The Best Private Schools in Burbank, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burbank. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakwood School
Oakwood School
Oakwood School is a highly respected independent K-12 school located just minutes from Burbank in North Hollywood. The school is known for its progressive educational approach that balances academic excellence with creative expression and social responsibility. Oakwood features a comprehensive college preparatory program with small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and exceptional arts facilities including theater, music, and visual arts studios. The school emphasizes community engagement and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities, with many Burbank families choosing Oakwood for its strong academic reputation and nurturing environment.
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Providence High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Providence High School is a premier Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school located in the heart of Burbank. Founded by the Sisters of Providence, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, a modern performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive extracurricular program including championship athletics, robotics, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School is one of the most prestigious independent day schools in the nation, serving students from Burbank and throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. Formed by the merger of Harvard School and Westlake School, the institution offers an unparalleled academic experience with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses, renowned faculty, and exceptional college placement. The campus features world-class facilities including science research centers, performing arts theaters, athletic complexes, and technology-rich learning environments. Students benefit from a diverse array of extracurricular opportunities, global education programs, and a strong tradition of academic excellence that prepares them for top universities worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burbank, California
What are the primary private school options available within Burbank, CA, and what are their key characteristics?
Burbank, CA, is home to several notable private schools, each with distinct profiles. **Providence High School** is a Catholic, co-educational school offering a college-prep curriculum with a strong arts and athletics focus. **Oakwood School**, though its high school campus is in North Hollywood, serves many Burbank families and is known for its progressive, project-based learning and emphasis on social justice. **Harvard-Westlake School**, with a campus in nearby Studio City, is a highly selective, top-ranked independent school known for rigorous academics, exceptional arts, and championship athletics. Additionally, Burbank has several well-regarded private elementary and middle schools, such as The Oaks School and St. Robert Bellarmine School, providing K-8 options. The proximity to Los Angeles also expands choices, but these are the primary institutions anchoring the local private school landscape.
How does tuition for private schools in the Burbank, CA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Burbank area varies widely but is generally at or above the California private school average due to the Los Angeles metro cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition can range from approximately $20,000 at Providence High School to over $50,000 at Harvard-Westlake School. Most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. California residents should also investigate the **California Tax Credit Scholarship** program, which can provide scholarships for students attending private schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Many schools also offer payment plans to make tuition more manageable for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Burbank area that leverage its local industries?
Burbank's identity as the "Media Capital of the World" directly influences local private school programs. **Providence High School** features a renowned **Cinematic Arts** program, offering courses in film production, editing, and screenwriting, with access to industry professionals and equipment. Schools like **Oakwood** and **Harvard-Westlake** have strong theater, digital media, and journalism programs that often collaborate with or draw inspiration from nearby studios like Warner Bros., Disney, and Nickelodeon. Furthermore, many schools have robust STEM and robotics programs, sometimes partnering with local aerospace and engineering firms in the greater Los Angeles area. This unique ecosystem provides unparalleled internship and mentorship opportunities for students interested in entertainment, media, and technology.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for competitive private high schools in Burbank, CA?
The process for competitive schools like Harvard-Westlake, Oakwood, and Providence typically begins a full year before entry. Key steps include: **Spring/Summer (Year Prior):** Attend open houses and virtual tours. **September-January:** Complete and submit applications, which often include essays, teacher recommendations, and school records. **January-February:** Standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) is usually required. **January-March:** Applicant interviews and student visits are conducted. **March 10th:** Most independent schools in California, including those serving Burbank, adhere to the common notification date, releasing admission decisions. **April:** Families submit enrollment contracts and deposits. It's highly advised to apply for financial aid concurrently, with deadlines usually in January. Starting early and carefully following each school's specific checklist is critical.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between Burbank Unified public schools and private schools in the area?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular focus, resources, and admissions. **Burbank Unified School District (BUSD)** offers strong public options, including high-performing magnet programs like the **Burbank Unified Virtual Academy** and **John Burroughs High School's International Baccalaureate program**. Education is tuition-free. **Private schools** offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+), more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (e.g., religious at Providence, progressive at Oakwood). They often have more extensive arts, athletics, and technology facilities funded by tuition and donations. However, they require a significant financial investment and a selective admissions process. The choice often depends on a family's priorities: the comprehensive, community-based environment of BUSD or the specialized, tailored experience of a private school with its associated cost and entry requirements.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Burbank, CA: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Burbank, the search for the “best private schools near me” is more than just a Google query; it’s a deeply personal journey to find the right educational environment for your child. Nestled in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Burbank offers a unique blend of community charm and proximity to world-class educational institutions, making the landscape rich with options but also requiring careful navigation. The quest isn't simply about rankings, but about finding a school whose philosophy, culture, and offerings align with your family's values and your child's individual needs.
When considering private schools in our area, it’s essential to look beyond the city limits. While Burbank is home to excellent institutions like the Catholic, co-educational Providence High School, known for its strong college-prep curriculum and character-focused community, many families also look to neighboring communities. For instance, the highly regarded Oakwood School in North Hollywood emphasizes progressive, student-centered learning and a strong arts program, appealing to creative and independently-minded students. Meanwhile, the prestigious Harvard-Westlake School, with campuses in Studio City and Los Angeles, represents a top-tier academic experience, though its competitive admissions process is a significant consideration. The definition of “near me” often expands to include these adjacent areas, as a short commute can open doors to vastly different educational models.
Your search should be guided by practical local factors. Burbank’s traffic patterns are a real part of daily life, so the logistics of drop-off and pick-up, or the availability of school transportation, should weigh heavily in your decision. Consider the school’s connection to the local community. Does it leverage Burbank’s unique position in the media and entertainment industry for internships or speaker series? Furthermore, the social and emotional environment is crucial. A smaller school might offer a tight-knit, supportive atmosphere reminiscent of Burbank’s own community feel, while a larger institution might provide more specialized programs and a broader peer network.
Ultimately, discovering the best private schools near you in Burbank requires a hands-on approach. Rankings and websites provide a starting point, but the true measure comes from campus visits. Schedule tours, attend open houses, and, most importantly, observe students in their element. Do they seem engaged and happy? Talk to current parents at local spots like the Magnolia Park shops or after school at McCambridge Park; their firsthand experiences are invaluable. The right school will feel like an extension of your family’s ethos, a place where your child will not only excel academically but also grow in confidence and character. By focusing on fit over mere prestige, you’ll find an educational partner in this wonderful city that will nurture your child’s potential for years to come.
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