The Best Private Schools in North Hollywood, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Hollywood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake is consistently ranked among the top private schools in California and the nation, serving North Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area from its nearby Studio City campus. The school offers an exceptionally rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, renowned STEM research opportunities, and world-class arts facilities. With outstanding faculty credentials and impressive college placement records, Harvard-Westlake provides comprehensive athletic programs, competitive robotics teams, and numerous student-led organizations. The school maintains a highly selective admissions process and emphasizes both academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
Oakwood School
Oakwood School
Oakwood School is a highly respected K-12 independent school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum combined with exceptional arts education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Oakwood emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, robotics, theater, and community service, consistently sending graduates to top-tier universities.
Programs:
Campbell Hall School
Campbell Hall School
Located just minutes from North Hollywood in Studio City, Campbell Hall is a highly-regarded K-12 Episcopal school serving the greater San Fernando Valley. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on character development and community service. Features include modern STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and outstanding arts programs. Campbell Hall maintains small student-teacher ratios and offers robust Advanced Placement and honors courses, with graduates consistently attending prestigious colleges and universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Hollywood, California
What are the main types of private schools available in North Hollywood, CA, and how do they differ?
North Hollywood offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including prestigious independent day schools like Oakwood School and Campbell Hall School, which are K-12, and Harvard-Westlake School (with its nearby Studio City campus serving 7-12). These are secular, college-preparatory institutions known for strong academics and arts. The area also has various parochial schools (e.g., Catholic, Lutheran) and smaller specialized academies. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, size, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), and specific program strengths, such as Oakwood's emphasis on progressive education and community or Harvard-Westlake's renowned academic rigor and resources.
How does the competitive admissions process work for top private schools like Harvard-Westlake near North Hollywood, and when should we apply?
The process for elite schools like Harvard-Westlake, Campbell Hall, and Oakwood is highly competitive and begins early. Typically, applications for the following fall open in August or September, with deadlines between December and January. The process involves submitting an application, standardized testing (often the ISEE), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Harvard-Westlake, entry points are primarily 7th and 9th grades, making planning crucial. It's advisable to start researching schools 1-2 years in advance, attend open houses (held in the fall), and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines. Sibling and legacy status can be a factor but do not guarantee admission.
What is the average tuition for private schools in the North Hollywood area, and what financial aid options exist for California residents?
Tuition for K-12 independent schools in the North Hollywood area is among the highest in the nation, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $55,000 per year for upper grades. Most schools, including Oakwood, Campbell Hall, and Harvard-Westlake, have robust need-based financial aid programs. They use methodologies like the School and Student Service (SSS) to assess a family's ability to pay and offer grants (not loans) that can significantly reduce the cost. California residents may also explore the California Credit Union Student Choice loan program or state-specific scholarships, but the primary source of assistance is directly from the schools. It's critical to apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions.
How do private schools in North Hollywood leverage the local entertainment industry in their academic and extracurricular programs?
North Hollywood's location in the heart of the San Fernando Valley's entertainment sector uniquely influences its private schools. Schools like Oakwood and Campbell Hall have strong theater, film, and digital media arts programs. They often feature partnerships with industry professionals, offer specialized courses in film production or acting, and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities. Harvard-Westlake's proximity to major studios supports its renowned arts curriculum. Many schools also facilitate internships and mentorship opportunities, allowing students to gain real-world experience. This integration is a distinctive advantage for students interested in creative fields.
For families considering both, what are the key practical and educational differences between top-rated public schools (like Walter Reed Middle School) and private schools in North Hollywood?
The key differences involve class size, resources, and program consistency. Top public schools in the area, such as those in the LAUSD, are tuition-free but can have larger class sizes (30+ students) and may face budget constraints affecting arts, electives, and individualized attention. Private schools like Oakwood maintain small class sizes (often 15-20), have significant endowments for facilities and programs, and offer a consistent, mission-driven education from K-12 without district reassignments. However, private schools require a substantial financial investment. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for a tailored, resource-rich environment versus the no-cost option of a public school, which may still require navigating lottery systems for magnets or charters.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities