Flyover of downtown San Jose with many private school and charter school options

Table of Contents

San Jose Private Schools and Public Schools

Welcome to the vibrant and diverse educational landscape of San Jose, CA. At the heart of our community, you’ll find a wealth of educational opportunities, resources, and a commitment to nurturing young minds from kindergarten through college prep and from public school to private school options for aspiring learners.

Discover a city where education is not just a priority; it’s a way of life. From our outstanding public schools and independent schools in San Jose to exciting school open houses and enriching summer programs, we are here to guide you on your educational journey. San Jose is full of public schools, charter schools, private schools in San Jose, Catholic schools among many, many more.

Whether you’re a parent seeking the perfect school for your child, an educator looking to inspire young learners, or a student eager to explore the world of knowledge, San Jose has something exceptional to offer. College counseling is available at most public and private school options throughout San Jose for those aspiring to higher education and college prep.

Explore our website to find the best schools, stay updated on upcoming open houses, and learn about the exciting summer programs that make San Jose a hub for educational excellence. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and lifelong learning.

Welcome to San Jose’s educational scene – where every dream, every ambition, and every child’s future finds its place.

The Importance of Education and Schools in San Jose from Kindergarten through College Prep

Education is the cornerstone of progress and personal development, and in San Jose, we recognize its pivotal role in shaping the future of our community. High-quality education empowers individuals, drives economic growth, and fosters a strong sense of civic engagement. The best schools in San Jose are some of the best schools in the Bay Area.

When it comes to finding the right school in San Jose, the choices are as diverse as our city itself. Each school offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and community involvement. The decision to choose the right educational institution for your child is a significant one, as it can lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning and success.

At the heart of San Jose’s educational system is a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a global society. Our schools are not just places of learning; they are vibrant hubs of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.

As parents and caregivers, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on your child’s future by choosing the school that aligns with your values and goals. San Jose offers a multitude of options, whether you’re seeking an San Jose public school, private school, indepent school, or charter school, Catholic school, Christian school or Jewish school, each with its unique strengths and focus areas.

Explore the possibilities, attend an open house in San Jose at an San Jose school, and take the time to find the educational environment that best suits your child’s needs and aspirations. Together, we can ensure that every student in San Jose has access to a world-class education that paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Discover San Jose’s Diverse Range of Schools and their Diverse Student Populations

When it comes to education, San Jose shines as a city of opportunity and choice. Our educational landscape is a tapestry woven with public, private, independent, progressive, bilingual, international and charter schools, each offering a unique experience for students and families.

SJUSD San Jose Public School and When Do San Jose Schools Start Classes:

San Jose’s public school system is dedicated to providing accessible and quality education to all students. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, these schools play a vital role in our community.

The first day of school for the 2023-24 School Year is August 10, 2023. Please download a copy of the full SJUSD 2023-24 School Year Calendar.

San Jose Private Schools:

For those seeking a more personalized educational experience, San Jose boasts a selection of esteemed private schools known for their academic excellence and tailored programs. San Jose is full of private elementary, private middle, and private high school choices. There are lots of San Jose independent schools, San Jose Catholic schools and other religious affiliated schools, and Montessori school options for parents to consider. There are both progressive schools in San Jose and traditional.

San Jose Catholic Schools

The history of Catholic schools in San Jose, California, is rich and deeply rooted, dating back to the late 19th century. These schools were established primarily by various Catholic orders, with a mission to provide quality education infused with Catholic values. Over the years, they have evolved significantly, mirroring the city’s growing diversity and changing educational needs. Today, San Jose Catholic schools offer a wide range of choices, from traditional college preparatory academies to those focusing on innovative, project-based learning. They cater to a diverse student body, welcoming families from different cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds. Emphasizing inclusivity and community service, these schools are committed to developing well-rounded individuals. Beyond their strong academic programs, they offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community outreach, ensuring a holistic educational experience. This diversity in school choice reflects the Catholic education system’s adaptation to the modern educational landscape, prioritizing both academic excellence and personal growth.

