The Best Private Schools in Manhattan Beach, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manhattan Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
American Martyrs School
Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
American Martyrs School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Established in 1956, the school combines rigorous academics with strong moral and spiritual formation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, technology integration, and comprehensive faith development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and features a strong community atmosphere with active parent involvement. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music programs, and various clubs.
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Chadwick School
Independent
Chadwick School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located nearby in Palos Verdes Peninsula, Chadwick serves many families from Manhattan Beach and the broader South Bay area. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The 45-acre hilltop campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Chadwick emphasizes character education, global citizenship, and experiential learning through its renowned outdoor education program.
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Vistamar School
Independent
Vistamar School is an innovative independent high school located in nearby El Segundo, serving students from Manhattan Beach and throughout the South Bay region. The school offers a progressive college-preparatory education with an emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application. The curriculum features small seminar-style classes, interdisciplinary studies, and extensive arts programming. The modern campus includes collaborative learning spaces, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Vistamar emphasizes global perspective and community engagement, preparing students for success in college and beyond through personalized attention and innovative teaching approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manhattan Beach, California
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Manhattan Beach, CA, and how do they differ?
Manhattan Beach and its immediate surrounding area offer a range of private school options. Within the city, you'll find highly-regarded parochial schools like American Martyrs School (Catholic, K-8). Just outside the city limits in Palos Verdes Peninsula, you have prestigious independent day schools like Chadwick School (K-12, with a significant boarding component for upper grades) and Vistamar School (college-prep, 9-12). The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, grade spans, and campus culture. Chadwick, for instance, is known for its extensive outdoor and experiential learning programs, while Vistamar emphasizes a collaborative, discussion-based model. This variety allows Manhattan Beach parents to choose based on specific fit rather than limited availability.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Manhattan Beach area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Manhattan Beach area is generally above the California state average for private education, reflecting the high cost of living and the caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000-$20,000 for elementary grades at a parochial school to $45,000-$50,000+ for upper grades at independent schools like Chadwick. Most schools, including American Martyrs, Chadwick, and Vistamar, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admissions, as funds are limited. Additionally, California does not have a statewide voucher program, but some schools accept funds from the California Credit Union Scholarship Foundation for certain students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Manhattan Beach vicinity that leverage the local coastal environment?
Several local private schools integrate Manhattan Beach's coastal setting into their curricula. Chadwick School's renowned "Outdoor Education" program includes oceanography studies, sailing, and coastal ecology trips that utilize the nearby Pacific. Vistamar School's location inspires interdisciplinary projects on marine science and environmental sustainability. Even at the elementary level, American Martyrs School incorporates field trips to the Roundhouse Aquarium and local beaches for science units. This coastal connection provides unparalleled hands-on learning in marine biology, environmental science, and sports like sailing and surfing, which are unique advantages of schools in this specific community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Chadwick or Vistamar for a Manhattan Beach resident?
The enrollment process for top-tier schools like Chadwick and Vistamar is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, applications typically open in August or September, with deadlines between January and early February. The process involves standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), school visits/interviews, student assessments, and teacher recommendations. Key dates for Manhattan Beach families to note are often in the fall for open houses. Notification dates are usually in mid-March, with a common reply date of early April. Given the competitiveness, it's strongly advised for Manhattan Beach parents to start research and attend open houses in the fall two years prior to desired entry (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2026 9th grade).
For families considering the excellent Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) public schools, what are the primary reasons they might choose a local private school instead?
While MBUSD is consistently top-ranked in California, families may opt for private schools for specific reasons. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 vs. public's ~25:1), more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (e.g., Chadwick's experiential learning or Vistamar's project-based model). They may also provide a seamless K-8 or K-12 pathway, whereas MBUSD involves transitions between different schools for elementary, middle, and high school. Furthermore, private schools can offer specialized religious education (like at American Martyrs) or more flexibility in curriculum not bound by state testing mandates. The decision often hinges on seeking a very specific community, teaching approach, or program not available in the public system, despite its high quality.
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