Public Schools

The performance of Bay Area public schools varies widely. Test scores are one method of assessing the quality of a school. However, scores alone cannot provide the full picture of the school environment. Take advantage of school "Open Houses", parent tours, speak to the principal and teachers, and speak to parents who currently have children attending.

Almost all public schools have attendance zones, usually the immediate neighborhood. Typically one has no choice of school; your address determines the school.

Always check with the school district to find out what school your children will attend. Sometimes districts change attendance boundaries, and occasionally crowding forces students out of their neighborhood schools.

Private Schools

There are over 700 private schools in the greater Bay Area, offering parochial, non-parochial and foreign-language education as well as boarding options.

Tuition ranges from an average of $3,500 a year for parochial schools (in-parish student) to an average of $10,000 a year for independent elementary schools and up to $20,000+ a year for private high schools.

See the links on the left to help you investigate your Bay Area private school options.

Santa Clara County District Information