High School
The Country Day High School experience is so much more than an accumulation of knowledge. It’s a process of self-discovery and transformation through the pursuit of individual passions and an understanding of new ways to think critically, act compassionately and live creatively.
With intentional compassion in our classrooms, around campus, and throughout the community our students can be brave and true as they explore the boundless heights of creativity and critical thinking. As a result, our students step forward and risk audacious solutions, let honest emotions create profound artwork, and shoot the ball from outside the box.
We see the success of our unique philosophy in all typical standards of measurements - outstanding standardized scores, extraordinarily successful college placements, and the top-rated high school program in the area.
Sacramento's #1 High School
For the last 9 years, our Niche rankings have had Country Day High School as the very best offered in our region. Once again, for 2026, we retained our #1 title for Sacramento’s Best Private High School, Best STEM High School (out of 57 public and private schools), Best College Prep High School, and the #2 Most Diverse Private High School. Niche is the online market leader in connecting schools with students and families, and uses the most up-to-date data available from dozens of public data sources to determine our rating and ranking.
Well-Rounded Development
We reach beyond traditional “content” learning and challenge students to innovate, and explore in a flexible academic program that merges the arts, literature, science, and technology. Our graduates leave with a foundational education that embraces 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. We send graduates into the world poised to be leaders in the community and citizens of a global world.
While our school mission finds itself at the center of every student experience in our high school and creates an unparalleled learning community, we hold compassion as the critical ingredient that allows our students and faculty to soar to unique heights of critical thinking and creativity...
90 Seconds with
Brenden '28
High School Profile
Unrivaled Academics
By all standards, Country Day students shine brightest among all high school students in the Sacramento area. We build curriculum and support networks driven to refine their academic interests and success.
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16 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, 9 specialized Advanced Topic (AT) courses, and 3 Honors classes for students who wish to pursue college-level study in high school.
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Our five-year AP score report shows that roughly 88% of our students earn a three or higher on their AP tests.
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Overall University of CA acceptance rates of 90% in 2025.
Exceptional Faculty
Led by a world-class teaching faculty, we form a community unafraid to take risks. We live in the spirit of Samuel Beckett, who wrote, “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
“Students are made to feel like they have the power to tailor the experience they want to have. No two students are the same and the school honors every type of student. Faculty and staff are rooting for their students’ success. They are truly there for the students, not just to teach them their individual subject, but as safe adults to guide and champion them.”
- Lainie J.
Country Day Parent
Camaraderie & Spirit
“Our student-athletes experience growth, enjoyment, and recognition as Country Day Cavaliers. This supportive environment fosters personal development and exceptionally well-rounded student-athletes. 80% of students participate on athletic teams and many play more than one sport.”
- Matt Vargo, Athletics Director
Photo by Kevin Liu '25
Our students bond across grade levels on all aspects of their high school journey, forming their own personal foundations and a sense of belonging in this supportive community. From out-of-state class trips, to prom on the River Train, to all the excitement of rooting for and playing seasonal sports, our students come together for a truly unrivaled high school experience.