As a center for technology and innovation, there is an abundance of private schools (a.k.a. “independent schools”) in San Francisco that offer high-level learning. Smaller class sizes, more specialized courses of study, and advanced educational techniques appeal to parents who aim to best prepare their children for admission to the best colleges in the country. Here are the five best private schools on the North Side of San Francisco.
Convent and Stuart Hall
2222 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
Convent & Stuart Hall is a distinguished independent Catholic school located in San Francisco, serving students from kindergarten through high school. With a unique educational model that includes single-sex and coeducational learning environments, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global awareness. Situated on two beautiful campuses — the Broadway campus for girls (Convent) and the Pine/Octavia campus for boys (Stuart Hall) — the school offers a challenging curriculum, robust arts and athletics programs, and a strong sense of community. Rooted in the traditions of the Sacred Heart, Convent & Stuart Hall inspires students to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners.
Founded in 1887 as the first School of the Sacred Heart west of the Rockies, the school grew from 30 girls to a thriving community, overcoming the 1906 earthquake, relocating to the historic Flood Mansion in 1939, and expanding to include Stuart Hall for Boys in 1956.
Today, Convent & Stuart Hall High School operates across two campuses — 2222 Broadway and 1715 Octavia — offering a blend of single-sex and co-educational classes. The school is highly regarded for its prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program and consistently ranks among the top private high schools in San Francisco. Notable alumni include California Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Town School for Boys
2750 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA
When the Damon School closed down, two parents joined forces to open the Town School for Boys. Established in 1939, it remains an all-boys school. It is run independently by a board of trustees comprised of parents and stakeholders. The faculty, administration, and staff design the curriculum with rigorous academic classes, and the school is well-regarded as a college preparatory institution.
In addition, the Town School for Boys strongly focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through their “Social Emotional Learning” curriculum, students are encouraged to get in touch with their feelings in order to understand them and be able to navigate their ways of interactions better. This emotional intelligence is an integral part of their development. Students are also taught valuable leadership skills at every level of their education. The school is known for the New Teacher Institute, an extensive and thriving teacher training program.
Katherine Delmar Burke School
7070 California St, San Francisco, CA
The Katherine Delmar Burke School was originally established in 1908 in Pacific Heights as Miss Burke’s School. Back then, all-girls schools were run as finishing schools to train upper-class women for marriage. In contrast, the school functioned as a preparatory school so that the students would be ready for college.
Currently located in the Sea Cliff neighborhood, Burke’s School enrolls girls from kindergarten to eighth grade. The Lower School, from kindergarten to fourth grade, is geared to develop core competency studies and a love of learning. The Upper School, from fifth to eighth grade, receives instructions from educators with a special field of study. Students study advanced concepts at every level. In addition, their Afterschool Enrichment Programs offer a variety of activities throughout the year.
The campus is 65% open space with a state-of-the-art stage. It also features three science labs, two innovative labs, and a 5,500-square-foot library. There are separate studios for drama, music, and fine arts. Recreational facilities include a full-sized athletic field, sports courts, and a gymnasium that doubles into the auditorium.
The Hamlin School
2120 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
Established in 1896, The Hamlin School is the oldest non-sectarian all-girls day school in the Western United States and one of the oldest private elementary schools in San Francisco. From a brief time between 1971 to 1975, it hosted boarders from eighth to 12th grade, and the school became coeducational. However, when the high school closed, it went back to being an all-girls school.
The Hamlin School’s curriculum has a strong focus on STEM subjects. The Lower School, from kindergarten to fourth grade, includes classes in science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts. The Middle School, from fifth to eighth grade, expands on the core STEM studies and expands to elective courses, such as computer science, dance, and drama.
In addition to a variety of specialty studies, all students at The Hamlin Schools have to participate in at least one grade-level program every year. The programs are meant to allow the students to use what they have learned in various subjects and apply them to a single application. These programs include mini golf course design, women’s studies, and performance art production.
Cathedral School for Boys
1275 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Cathedral School for Boys is an independent Episcopal school located in San Francisco, California. Established in 1957, it is an all-boys school that provides education from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence, athletic achievement, and character development.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for high school and college, and it offers a rigorous academic program that includes core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including music, drama, art, and foreign language.
The school has a strong emphasis on character development and social-emotional learning. Through its "Leadership in Action" program, students are encouraged to develop leadership skills and participate in community service activities that help them to become responsible and compassionate members of society. Cathedral School for Boys also offers a range of sports programs, including basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field.
The importance of an experienced agent
If you are moving to San Francisco and want to find out more about the private schools in the area, contact The Wilkerson Team. Providing unparalleled service to their customers, you will get personalized solutions at every stage of the home-buying process.