San Jose Charter Schools:

San Jose, California’s charter school movement has a rich and dynamic history, reflecting the city’s commitment to educational innovation and diversity. The charter schools in San Jose began emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by a desire to provide alternative educational models and address the varying needs of its diverse student population. These schools are known for their unique pedagogical approaches, ranging from Montessori and Waldorf-inspired methods to project-based and technology-integrated curriculums. They cater to a wide array of interests and learning styles, offering specialized programs in STEM, arts, bilingual education, and environmental sustainability. This diversity in educational offerings is mirrored in the student body, with charter schools in San Jose serving a microcosm of the city’s rich cultural and socio-economic diversity. Over the years, these schools have become integral to San Jose’s educational landscape, providing families with more personalized and innovative schooling options and contributing to the broader discourse on public education reform and excellence.

San Jose High School

San Jose’s high school landscape presents a diverse array of educational pathways, catering not only to those aiming for college but also to students seeking different post-graduation avenues. These schools offer a broad spectrum of programs, from vocational training and apprenticeships to specialized courses in arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience, many of these institutions partner with local businesses and organizations to provide hands-on learning opportunities. This approach allows students to explore various career options, develop marketable skills, and even gain certifications in various fields. For those interested in creative or technical professions, there are schools with robust programs in digital media, performing arts, and computer science. Additionally, the focus on holistic education ensures that all students receive a strong foundation in essential academic subjects, life skills, and social-emotional learning, preparing them for a successful future, whether that involves college, immediate entry into the workforce, or other personal goals.

The San Jose area high schools that made the 2023 U.S. News Best High Schools in San Jose

  • Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy in Gilroy
  • Monta Vista High School in Cupertino
  • Lynbrook High School in San Jose
  • Henry M Gunn High School in Palo Alto

College Preparatory Schools:

San Jose offers a rich tapestry of college preparatory school options, catering to a diverse range of educational needs and aspirations. These schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, which are designed to prepare students for the challenges of higher education and beyond. With a focus on holistic development, San Jose’s prep schools provide a blend of advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and personalized guidance, ensuring students are well-equipped for college success. Whether it’s through STEM-focused curricula, arts integration, or a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning, these institutions are dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and personal achievement in a supportive and engaging environment. As families explore these options, they will find a community committed to excellence in education and the future success of its students.

Whether you’re looking for the best schools in San Jose, exploring your educational options, or seeking an institution that aligns with your child’s interests and talents, you’ll find a diverse and thriving community here.

Discover the schools that resonate with your family’s values and aspirations. Our commitment to education in San Jose ensures that every child has the opportunity to access the best possible start on their educational journey.

Explore the possibilities, attend open houses, and embark on an educational adventure that will empower your child to thrive and succeed.

SJUSD San Jose Public Schools and Charter Schools

San Jose SJUSD Elementary Schools

  • A. J. Dorsa Elementary

  • Abram Agnew Elementary

  • Adelante Dual Language Academy

  • Adelante Dual Language Academy II

  • Allen at Steinbeck

  • Almaden Elementary

  • Alpha: Blanca Alvarado

  • Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory

  • Alpha: Jose Hernandez

  • Anderson (Alex) Elementary

  • Anne Darling Elementary

  • Aptitud Community Academy at Goss

  • Bagby Elementary

  • Baldwin (Julia) Elementary

  • Ben Painter Elementary

  • Berryessa Union Elementary

  • Blackford Elementary

  • Booksin Elementary

  • Brooktree Elementary

  • Cadwallader Elementary

  • Canoas Elementary

  • Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary

  • Carlton Elementary

  • Carolyn A. Clark Elementary

  • Cedar Grove Elementary

  • Cherrywood Elementary

  • Christopher Elementary

  • Country Lane Elementary

  • Del Roble Elementary

  • Discovery Charter

  • Discovery Charter II

  • Donald J. Meyer Elementary

  • Easterbrook Discovery

  • Edenvale Elementary

  • Empire Gardens Elementary

  • Ernesto Galarza Elementary

  • Escuela Popular Accelerated Family Learning

  • Evergreen Elementary

  • Fammatre Elementary

  • Farnham Charter

  • Forest Hill Elementary

  • Franklin Elementary

  • Frost (Earl) Elementary

  • G. W. Hellyer Elementary

  • Gardner Elementary

  • George C. Payne Elementary

  • Grant Elementary

  • Graystone Elementary

  • Guadalupe Elementary

  • Gussie M. Baker Elementary

  • Hacienda Science/Environmental Magnet

  • Hammer Montessori at Galarza Elementary

  • Hayes Elementary

  • Holly Oak Elementary

  • Horace Cureton Elementary

  • Horace Mann Elementary

  • Ida Jew Academies

  • Indigo

  • James Franklin Smith Elementary

  • Jeanne R. Meadows Elementary

  • John J. Montgomery Elementary

  • John Muir Elementary

  • Katherine R. Smith Elementary

  • Lairon College Preparatory Academy

  • Laneview Elementary

  • Latimer

  • Learning in an Urban Community with High Achievement (L.U.C.H.A.)

  • Ledesma (Rita) Elementary

  • Leroy Anderson Elementary

  • Liberty (Alternative)

  • Lietz Elementary

  • Linda Vista Elementary

  • Los Alamitos Elementary

  • Los Arboles Literacy and Technology Academy

  • Los Paseos Elementary

  • Lowell Elementary

  • Luther Burbank Elementary

  • Lyndale Elementary

  • Lynhaven Elementary

  • Majestic Way Elementary

  • Manuel De Vargas Elementary

  • McKinley Elementary

  • Merritt Trace Elementary

  • Millard McCollam Elementary

  • Millbrook Elementary

  • Mt. Pleasant Elementary

  • Murdock-Portal Elementary

  • Nelson S. Dilworth Elementary

  • Noble Elementary

  • Noddin Elementary

  • Northwood Elementary

  • Norwood Creek Elementary

  • O. B. Whaley Elementary

  • O. S. Hubbard Elementary

  • Oak Ridge Elementary

  • Orchard Elementary

  • Oster Elementary

  • Parkview Elementary

  • Rachel Carson Elementary

  • Ramblewood Elementary

  • Reed Elementary

  • River Glen

  • Robert F. Kennedy Elementary

  • Robert Sanders Elementary

  • Rocketship Academy Brillant Minds

  • Rocketship Alma Academy

  • Rocketship Discovery Prep

  • Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep

  • Rocketship Los Suenos Academy

  • Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary

  • Rocketship Mosaic Elementary

  • Rocketship Rising Stars

  • Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy

  • Rocketship Spark Academy

  • Ruskin Elementary

  • Russo/McEntee Academy

  • Sakamoto Elementary

  • San Antonio Elementary

  • Santa Teresa Elementary

  • Santee Elementary

  • Sartorette Charter

  • Schallenberger Elementary

  • Selma Olinder Elementary

  • Sherman Oaks Elementary

  • Shirakawa (George, Sr.) Elementary

  • Silver Oak Elementary

  • Simonds Elementary

  • Steindorf STEAM K-8 Magnet

  • Stipe (Samuel) Elementary

  • Stonegate Elementary

  • Summerdale Elementary

  • Sylvia Cassell Elementary

  • Taylor (Bertha) Elementary

  • Terrell Elementary

  • Thomas P. Ryan Elementary

  • Tom Matsumoto Elementary

  • Toyon Elementary

  • Valle Vista Elementary

  • Vinci Park Elementary

  • Voices College-Bound Language Academy

  • Voices College-Bound Language Academy at Mt. Pleasant

  • Walter L. Bachrodt Elementary

  • Washington Elementary

  • Williams Elementary

  • Willow Glen Elementary

  • Windmill Springs Elementary

San Jose SJUSD Middle Schools

  • ACE Empower Academy

  • ACE Esperanza Middle

  • ACE Inspire Academy

  • Adelante Dual Language Academy

  • Adelante Dual Language Academy II

  • Alpha: Blanca Alvarado

  • Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory

  • Alpha: Jose Hernandez

  • Aptitud Community Academy at Goss

  • August Boeger Middle

  • Bernal Intermediate

  • Berryessa Union Elementary

  • Bret Harte Middle

  • Bridges Academy

  • Castillero Middle

  • Chaboya Middle

  • Christopher Elementary

  • College Connection Academy

  • Dartmouth Middle

  • Davis (Caroline) Intermediate

  • Discovery Charter

  • Discovery Charter II

  • Dolores Huerta Middle

  • Downtown College Preparatory Middle

  • Easterbrook Discovery

  • George V. LeyVa Intermediate

  • Herbert Hoover Middle

  • Herman (Leonard) Intermediate

  • Ida Jew Academies

  • Indigo

  • Joaquin Miller Middle

  • John Muir Middle

  • Joseph George Middle

  • KIPP Heartwood Academy

  • KIPP Heritage Academy

  • Kipp Prize Preparatory Academy

  • Lairon College Preparatory Academy

  • Latimer

  • Luther Burbank Elementary

  • Martin Murphy Middle

  • Monroe Middle

  • Moreland Middle

  • Morrill Middle

  • Muwekma Ohlone Middle

  • O. S. Hubbard Elementary

  • Ocala Middle

  • Orchard Elementary

  • Piedmont Middle

  • Price Charter Middle

  • Quimby Oak Middle

  • Renaissance Academy

  • Renaissance at Mathson

  • River Glen

  • Sherman Oaks Elementary

  • Shirakawa (George, Sr.) Elementary

