Burlingame and San Mateo are two of the most sought-after communities on the Peninsula—renowned for their elegant neighborhoods, exceptional quality of life, and proximity to world-class private schools. For many families relocating to the area, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions in their home search. With a variety of prestigious private, independent, and faith-based institutions, the Peninsula offers educational excellence at every level—from early childhood through high school.
As leading top luxury realtors in Burlingame and San Mateo, the Sternsmith Group frequently works with families whose real estate goals are closely tied to school placement, commute logistics, and long-term academic planning. This comprehensive guide highlights the area’s most respected private schools and explains why these communities consistently attract discerning buyers.
Independent Elementary Education (San Mateo & Hillsborough)
Carey School in San Mateo is a highly regarded independent elementary school offering a whole-child, inquiry-based education for early learners. Serving students from PreK through 5th grade, Carey is known for its small class sizes, hands-on learning, and strong social–emotional development. The school’s nurturing environment and excellent middle school placement results make it a top choice for families seeking an academically rich and community-oriented beginning to their child’s education.
The Nueva Lower and Middle School campus in Hillsborough supports gifted and high-ability students through a collaborative, project-based learning model. Serving grades PreK–8, Nueva integrates design thinking, STEAM labs, humanities, and nationally recognized social–emotional learning. Families who value creativity, intellectual engagement, and a deeply inquiry-driven educational experience are often drawn to Nueva’s innovative approach.
Independent & College-Preparatory High Schools
The Nueva Upper School in San Mateo is one of the country’s most innovative high schools. Serving grades 9–12, it offers an interdisciplinary and forward-thinking curriculum anchored in STEAM, global studies, entrepreneurship, advanced humanities, and capstone research. Its reputation attracts families from across the Peninsula—and the nation—seeking a modern, intellectually rigorous learning environment.
Crystal Springs Uplands School, with campuses in Hillsborough (Upper School) and Belmont (Middle School), is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and intimate academic setting. Serving grades 6–12, Crystal emphasizes advanced writing and reasoning, STEM excellence, competitive debate, and strong athletic programs. Families appreciate its high academic standards and the culture of curiosity and achievement that defines the school.
Gifted Education & Independent PreK–12
The Nueva School, spanning its Hillsborough (PreK–8) and San Mateo (9–12) campuses, is one of the nation’s most acclaimed institutions for gifted and high-ability learners. Its signature approach combines project-based learning, design thinking, research-driven coursework, global citizenship, and an unparalleled focus on social–emotional development. Many families prioritize proximity or commute-friendly neighborhoods to Nueva’s two campuses, given its reputation for offering one of the most advanced PreK–12 programs available anywhere in the country.
Faith-Based Private Schools (K–8)
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School in San Mateo is one of the region’s most respected independent faith-based schools. Serving Preschool through 8th grade, it offers rigorous academics, chapel services, leadership development, and a rich visual and performing arts program. Its warm culture, strong middle school preparation, and values-centered environment make it a standout choice among Peninsula families.
St. Catherine of Siena School in Burlingame is a cherished Catholic K–8 school known for its blend of strong academics, faith-based instruction, and tight-knit community values. Families appreciate its nurturing environment and well-rounded enrichment programs.
Our Lady of Angels School in Burlingame offers a welcoming Catholic education for students in grades K–8, integrating religion, arts, music, and service learning into its balanced academic program. It is known for its supportive culture and strong family engagement.
St. Matthew’s Catholic School in San Mateo—distinct from the Episcopal school—serves Preschool through 8th grade and provides a faith-based academic foundation enriched by Spanish, STEM, arts, and leadership opportunities. Its strong middle school preparation and community-centered environment make it a trusted choice for many families.
Private High Schools
Mercy High School in Burlingame, located within the historic Kohl Mansion, is an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory high school known for its rigorous honors and AP curriculum, competitive athletics, leadership programs, and thriving performing arts community. Its iconic campus and strong alumni network contribute to its enduring reputation.
Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo is a college-preparatory Catholic high school for boys celebrated for its academic rigor, nationally recognized athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular offerings. Serving grades 9–12, Serra offers more than 30 AP and honors courses and participates in the Tri-School collaboration with Mercy High School and Notre Dame Belmont, allowing students to access co-ed academic and arts opportunities.
How Private Schools Influence Luxury Real Estate on the Peninsula
Private schools in Burlingame and San Mateo play a significant role in driving local luxury real estate demand and property valuation. Families seeking access to top-tier education often prioritize quiet, community-oriented streets near convenient commute routes and neighborhoods with easy access to downtown Burlingame or San Mateo. Larger, family-focused homes with flexible floorplans—often desired for homework spaces, tutoring rooms, and multi-child schedules—are especially attractive.
Because demand in these areas remains consistently strong, homes near desirable private schools tend to appreciate reliably over time. Working with a top Burlingame and San Mateo real estate team ensures that buyers fully understand school commute logistics, neighborhood dynamics, and long-term investment potential.
Why Luxury Buyers Choose the Sternsmith Group
As the #1 real estate team in San Mateo and one of the Top 5 realtors in Burlingame, the Sternsmith Group is the trusted choice for families whose home search is closely aligned with educational goals. With deep knowledge of private school communities, neighborhood nuances, and local market trends, the team offers unmatched expertise across the Peninsula’s most desirable enclaves.
Families rely on the Sternsmith Group for personalized guidance on neighborhoods near private school campuses, access to off-market and coming-soon homes, an understanding of school-day commute flows, and strategic advice grounded in long-term real estate and educational planning. Whether you’re considering Nueva, Crystal Springs Uplands, Carey, Mercy, Serra, St. Matthew’s (Episcopal or Catholic), OLA, or St. Catherine’s, the Sternsmith Group helps you navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
Begin Your Search Near the Peninsula’s Top Private Schools
If you’re exploring Burlingame or San Mateo with an eye toward private education, our team would be honored to guide you. The Sternsmith Group blends luxury market expertise with unparalleled community insight, ensuring that every family finds not just a home—but the right home for their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals.
Contact us today to begin your personalized home search near the Peninsula’s finest private and independent schools.
