The Best Private Schools in San Fernando, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Fernando. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harvard-Westlake School
Independent School
Harvard-Westlake School is one of the most prestigious independent schools in Southern California, consistently ranked among the top private schools nationally. The school offers an exceptionally rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, complemented by outstanding arts and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, Harvard-Westlake provides personalized attention and maintains remarkable college placement records. The school serves students from across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area.
Programs:
Chaminade College Preparatory
Marianist Catholic School
Chaminade College Preparatory is a highly-regarded Marianist Catholic school serving the San Fernando Valley area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM and arts. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Sierra Canyon School
Independent School
Sierra Canyon School is a highly respected independent school located in the nearby Chatsworth area, serving families throughout the San Fernando Valley. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. Features include state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic teams, robust arts programs, and a diverse student body. Sierra Canyon is known for its personalized approach to education and strong college counseling program that guides students to selective universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Fernando, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in San Fernando, California?
While San Fernando itself is a smaller city within the San Fernando Valley, its residents have access to several prestigious private schools in the immediate and surrounding areas. Notable institutions include Chaminade College Preparatory in Chatsworth (serving grades 6-12), Harvard-Westlake School with campuses in Studio City and Los Angeles (grades 7-12), and Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth (Pre-K through 12). These schools are all within a reasonable commute from San Fernando. Additionally, there are numerous parochial and independent elementary schools throughout the Valley. It's important for San Fernando parents to consider commute logistics, as many top-tier private schools are located in neighboring communities.
How does the tuition for private schools near San Fernando, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for the top private schools in the San Fernando Valley area is generally at or above the California state average for private education, reflecting their resources, facilities, and reputations. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Harvard-Westlake and Sierra Canyon can exceed $45,000 for upper grades. However, most of these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is common for families in San Fernando to apply for aid, and schools often use platforms like the Clarity Application. California also has programs like the California Credit Union School Loan, but the primary source of assistance is directly from the schools themselves. Always check each school's website for specific deadlines and requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the San Fernando Valley that might benefit my child?
Private schools in the San Fernando Valley leverage their proximity to Los Angeles's cultural and industrial hubs to offer distinctive programs. For instance, Chaminade College Preparatory has a strong engineering and robotics program. Harvard-Westlake is renowned for its arts and athletics, with facilities and faculty rivaling small colleges. Sierra Canyon School offers a renowned film program, capitalizing on its connections to the entertainment industry. Many schools also have extensive community service requirements that partner with Los Angeles-based organizations. These programs provide San Fernando students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world experience not typically available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools near San Fernando, California?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the San Fernando Valley 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 (e.g., fall 2023 for fall 2024 enrollment). Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-October), submitting applications (usually due in January), completing standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and parent interviews. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March. For San Fernando families, it's crucial to plan for potential travel time to these schools for tours, interviews, and testing. We recommend starting research and visits in the spring of the prior year to make an informed decision.
For a family living in San Fernando, what are the key considerations when deciding between a high-performing local public school and a private school in the area?
San Fernando parents should weigh several local factors. The public school option is typically San Fernando High School (part of LAUSD), which may offer specialized magnets or programs. Key considerations include: class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. 30+ in public), specialized academic focus (e.g., arts, STEM), extracurricular depth, and campus resources. A major practical factor is the commute; a private school may require significant daily driving into neighboring communities like Chatsworth or Studio City. Financially, the cost of private tuition must be balanced against the potential for moving to a different public school district. Many families in San Fernando choose private schools for a consistent, mission-driven K-12 pathway that avoids the annual uncertainties of LAUSD budgeting and staffing.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities