The Best Private Schools in West Hills, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in West Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chaminade College Preparatory
Marianist Schools
Chaminade College Preparatory is a premier Catholic private school serving grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and comprehensive visual and performing arts. With state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, Chaminade provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development through its Marianist tradition, preparing students for top universities nationwide.
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Sierra Canyon School
Independent School Network
Sierra Canyon School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from West Hills in Chatsworth, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The campus features modern academic facilities, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Sierra Canyon is known for its strong academic reputation, competitive sports teams, and exceptional arts programs, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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Oaks Christian School
Christian Schools International
Oaks Christian School is a prestigious Christian college preparatory school serving grades 5-12, located in nearby Westlake Village and serving families throughout the West Hills area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses and specializes in STEM innovation through its Innovation Lab and engineering programs. Oaks Christian features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts theaters, and comprehensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development, with graduates regularly accepted to prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in West Hills, California
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in West Hills, California, and what are their defining characteristics?
West Hills, CA, is situated near several highly-regarded private schools, though most are located in neighboring communities like Chatsworth and Woodland Hills. The most prominent options include **Chaminade College Preparatory** (a Catholic, co-ed school in Chatsworth known for strong academics and character education), **Sierra Canyon School** (a prestigious, non-sectarian school in Chatsworth famous for its state-of-the-art facilities, robust arts/athletics, and college preparatory rigor), and **Oaks Christian School** (a Christian, co-ed school in Westlake Village with a comprehensive program emphasizing faith, academics, and competitive sports). While not within West Hills' exact boundaries, these schools are the primary destinations for local families seeking private education, with many offering transportation services.
How does tuition for private schools in the West Hills, CA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools near West Hills is generally above the California state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $25,000 to $48,000 annually for grades 6-12, with high schools like Sierra Canyon and Oaks Christian at the upper end. California's lack of voucher programs means families primarily rely on school-based financial aid. All the mentioned schools have substantial need-based financial aid programs and some merit-based scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, California's 529 college savings plans can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, offering a tax-advantaged savings option.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations do private schools near West Hills, California, offer that differentiate them?
Schools in this region have developed notable specializations to attract families. **Sierra Canyon** is renowned for its entrepreneurial studies, advanced STEM labs, and exceptional visual/performing arts programs, often attracting students with professional aspirations. **Oaks Christian** offers a distinctive global studies program and a highly competitive athletics program that competes at a national level. **Chaminade** provides a unique engineering and design pathway, along with strong community service requirements integral to its Marianist philosophy. The proximity to Los Angeles' entertainment and tech industries also allows these schools to facilitate unique internship and mentorship opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for competitive private schools serving West Hills, CA, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, most schools open applications in August or September, with deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application with essays and recommendations, 3) Student testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) and school visits/interviews (scheduled in winter), and 4) Admission decisions released in March. For highly competitive entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, planning 12-18 months in advance is common. Sibling and legacy applicant considerations are significant, so applying in the earliest appropriate entry grade is advised.
For a family in West Hills, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (like El Camino Real Charter High School) to the leading private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, resources, and specialization. **West Hills public schools** (part of LAUSD) offer a tuition-free education with strong options like El Camino Real Charter, which has notable academic and extracurricular programs. The private schools near West Hills, however, typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 vs. 30+), more individualized attention, more robust arts and athletic facilities, and greater flexibility in curriculum. They also generally have more consistent funding for programs and lower student-to-counselor ratios, which can be advantageous for college advising. The trade-off is the significant financial investment. Families should assess their child's need for specialized programs, learning environment, and the value of the private school's specific community and network.
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