The Best Private Schools in Calabasas, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Calabasas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Viewpoint School
Independent School
Viewpoint School is a premier independent co-educational day school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Established in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 25-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Viewpoint emphasizes academic excellence while fostering character development and community engagement through diverse extracurricular programs.
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Sierra Canyon School
Independent School
Sierra Canyon School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Calabasas in Chatsworth, the school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and specialized tracks in STEM and the arts. The campus features modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Sierra Canyon is known for its strong college placement record and competitive athletic programs that have produced numerous professional athletes.
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Oaks Christian School
Independent Christian School
Oaks Christian School is a prestigious independent Christian school located in nearby Westlake Village, serving students in grades 5-12. Founded in 2000, the school has quickly established itself as one of the top private institutions in the region. The 25-acre campus features cutting-edge facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. Oaks Christian offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual development, attracting students from throughout the Calabasas area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Calabasas, California
What are the top private school options in Calabasas, CA, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Calabasas is home to several highly-regarded private schools, each with a distinct identity. **Viewpoint School** (K-12) offers a balanced, college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on arts and community service. **Sierra Canyon School** (PK-12) is known for its robust athletic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a nationally recognized boarding program for grades 9-12. **Oaks Christian School** (5-12), located just over the border in Westlake Village, is a popular choice for Calabasas families and is renowned for its exceptional arts and STEM programs, as well as its competitive sports teams. The choice often comes down to a family's priority on specific programs, campus culture, and educational philosophy.
How does the tuition for private schools in Calabasas, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Calabasas-area private schools is generally above the California state average for private education, reflecting the high cost of living and the premium facilities offered. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 to over $45,000 for upper grades. All major schools—Viewpoint, Sierra Canyon, and Oaks Christian—offer need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so most assistance comes directly from the schools themselves or through external scholarship foundations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Calabasas, California?
The admission process for Calabasas private schools is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the summer or early fall, one year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (usually September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (often in January-February), and receiving decisions in March. For the most competitive grades (like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), waitlists are common. Given the limited seats, especially in entry-level grades, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular specializations offered by private schools in the Calabasas area that leverage the local community or industry?
Yes, Calabasas-area private schools often create programs that tap into Southern California's unique industries. Many have strong **film and digital media arts** programs, with access to professional equipment and connections to the entertainment sector. **Entrepreneurship and business** courses are also prominent, sometimes involving local business leaders as mentors. Furthermore, environmental science programs benefit from the proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains for fieldwork. Schools like Sierra Canyon and Oaks Christian have notable **sports medicine and athletic training** tracks, aligning with their emphasis on competitive athletics. These specializations provide students with practical, regionally relevant experiences.
For families in Calabasas, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and the private school options?
The decision often hinges on several Calabasas-specific factors. The public schools in the **Las Virgenes Unified School District** (e.g., Calabasas High) are consistently top-rated, tuition-free, and offer robust programs. Choosing private school typically involves considering: **class size** (private schools offer significantly smaller ratios), **specialized programs** (like religious education or specific arts/athletic focuses not available publicly), and a **particular educational philosophy** (e.g., project-based learning). For some families, the private school community and network are deciding factors. The trade-off is the substantial financial investment versus the cost-free, high-quality public alternative. Many families recommend touring both types to feel the difference in campus culture.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Best Private Kindergarten in Calabasas: A Parent's Guide
For families in Calabasas, the decision to enroll a child in private kindergarten is about more than just early academics; it’s an investment in a foundational educational experience tailored to the unique opportunities and lifestyle of our community. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to vibrant cultural and outdoor resources. A local private kindergarten leverages this environment, often integrating nature-based learning with a robust curriculum designed to nurture curious, confident young learners from the very start. The transition from preschool to formal schooling is significant, and in Calabasas, the private kindergarten landscape is distinguished by its emphasis on holistic development within a close-knit, supportive setting.
The leading institutions here, such as Viewpoint School, Sierra Canyon School, and Oaks Christian School, set a high standard, each offering distinct philosophies within their early childhood programs. While they share commitments to small class sizes, exceptional teacher-student ratios, and enriched learning environments, their approaches can vary. Some may emphasize a play-based, exploratory model that fosters social-emotional growth, while others incorporate more structured early literacy and numeracy skills within a creative framework. For Calabasas parents, visiting these campuses is crucial. You’ll notice how each school utilizes its space—whether it’s dedicated outdoor classrooms that take advantage of our beautiful climate or state-of-the-art facilities that introduce technology thoughtfully. The feeling you get on campus, seeing how teachers interact with students, is as important as the curriculum overview.
Beyond the classroom walls, the community aspect of a Calabasas private kindergarten is particularly valuable. These programs often become the heart of family life, creating networks among parents who share similar educational values and long-term visions for their children’s journey through local schools. Given the traffic considerations on the 101 Freeway and Mulholland Highway, many families prioritize a school that feels geographically central to their daily life, making the community connection even more meaningful. Furthermore, the alignment between a kindergarten program and the school’s lower and middle school trajectory is a key consideration. Investing in this first step can provide continuity, sparing your family from another major school transition in just a few years.
Ultimately, choosing the right private kindergarten in Calabasas involves reflecting on your child’s individual needs and your family’s educational philosophy. Does your child thrive with lots of outdoor movement? Are you looking for a program with a strong arts integration or one that begins a world language? The best fit will be a place where your child feels excited to learn and where you feel confident in the partnership between home and school. This decision is the first step on an educational path that can lead through some of the most respected private institutions in Southern California, all within the supportive context of our unique Calabasas community. Taking the time to explore, ask detailed questions, and observe classes in session will ensure you find a kindergarten environment where your child’s potential can truly begin to flourish.
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