The Best Private Schools in Malibu, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Malibu. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Matthew's Parish School
St. Matthew's Parish School
St. Matthew's Parish School is a prestigious Episcopal independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Malibu. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, academics, arts, and athletics. Known for its beautiful campus, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community, St. Matthew's provides a comprehensive education with emphasis on character development, critical thinking, and leadership skills. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Viewpoint School
Viewpoint School
Viewpoint School is a top-tier independent K-12 day school located in Calabasas that serves students from Malibu and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, complemented by outstanding arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. With a 40-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts theaters, and athletic complexes, Viewpoint provides a comprehensive educational experience. The school is known for its strong academic results, personalized attention, and diverse student community.
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Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Crossroads School
Crossroads School is a highly respected independent K-12 school known for its innovative approach to education that balances rigorous academics with extensive arts and community service programs. Located in nearby Santa Monica, it serves many Malibu families and offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and performance spaces. The school emphasizes social justice and environmental awareness while maintaining strong athletic and extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Malibu, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Malibu, California, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Malibu itself is a relatively small coastal city, it is served by several highly regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding areas. Directly in Malibu, you'll find St. Matthew's Parish School (PK-8). Many Malibu families also consider schools in neighboring Calabasas and Santa Monica, such as Viewpoint School (K-12) in Calabasas and Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (K-12) in Santa Monica. The unique geography of Malibu means commuting along Pacific Coast Highway is a common consideration for school choice, making proximity and transportation important factors for local parents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Malibu, CA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid structures are typically available?
Tuition for top-tier private schools in the Malibu area is among the highest in California, often exceeding the state's private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for schools like Viewpoint and Crossroads can range from approximately $40,000 to $48,000 for upper grades. California's high cost of living is a direct driver. However, these schools typically have robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving. It's common for 20-30% of the student body to receive some level of need-based aid. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Malibu-area private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment and community?
Schools in the Malibu area often integrate the unique local environment into their curricula. This can include marine biology and environmental science programs that utilize the Pacific Ocean and local canyons as living laboratories. For example, schools may have partnerships with the Heal the Bay organization or the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for fieldwork. Outdoor education, surfing, and sailing are also common extracurriculars. Furthermore, the proximity to Los Angeles provides unparalleled access to arts, technology, and scientific institutions for enrichment, a benefit frequently highlighted by schools like Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like St. Matthew's, Viewpoint, and Crossroads that serve Malibu families?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired year of entry, with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are usually in January for the following fall. The process includes a written application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, and teacher recommendations. For kindergarten entry, some schools have age cutoffs and may offer "playgroup" observations. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, Malibu parents are advised to start research and school visits 18-24 months ahead of time.
For a family living in Malibu, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several Malibu-specific factors. The Malibu Public School District is part of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which has faced well-publicized challenges and restructuring discussions in recent years. Some families choose private schools for perceived stability, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. A major practical consideration is commute; private options often require a significant drive along PCH or into the canyons, whereas public schools are locally zoned. Financially, the cost of private tuition is weighed against the high property taxes paid in Malibu that fund public schools. Many families also value the community-centric, often smaller cohort of a private school versus the larger, more diverse population of the public district.
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