The Best Private Schools in Sherman Oaks, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sherman Oaks. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harvard-Westlake School
Independent
Harvard-Westlake School is one of the nation's premier independent day schools, formed from the merger of Harvard School for Boys and Westlake School for Girls. Located adjacent to Sherman Oaks in Studio City, the school serves grades 7-12 with exceptional academic programs and facilities. The campus features cutting-edge science centers, extensive athletic facilities, multiple theaters, and comprehensive arts spaces. Harvard-Westlake offers an extensive curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and has a remarkable record of college placements at Ivy League and other top-tier institutions. The school emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and global citizenship.
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The Buckley School
Independent
The Buckley School is a prestigious K-12 independent day school renowned for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and balanced approach to education. Established in 1933, the school spans 18 acres with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Buckley emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, offering comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities.
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Oakwood School
Independent
Oakwood School is a highly respected K-12 independent school located just minutes from Sherman Oaks in North Hollywood. Founded in 1951, the school offers a progressive, student-centered education that balances academic rigor with creative expression. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and theater facilities. Oakwood's educational philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and social responsibility. The school maintains a diverse community with small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, renowned theater productions, and community outreach initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sherman Oaks, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Sherman Oaks, CA, and how do they differ?
Sherman Oaks offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including prestigious independent day schools and a smaller number of parochial institutions. The top-tier independent schools like The Buckley School (K-12), Oakwood School (K-12), and Harvard-Westlake School (7-12, with its middle school campus nearby) are known for rigorous college-preparatory curricula, exceptional arts and athletics, and low student-to-teacher ratios. These schools often have distinct educational philosophies; for example, Buckley emphasizes a "whole child" approach with a strong honor code, while Oakwood is progressive and known for its creative arts focus. In contrast, Sherman Oaks also has private religious schools, such as St. Francis de Sales School (Catholic, TK-8), which integrate faith-based education with academics. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, campus culture, and specific program offerings.
How does the competitive admissions process for top Sherman Oaks private schools like Harvard-Westlake work, and when should we apply?
The admissions process for elite Sherman Oaks-area schools is highly competitive and requires early and careful planning. For schools like Harvard-Westlake, Oakwood, and Buckley, the process typically begins a full year before enrollment. Applications for fall entry usually open in August or September, with deadlines between January and early February for the following academic year. The process involves submitting a detailed application, standardized testing (often the ISEE), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Harvard-Westlake, which draws applicants from across Los Angeles, acceptance rates are very low. It's crucial to attend open houses (often held in the fall), ensure your child is academically prepared, and apply to multiple schools. Many families also consider feeder preschools or lower schools that have established relationships with these institutions.
What is the average tuition for private schools in Sherman Oaks, CA, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in Sherman Oaks' private schools is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses in California. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at top schools ranges from approximately $35,000 to over $50,000 per year for upper grades. For example, Harvard-Westlake's tuition is around $52,000, Buckley is approximately $47,000, and Oakwood is about $46,000. Most schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs, with a significant percentage of the student body receiving assistance. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using systems like Clarity or the School and Student Service (SSS). California residents may also explore the California Credit Union School Choice Scholarship, but most aid comes directly from the schools. Be prepared for additional costs for uniforms, technology, extracurriculars, and annual giving.
How do the specialized academic and extracurricular programs in Sherman Oaks private schools leverage their Los Angeles location?
Private schools in Sherman Oaks uniquely capitalize on their proximity to the resources of Los Angeles. Academically, many offer exceptional film, television, and digital media programs, with opportunities for internships and mentorships in the entertainment industry. Schools like Oakwood have strong ties to the creative arts community. Furthermore, their science and technology programs often partner with local universities and tech firms in the San Fernando Valley and greater LA. Extracurricularly, students have access to world-class museums (like The Getty), professional sports teams for athletic inspiration, and a diverse cultural landscape for language immersion and history studies. Outdoor education programs frequently utilize California's varied geography, from beach clean-ups to mountain hiking trips. This urban and environmental access is a defining feature of education here.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the public school districts serving Sherman Oaks and the local private schools?
Sherman Oaks is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), with some highly regarded public schools like Sherman Oaks Elementary School for the Gifted-Magnet and Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES, a 4-12 magnet). The primary differences are scale, resources, and program consistency. LAUSD schools are tuition-free but can have larger class sizes and more limited elective offerings compared to private schools. Private schools in Sherman Oaks offer smaller, more personalized learning environments, extensive arts and athletics facilities, and a consistent college-prep trajectory from kindergarten through high school. However, the cost is substantial. A key consideration is that while some public magnets are excellent, admission is often via lottery or testing, and isn't guaranteed. Many families in Sherman Oaks choose private schools for a guaranteed, comprehensive educational pathway without navigating the LAUSD lottery or permit system.
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