The Best Private Schools in Pacific Palisades, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pacific Palisades. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Carlthorp School
Independent
Carlthorp School, located in adjacent Santa Monica, is one of the most prestigious elementary schools serving the Pacific Palisades community. The school maintains a traditional academic approach with strong emphasis on core subjects, character development, and comprehensive enrichment programs. Known for its exceptional faculty, intimate learning environment, and outstanding student outcomes, Carlthorp prepares students for top secondary schools. The school features beautiful campus facilities and maintains a strong sense of community with active parent involvement.
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St. Matthew's Parish School
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
St. Matthew's Parish School is a highly-regarded Episcopal school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based education framework, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, robust arts education, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent preparation for secondary education.
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Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Independent
Located in nearby Santa Monica, Crossroads School serves many families from Pacific Palisades and is renowned for its progressive, holistic approach to education. The school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with exceptional arts and sciences programs. Features include state-of-the-art facilities, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Crossroads consistently produces graduates who attend top universities while maintaining a balanced focus on intellectual, artistic, and personal development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pacific Palisades, California
What are the main private school options within Pacific Palisades, CA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Pacific Palisades is home to several highly regarded private schools, each with a distinct approach. St. Matthew's Parish School is an Episcopal school offering a traditional, rigorous academic program within a values-based community. Carlthorp School, one of the oldest independent schools in the area, emphasizes fundamental academic skills, character education, and a well-rounded experience. While Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences is technically located in nearby Santa Monica, it is a major draw for Palisades families due to its progressive, arts-integrated curriculum and emphasis on social justice. This mix provides parents with clear philosophical choices between traditional, foundational, and progressive education models right in the local area.
How competitive is the admissions process for private schools like Carlthorp or St. Matthew's in Pacific Palisades, and when should we apply?
Admissions to top-tier private schools in Pacific Palisades are highly competitive, given their reputations and limited seats. For schools like Carlthorp and St. Matthew's, the process typically begins over a year before the desired entry date. Applications for kindergarten often open in the summer or early fall, with deadlines in November or December for enrollment the following September. The process usually includes a written application, school tours, parent interviews, and play-based assessments for the child. It is strongly advised to attend open houses in the spring or fall prior to applying. Due to the competitiveness, many families also apply to several schools, including those in neighboring Santa Monica and Brentwood.
What is the range of annual tuition for private elementary schools in Pacific Palisades, CA, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private elementary schools in Pacific Palisades is significant, reflecting both the quality of education and the high cost of living in California. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition at schools like St. Matthew's and Carlthorp typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $45,000 for lower school grades. Most of these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families must apply for aid separately, often using the Clarity Application, and deadlines usually coincide with admissions deadlines. It's important to note that while aid can be substantial, it is highly competitive, and not all demonstrated need can always be met.
How do the private schools in Pacific Palisades leverage their unique coastal Los Angeles location in their educational programs?
Private schools in Pacific Palisades deeply integrate the unique local environment into their curricula. Many schools utilize the nearby Santa Monica Mountains for science and ecology studies, and the Pacific Ocean for marine biology and environmental stewardship projects. Physical education and wellness programs often include outdoor education, hiking, and beach-based activities. Furthermore, the proximity to the cultural hubs of Los Angeles allows for frequent field trips to museums, theaters, and scientific institutions. This access provides an educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering a connection to the local ecology and community resources that is specific to the Palisades and greater LA area.
For families considering both, what are the key differences between the top-rated public schools and private schools in Pacific Palisades?
Pacific Palisades is served by the highly ranked Palisades Charter High School and excellent local elementary schools within the LAUSD system. The key differences lie in class size, resources, and program specificity. Public schools are tuition-free but often have larger class sizes. Private schools like those in the Palisades offer much smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for highly individualized attention. They also have greater flexibility in curriculum design, often featuring specialized programs in world languages, arts, or technology from an early age. Additionally, private schools manage their own budgets and facilities, which can lead to more immediate upgrades and richer extracurricular offerings. The choice often comes down to a family's priority on personalized education and specific programs versus the community-based, tuition-free model of the strong local public system.
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