avoided ranking single-sex Catholic preps, coed Catholic schools, secular independents, and Christian or Waldorf programs on one scale, because the right environment depends on family values and learning style. Families should request actual college-placement lists and financial-aid participation before committing.

What to look for

The real differentiator between these schools is fit, not rank. A shy student may thrive at Brookfield's tiny classes while a competitive athlete needs Jesuit's breadth. Compare net cost after aid, not sticker price, since Christian Brothers and Cristo Rey can land far below Country Day. Ask each school for its actual college-placement list, not just its acceptance rate.

The mistake most buyers make is choosing on reputation or sticker price alone. A famous name does not guarantee your child thrives, and the most expensive school is not automatically the best. Families also overlook single-sex versus coed fit, commute time, and whether the religious culture matches their values. Visit twice, sit in on classes, and talk to current parents before committing.

Related questions

What are the top public high schools in Sacramento in 2027?

Top public high schools in Sacramento include Mira Loma High School, West Campus High School, and Rio Americano High School, known for strong academics, AP offerings, and college readiness. Rankings often weigh test scores, graduation rates, and extracurricular breadth. For a detailed comparison, see our separate ranking of public schools in the Sacramento area.

How do private high schools in Sacramento compare to those in Massachusetts?

Sacramento private schools like Jesuit and St. Francis offer strong Catholic college prep at $18,000-$22,000 tuition, while Massachusetts schools such as Phillips Academy and Roxbury Latin are more selective, expensive, and have longer histories. Massachusetts also has a higher concentration of elite boarding schools, whereas Sacramento's market is more regional and value-oriented.

What are the best private high schools in California overall?

Top California private high schools include Harvard-Westlake, The Harker School, and Polytechnic School in Southern California, and College Preparatory School in Oakland. These schools typically have higher tuition above $40,000, smaller classes, and stronger national college placement than Sacramento's top schools, which are more affordable and community-focused.

Which private high schools in New York are top-ranked?

Top New York private high schools include Trinity School, Dalton School, and Horace Mann School in NYC, plus The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. These are highly selective, with tuitions above $50,000, and offer extensive AP/IB programs and Ivy League placement. They differ from Sacramento schools in scale, cost, and urban density.

What are the best private high schools in the Raleigh-Durham area?

In Raleigh-Durham, top private schools include Durham Academy, Ravenscroft School, and Cary Academy. These offer strong college prep, with tuitions around $25,000-$30,000, and emphasize STEM and arts. They are comparable to Sacramento Country Day in size and non-sectarian focus, but with a different regional culture.

How do private high schools in Salt Lake City rank?

Salt Lake City's top private schools include Rowland Hall, The Waterford School, and Judge Memorial Catholic High School. These schools are smaller, with tuitions around $20,000-$25,000, and offer strong academics and outdoor programs. They differ from Sacramento schools in their mountain-west culture and smaller market.

How much does private high school cost in Sacramento?

Tuition ranges widely. Cristo Rey is income-based, often near zero for eligible families. Sacramento Adventist Academy runs about $11,500, Capital Christian $13,500, Brookfield $17,000, Christian Brothers $18,500, Sacramento Waldorf $20,000, St. Francis $21,000, Jesuit $22,000, and Sacramento Country Day $28,000. Net cost after financial aid can be significantly lower.

Do Sacramento private high schools require entrance exams?

Most selective schools do. Jesuit, St. Francis, and Christian Brothers typically require the HSPT or a similar placement exam, plus transcripts, recommendations, and sometimes interviews. Sacramento Country Day and Brookfield use their own assessments. Requirements vary, so check each school's admissions page early, since testing windows usually open in the fall.

FAQ

Which private high school is the best overall in Sacramento?

Jesuit High School in Carmichael earns the top spot for its rigorous Catholic college prep, deep AP catalog, and near-universal four-year college matriculation. Its graduates regularly enter the UC system, Santa Clara, Notre Dame, and other selective universities, making it the strongest all-around private high school in the region.

What is the best value private high school in Sacramento?

Christian Brothers High School is our best value. This coed Lasallian Catholic school delivers strong college-prep outcomes at tuition around $18,500, well below secular independents like Sacramento Country Day at $28,000. It also offers broad need-based financial aid, making it an affordable option for families seeking coed Catholic education.

Which Sacramento private high school is best for girls?

St. Francis High School is the region's premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory. Serving about 900 young women, it posts near-universal college matriculation, strong STEM and arts programs, and a supportive all-girls culture. Graduates regularly enter the UC system and private universities, making it the top choice for young women.

Are there affordable private high schools in Sacramento?

Yes. Cristo Rey High School uses an income-based corporate work-study model, where students fund tuition through professional placements, making net cost very low for eligible families. Capital Christian School at $13,500 and Sacramento Adventist Academy at $11,500 also offer faith-based prep at moderate tuition, far below the elite preps.

Do Sacramento private high schools offer financial aid?

Most do. Christian Brothers, Jesuit, and St. Francis all run substantial need-based aid programs, reducing net cost for many families. Cristo Rey is built entirely around an income-eligible model, and even independents like Sacramento Country Day offer aid. Always compare net cost after aid, not sticker price, when evaluating options.

Is a Catholic or independent school better in Sacramento?

Both excel. Catholic preps like Jesuit and St. Francis offer breadth, athletics, and alumni networks, while independents like Sacramento Country Day provide small classes and a non-sectarian setting. The right fit depends on family values and learning style. All-boys or all-girls environments suit some students, while coed or secular settings suit others.

What should I look for when choosing a private high school?

Ask for the school's actual college placement list, not just acceptance rates, to see where graduates truly enroll. Count how many AP and honors courses students complete and pass, not just the catalog size. Compare net cost after financial aid, and weigh religious versus secular, class size, and single-sex versus coed environment based on your student's needs.

How does tuition vary among Sacramento private high schools?

Tuition ranges widely. Cristo Rey is income-based, often near zero for eligible families. Sacramento Adventist Academy is around $11,500, Capital Christian $13,500, Brookfield $17,000, Christian Brothers $18,500, Sacramento Waldorf $20,000, St. Francis $21,000, Jesuit $22,000, and Sacramento Country Day $28,000. Net cost after aid can be significantly lower.

What are the pros and cons of single-sex private schools?

Single-sex schools like Jesuit for boys and St. Francis for girls offer tailored learning environments, strong peer support, and often higher academic engagement. Cons include a lack of coed social interaction and potential discomfort for some students. Families should weigh whether this environment fits their child's personality and educational goals.

How competitive is admission to Sacramento's top private high schools?

Admission to Jesuit, St. Francis, and Sacramento Country Day is competitive, with selective review of grades, test scores, essays, and interviews. Christian Brothers and Capital Christian are somewhat more accessible, while Cristo Rey prioritizes income-eligible applicants. Apply early, since deadlines usually fall in December or January for the following fall.

Sources

• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california
• https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/sacramento-metro-area/
• https://www.greatschools.org/california/sacramento/
• https://www.jhssac.org/
• https://www.cbhs-sacramento.org/
• https://www.stfrancishs.org/
• https://www.saccds.org/
• https://www.cristoreysac.org/
• https://www.acswasc.org/
• https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/

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