The Best Private Schools in Los Angeles, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Los Angeles. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harvard-Westlake School
Independent
Harvard-Westlake is consistently ranked among the top private schools in California and the nation. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science laboratories, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. Students benefit from small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains a strong track record of Ivy League and top university admissions, with comprehensive academic and college counseling programs.
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The Buckley School
Independent
The Buckley School is a prestigious K-12 independent school known for its balanced approach to education emphasizing both academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Buckley offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school prides itself on its diverse community and strong parent involvement, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Windward School
Independent
Windward School is a highly regarded co-educational college preparatory school serving grades 7-12. The school is recognized for its innovative curriculum, exceptional faculty, and strong sense of community. Windward's campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology centers, art studios, theater facilities, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and ethical leadership. Windward students consistently achieve outstanding academic results and gain admission to selective colleges and universities across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Los Angeles, California
What is the typical tuition range for top private K-12 schools in Los Angeles, California, and are there financial aid options available?
Tuition for top-tier private day schools in Los Angeles, such as Harvard-Westlake, Buckley, and Windward, typically ranges from approximately $45,000 to $55,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year. It's important to note that this is often before additional costs for activities, technology, and transportation. A significant and positive aspect of Los Angeles private schools is their robust financial aid programs. Most leading institutions are need-blind in admissions and offer substantial aid packages to qualified families. For example, Harvard-Westlake awards millions in aid annually. California residents should also explore the state-specific CalKIDS program for seed funding for education.
How does the competitive admissions process for Los Angeles private schools work, and what are key deadlines?
The admissions process for sought-after Los Angeles private schools is highly structured and competitive, often beginning over a year in advance. A common timeline involves attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with a common deadline like January 10th), and completing student assessments and interviews through February. Decisions are typically released in mid-March. Key differentiators in LA include the emphasis on a holistic review—strong academic records, teacher recommendations, and student essays are crucial. For schools like Windward, which specializes in students with language-based learning differences, a professional assessment may be a required part of the application.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Los Angeles that leverage the city's resources?
Los Angeles private schools excel at integrating the city's vast cultural, scientific, and industrial resources into their programs. This can include specialized film and digital media tracks leveraging proximity to Hollywood, robust STEM partnerships with institutions like Caltech and JPL in Pasadena, and exceptional visual and performing arts programs with connections to LA's museums and theaters. For instance, Harvard-Westlake has an extensive studio arts program and a renowned robotics team. Many schools also offer unique "January term" or internship programs where high school students can gain hands-on experience at local tech startups, studios, or research facilities, an opportunity distinct to the LA ecosystem.
How do transportation and logistics work for private schools spread across the vast Los Angeles metropolitan area?
Navigating LA's geography is a major consideration. Most private schools do not provide district-style busing, so families often rely on carpools, private bus services (some organized by parent groups), or long commutes. Schools are typically designed as "destination campuses," meaning most students drive or are driven. When choosing a school, parents must realistically assess commute times during peak hours. Some schools, like those clustered in the San Fernando Valley or on the Westside, may draw more locally, while others attract students from across the basin. It's highly recommended to do a trial commute during rush hour before enrollment.
What are the main considerations when choosing between a top LAUSD public magnet school and a leading private school in Los Angeles?
The choice often hinges on educational philosophy, specialization, and resources. LAUSD magnet schools (like Granada Hills Charter or the LA Center for Enriched Studies) are excellent, tuition-free, and highly competitive, often with specialized themes. However, private schools like Buckley or Windward typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 30+), more individualized attention, extensive campus facilities, and greater flexibility in curriculum. Private schools also generally have more resources for arts, athletics, and college counseling. The decision may come down to whether a family prioritizes a specific, theme-based public program or seeks a comprehensive, resource-intensive private education with a particular community ethos.