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School Options and Where to Live

What are some of the best public and private school options on the Peninsula and South Bay to help decide where you'd choose to live?


If you're looking for a new place to call home on the Peninsula and South Bay, you have plenty of options to choose from. From bustling cities like San Francisco and San Jose to quieter suburbs like Palo Alto and Los Gatos, the area has something for everyone.


An overall introduction:


One of the most important factors to consider when moving to a new area is the quality of the schools. The Peninsula and South Bay are home to some of the best schools in the state, with many highly rated public and private options available.


In San Francisco, you'll find a mix of public and private schools. The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is the eighth-largest school district in California and serves over 57,000 students. SFUSD operates over 100 schools, including some of the highest-performing public schools in the state. Some of the top-rated public schools in San Francisco include Lowell High School, Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, and Galileo Academy of Science and Technology.


If you're looking for private school options in San Francisco, there are plenty to choose from as well. Some of the top-rated private schools in the city include The Hamlin School, Convent of the Sacred Heart, and The Urban School of San Francisco.


Moving down the Peninsula to cities like San Mateo and Burlingame, you'll find more suburban environments with excellent public schools. The San Mateo-Foster City School District serves over 14,000 students and has some of the highest test scores in the state. Some of the top-rated public schools in the district include Baywood Elementary School, Borel Middle School, and Hillsdale and Aragon High Schools.

If you're looking for private school options in San Mateo and Burlingame, there are several excellent choices, such as Nueva School, Crystal Springs Uplands School, Notre Dame High School, Mercy High School, and Junipero Serra High School.

Further south, in the South Bay, cities like San Jose and Santa Clara offer a mix of urban and suburban environments with excellent schools. The Santa Clara Unified School District serves over 18,000 students and is known for its strong academic programs and highly qualified teachers. Some of the top-rated public schools in the district include Don Callejon School, Monta Vista High School, and Wilcox High School.

Private school options in the South Bay include Bellarmine College Preparatory, Saint Francis High School, Harker School, and Presentation High School.

Overall, the Peninsula and South Bay offer a wide variety of school options, from top-rated public schools to prestigious private schools. With so many excellent schools to choose from, the big question becomes - how should you choose?


Gifted options:


School rankings and ratings can be useful, but informed parents know to delve deeper to find the best fit for their children, particularly for gifted kids. From personal experience as a parent and discussions with resourceful parents in public and private schools, we are excited to host a panel discussion on selecting the right schools and communities.



When choosing where to live, it's also important to consider the overall cost of living, housing prices, and job opportunities. It's important to weigh these factors and determine what's most important for you and your family before making a decision.

In conclusion, the Peninsula and South Bay have many options to choose from when it comes to schools and where to live. With excellent public and private schools, a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, and a variety of job opportunities, it's a great place to call home. With a little research and careful consideration, you're sure to find the perfect place for you and your family to thrive.


Contact Maggie Ma, your Expert Realtor at (650) 709-5588 to explore different neighborhoods to live!


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