  • Sierramont Middle

  • Steindorf STEAM K-8 Magnet

  • Stonegate Elementary

  • Sunrise Middle

  • Sylvandale Middle

  • Union Middle

  • Voices College-Bound Language Academy

  • Voices College-Bound Language Academy at Mt. Pleasant

  • William Sheppard Middle

  • Willow Glen Middle

  • Windmill Springs Elementary

San Jose SJUSD High Schools

  • Abraham Lincoln High

  • ACE Charter High

  • Alpha Cindy Avitia High

  • Andrew P. Hill High

  • Apollo High

  • B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy

  • Boynton High

  • Branham High

  • Broadway High

  • Calero High

  • Del Mar High

  • Downtown College Prep – Alum Rock

  • Downtown College Preparatory

  • Escuela Popular Accelerated Family Learning

  • Escuela Popular/Center for Training and Careers, Family Learning

  • Evergreen Valley High

  • Foothill High

  • Gunderson High

  • Independence High

  • James Lick High

  • Kathleen MacDonald High

  • KIPP Navigate College Prep

  • KIPP San Jose Collegiate

  • Latino College Preparatory Academy

  • Leigh High

  • Leland High

  • Liberty (Alternative)

  • Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

  • Lynbrook High

  • Middle College High

  • Mt. Pleasant High

  • Oak Grove High

  • Opportunity Youth Academy

  • Pegasus High

  • Phoenix High

  • Piedmont Hills High

  • Pioneer High

  • San Jose High

  • Santa Clara County Community

  • Santa Clara County Court

  • Santa Teresa High

  • Silicon Valley Career Technical Education

  • Silver Creek High

  • Summit Public School: Tahoma

  • University Preparatory Academy Charter

  • William C. Overfelt High

  • Willow Glen High

  • Yerba Buena High

San Jose Charter Schools

  • KIPP Bridge Academy: College-preparatory focus, part of the KIPP public charter school network.

San Jose Specialized and Alternative Schools

  • MetWest High School: Unique model combining classroom learning with real-world internships.

Featured San Jose and South Bay School Open Houses, Campus Tours and Admissions Events

Click Here To Add Your San Jose School Admission Event to the Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose Schools

What types of schools are available in San Jose?

San Jose offers a diverse range of educational options including public schools, San Jose private schools, San Jose Catholic schools and other religious affiliated schools, charter schools, and specialized educational programs.

How many San Jose private schools are there?

In the academic year 2023-24, San Jose , CA there are 92 private schools serving 23,333 students in San Jose, CA compared to the 229 public schools, serving 127,079 public students.

Are there many Catholic schools in San Jose?

The Diocese of San Jose serves 28 Catholic elementary schools and middle schools and 6 Catholic high schools, and over 14,000 students within Santa Clara County.

How can I find out about open house events in San Jose schools?

San Jose school open house events are listed on Bay Area School Open Houses. You can also visit individual school websites for the most up-to-date information.

How much do San Jose private schools cost?

The average tuition cost for San Jose private schools is $22,412, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $16,703.

What should I consider when choosing a school in San Jose?

Consider factors such as the school’s curriculum, culture, location, extracurricular offerings, and how they align with your child’s needs and interests.

Are there any specialized programs in San Jose schools?

Yes, many schools in San Jose offer specialized programs such as STEM, arts, language immersion, and more.

How do charter schools differ from public schools in San Jose?

San Jose Charter schools typically have more flexibility in their curriculum and operations and often focus on specific educational approaches or themes.