The Best Private Schools in Playa Vista, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Playa Vista. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westchester Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Westchester Lutheran School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located just minutes from Playa Vista. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive academic program enriched with STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, music rooms, and athletic fields. The curriculum integrates faith-based education with rigorous academics, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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St. Bernard Catholic School
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Located in nearby Playa del Rey, St. Bernard Catholic School serves families throughout the Playa Vista area with a distinguished academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive language arts. Technology integration includes 1:1 iPad program and smart board classrooms. Extracurricular offerings include choir, band, sports teams, and community service programs. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment, with many graduates attending top Catholic high schools in the region.
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Turning Point School
Independent
Turning Point School in nearby Culver City is a highly respected independent school serving Playa Vista families with its innovative progressive education approach. The school emphasizes project-based learning, social-emotional development, and a comprehensive STEAM program. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, dedicated art studios, performance spaces, and modern athletic facilities. The school's diverse community and commitment to developing the whole child make it a popular choice for Playa Vista families seeking a balanced education that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world while fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Playa Vista, California
Are there any private schools physically located within the city limits of Playa Vista, CA, or do families typically look to neighboring communities?
Playa Vista itself is a relatively new and compact planned community, and as such, it does not currently host a private K-12 school campus within its official boundaries. Families in Playa Vista most commonly look to excellent private institutions in adjacent areas of Los Angeles. The schools you mentioned—like Turning Point School in Culver City, St. Bernard Catholic School in Playa del Rey, and Westchester Lutheran School in Westchester—are all within a short 10-15 minute drive. This makes Playa Vista a residential hub with easy access to a variety of top-tier private school options in the broader Westside region.
How does the tuition for private schools near Playa Vista, CA, compare to the state or national average, and what are common financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Playa Vista area is generally at or above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living in California and the Los Angeles Westside. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect K-8 tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 annually. Most schools, including those like Turning Point and St. Bernard, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is crucial for California parents to inquire about these programs early and complete applications like the Clarity Application. Additionally, California's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools near Playa Vista, leveraging the area's tech and creative industries?
Private schools in the Playa Vista orbit often design programs that resonate with the community's identity as a tech and media hub ("Silicon Beach"). For instance, Turning Point School has a strong focus on innovation, design thinking, and STEM from an early age. Many schools integrate technology seamlessly into the classroom and offer specialized robotics, coding, and digital arts programs. Furthermore, proximity to the ocean and the Ballona Wetlands influences curricula, with schools like St. Bernard and Westchester Lutheran incorporating environmental science and outdoor education. The creative arts are also strongly supported, with partnerships and exposure to the nearby entertainment industry.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Playa Vista, CA, and when should we start?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in the Los Angeles Westside, including those serving Playa Vista families, is highly structured and competitive. The timeline typically begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by early January, and completing student assessments/visits and parent interviews in January-February. Admission decisions are usually released in March. For kindergarten entry, it is strongly advised to begin research and tours the prior spring or summer. Due to the competitive nature, many families apply to multiple schools to increase their options.
For a family moving to Playa Vista, how do the local public school options compare to the private schools in neighboring communities?
Playa Vista is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), specifically Playa Vista Elementary School, which is a highly regarded public magnet school with a focus on environmental science. Many families are very satisfied with this option. The choice between this public school and nearby private schools often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. larger public school classes), distinct religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Lutheran, Catholic, progressive independent), and often more extensive extracurriculars. The decision also involves financial planning, as private tuition is a significant investment compared to the free public option. We recommend touring both Playa Vista Elementary and several private schools to feel the difference firsthand.
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