The Best Private Schools in Agoura Hills, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Agoura Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Park Independent School
Oak Park Unified School District
Oak Park Independent School is a highly acclaimed K-12 independent study program that serves students throughout the Conejo Valley, including Agoura Hills. The school offers personalized learning plans with rigorous college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and flexible scheduling. Known for its exceptional academic standards and dedicated faculty, OPIS provides comprehensive support services including college counseling, advanced placement courses, and enrichment programs. The school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships and has consistently high college acceptance rates to top universities.
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Sierra Canyon School
Sierra Canyon School
Sierra Canyon School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, with many families commuting from Agoura Hills. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Sierra Canyon offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics programs, and robust arts education. The school is particularly noted for its strong STEM programs, individualized college counseling, and diverse extracurricular opportunities that develop well-rounded students prepared for top-tier universities.
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Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School is a premier independent Christian school located just minutes from Agoura Hills, serving grades 6-12 with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The campus features exceptional facilities including advanced science labs, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous AP and honors courses, complemented by championship athletic programs and outstanding arts education. Oaks Christian emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and personalized attention that ensures student success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Agoura Hills, California
What are the primary private school options serving families in Agoura Hills, California, and what are their key characteristics?
Agoura Hills is served by several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. Notably, **Oaks Christian School** in Westlake Village is a prominent, faith-based college-preparatory school offering a comprehensive K-12 program with strong arts and athletics. **Sierra Canyon School** in Chatsworth is another top-tier, secular independent school known for its rigorous academics, exceptional facilities, and a prestigious Upper School campus. While not in Agoura Hills proper, **Oak Park Independent School** in nearby Oak Park is a well-respected K-12 option. Additionally, families often consider smaller local parochial schools and preparatory academies in the Conejo Valley. The concentration of these high-caliber institutions is a defining feature of education in the region.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Agoura Hills, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Agoura Hills is generally at or above the California state average for similar institutions, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses in the region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition for day schools like Oaks Christian and Sierra Canyon often ranges from approximately $35,000 to $45,000 for upper grades. Importantly, most of these schools have substantial financial aid and merit scholarship programs. For example, Oaks Christian offers need-based aid, and Sierra Canyon has a robust scholarship program. It is crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. California also has programs like the CalGrant for private schools, but eligibility is specific.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations can students find at private schools in the Agoura Hills, California region?
Private schools in the Agoura Hills area distinguish themselves with specialized programs that leverage local resources and community interests. **Oaks Christian School** has a nationally recognized film and television academy, capitalizing on its proximity to the entertainment industry. **Sierra Canyon School** offers a highly competitive athletics program, often competing at the state level, alongside strong STEM and entrepreneurship initiatives. Many schools in the Conejo Valley integrate environmental science and sustainability into their curricula, taking advantage of the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and open spaces for experiential learning. This focus on niche, high-level programs beyond standard academics is a significant draw for local families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Agoura Hills, CA, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Agoura Hills is highly structured and competitive. The timeline typically begins **12-18 months** before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews in winter, and receiving decisions in March. For schools like Sierra Canyon and Oaks Christian, which have limited seats and high demand, starting the research and campus visit process in the spring or summer prior is essential. Many schools also have sibling and legacy preferences, so applying for the earliest entry point (e.g., Kindergarten or 6th grade) can be advantageous.
How do the academic environments and resources of private schools in the Agoura Hills area compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Las Virgenes Unified School District?
This is a key consideration for Agoura Hills parents. The Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), which includes Agoura Hills High School, is consistently ranked among the top public districts in California. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific student needs. Private schools like Oaks Christian and Sierra Canyon typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+ in public), more individualized attention, and distinct religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., project-based learning). They may also provide more specialized facilities and niche programs, as mentioned. Public schools in LVUSD offer excellent academics, extensive extracurriculars, and significant cost savings. The decision frequently hinges on whether a family seeks a specific private school environment or values the comprehensive, tuition-free excellence of the local public system.
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