Best All-Boys Private Schools in California Ranked

Let’s talk about all-boys schools. Some folks picture strict uniforms, endless pushups, and a suspicious lack of personality. The truth? These schools are some of the most supportive, thoughtful, and well-rounded places for young men to grow. Boys learn differently, they lead differently, and sometimes they need a space that understands that without trying to turn them into robots.

These schools are doing just that. They’re places where boys can dig into big ideas, build character, learn to lead, and also figure out who they are without worrying about being the coolest kid in class. Whether your son loves science labs or soccer balls, here are 8 all-boys schools in California that truly get it.

Loyola High School of Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

Loyola has been around a long time and it shows in all the right ways. The academics are strong, the values run deep, and the students are challenged to grow not just in smarts, but in compassion. Service is a big deal here. So is learning how to be a thoughtful, grounded young man. It’s the kind of place where boys learn to speak up, show up, and actually follow through.

Junípero Serra High School (San Mateo)

Serra is friendly, focused, and has a way of making students feel like they belong from day one. The school takes pride in helping boys discover their strengths, whether that’s solving equations, leading clubs, or making varsity. It’s structured without being stuffy, and supportive without feeling soft. If you want a place that helps boys grow into themselves, Serra delivers.

Bellarmine College Preparatory (San Jose)

Bellarmine has brains, heart, and a whole lot of spirit. The classes are challenging, but the support system is real. Students are pushed to think deeply, work hard, and take responsibility for more than just their homework. There’s plenty going on outside the classroom too, from sports to robotics to service trips. It’s a full, rich high school experience that actually feels meaningful.

Cathedral High School (Los Angeles)

Cathedral is smaller, but that’s part of the charm. It’s the kind of school where teachers know your name, your story, and maybe even your favorite subject. The academics are solid, the community is strong, and the expectations are clear. Boys here are taught to lead, think, and care. It’s a no-fluff, high-support kind of place that helps students grow in all the right ways.

St. Francis High School (La Cañada Flintridge)

St. Francis has the balance just right. It takes academics seriously, but it also understands that character matters just as much. Students are taught to work hard, lead with humility, and show up for others. It’s a school that builds strong minds and good people. Plus, the faculty actually seem to enjoy what they do—and that energy rubs off.

De La Salle High School (Concord)

Yes, De La Salle has a legendary football team, but it’s not just touchdowns that define this place. The academics are no joke, the teachers care, and the values run deep. Boys here are taught to show up, speak up, and try again if needed. They’ll walk onto campus feeling like students and leave acting like grown-ups who know how to hold a door open and ace a final.

Army and Navy Academy (Carlsbad)

This school comes with uniforms and expectations, but it’s far from cold or rigid. Army and Navy Academy gives boys structure without crushing their spirit. There’s a clear routine, yes, but also plenty of room for personality. Students learn to manage their time, speak with confidence, and stop relying on mom to find their shoes every morning.

St. Augustine High School (San Diego)

Known as “Saints” to those in the know, this school mixes solid academics with a warm, values-based approach. There’s a healthy balance of challenge and support, and students are pushed to grow in all the right directions. It’s a place where boys are expected to think bigger, treat people well, and maybe even learn to enjoy group projects.

Cathedral School for Boys (San Francisco)

Cathedral is a K through 8 school that knows exactly how to engage boys without wearing them out. It’s academically strong, filled with curious kids, and powered by teachers who genuinely enjoy helping boys learn. Students here build solid foundations, gain confidence, and figure out that school can actually be fun if done right. Also, they might start using full sentences at the dinner table.

Town School for Boys (San Francisco)

Town is joyful, thoughtful, and built for boys to thrive. From hands-on projects to meaningful conversations, the school encourages learning in a way that feels natural and fun. Social-emotional learning is baked into the curriculum, and boys leave knowing how to express themselves, collaborate, and raise their hand without shouting. It’s a place where curiosity is celebrated and character actually counts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • California isn’t exactly overflowing with all-boys schools, but the ones it does have are gems. There are roughly 25 to 30 all-boys private schools scattered across the state, depending on how you count smaller programs and schools with unique models. Most are high schools, though a few start younger. These schools tend to be deeply rooted in tradition, with a modern approach to learning that keeps things relevant. You’ll find them in big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco and in smaller pockets that value focused, all-male education. It’s not a huge number, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in personality. If you’re looking for focused, boy-friendly learning environments, you’ve got solid options to explore.

  • Not all of them, but quite a few still do. Many traditional all-boys schools in California expect applicants to submit standardized test scores like the ISEE or SSAT, especially if they’re on the more academically competitive side. That said, testing requirements have shifted a bit in recent years. Some schools are going test-optional, while others will accept alternative assessments or even skip the tests entirely for younger grades. The best advice? Check each school’s website early in the process and don’t assume anything. Also, don’t panic if your kid isn’t a natural-born test taker. These schools look at the full picture, not just bubble sheets. A great essay or strong interview can often carry just as much weight.

  • Most all-boys schools in California follow the same general timeline as other private schools. Applications typically open in the fall, and deadlines often land in early to mid-January. Some schools with rolling admissions or smaller enrollments may keep things open longer, but the top schools tend to stick to a fixed calendar. You’ll want to get those recommendation letters and student essays in before the holiday cookies run out. If you’re aiming for interviews and shadow days too, start early in the school year. No one wants to be frantically filling out online forms in pajamas on January 15 at midnight. Mark your calendar and give yourself time to breathe—your future self will thank you.

  • Yes, many of them are competitive, and not just on the basketball court. Top all-boys schools in California are known for their small class sizes, thoughtful communities, and strong academics. That means more families apply than there are seats available. Admissions teams are looking for boys who are curious, kind, and ready to be part of something bigger than themselves. They’ll look at grades, recommendations, interviews, and maybe even how your son shakes hands. While it’s not impossible to get in, it’s definitely not automatic either. A little preparation, some honest self-reflection, and a healthy respect for deadlines go a long way. And don’t underestimate the power of a good thank-you note after the interview—it matters more than you think.