The Best Private Schools in Westwood, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westwood. 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 California's most prestigious independent day schools, serving students in grades 7-12 from Westwood and surrounding communities. With a legacy of academic excellence spanning over a century, the school offers an exceptionally rigorous curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses. The campus features world-class facilities including science centers, performing arts theaters, and athletic complexes. Harvard-Westlake boasts remarkable college placement records, with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and other elite universities. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and character development, offering robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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The Archer School for Girls
Independent School
The Archer School for Girls is an independent day school located just minutes from Westwood, serving grades 6-12. Founded on the principle that single-gender education provides unique opportunities for young women, Archer offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 16 students, personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships are hallmarks. The school emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, and innovative teaching methods. Archer graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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Brentwood School
Independent School
Brentwood School is a highly-regarded K-12 independent school located in nearby Brentwood, serving families from Westwood and surrounding areas. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. With two campuses serving different age groups, Brentwood provides a seamless educational journey from elementary through high school. The curriculum balances rigorous academics with extensive arts, athletics, and service learning opportunities. The Upper School features advanced coursework and exceptional college counseling, resulting in strong university placements. The school's inclusive community and focus on whole-child development make it a popular choice for Westwood families seeking private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westwood, California
What are the main private school options available within Westwood, CA, and what are their core educational models?
Westwood, California, is home to several prestigious private schools, each with a distinct focus. The most prominent are Harvard-Westlake School (with its middle school campus in nearby Studio City and upper school in Westwood), known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and exceptional arts and athletics; The Archer School for Girls, an independent all-girls school in nearby Brentwood emphasizing leadership and intellectual engagement; and Brentwood School, located just south of Westwood, offering a progressive, holistic K-12 education. While not all are technically within Westwood's postal boundaries, they are the primary private institutions serving the community. Parents should note that these are highly selective, independent day schools, and other options include various parochial and independent schools in the broader West Los Angeles area.
How does the tuition for top private schools in Westwood, CA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at Westwood's leading private schools is significantly above the California private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at Harvard-Westlake, Brentwood School, and Archer ranges from approximately $55,000 to $60,000 for upper grades. This contrasts with the statewide average private school tuition of roughly $25,000. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is common for 20-30% of the student body at these schools to receive some form of aid, with packages that can cover a substantial portion of tuition, fees, and even incidental expenses. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Westwood area that leverage its Los Angeles location?
Westwood's proximity to UCLA and the broader cultural and scientific resources of Los Angeles allows its private schools to offer unparalleled programs. Harvard-Westlake and Brentwood School, for instance, have extensive partnerships with UCLA for advanced research opportunities in STEM fields for high school students. The Archer School for Girls integrates Los Angeles as a classroom, with experiential learning in museums, theaters, and tech startups. All schools feature exceptional visual and performing arts programs that utilize professional venues and instructors from the entertainment industry. Furthermore, their global studies and language programs often include unique travel and exchange opportunities connected to LA's international communities and institutions.
What is the typical admissions timeline and process for competitive private schools like Harvard-Westlake in Westwood, CA?
The admissions process for Westwood's top private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year before intended enrollment. For entry in Fall 2025, the key timeline is: applications open in August/September 2024, with deadlines typically in early January 2025. The process involves a submitted application, standardized testing (often the ISEE), school records, teacher recommendations, and a mandatory student interview and visit. For schools like Harvard-Westlake, which has a separate middle and upper school, the main entry points are grades 7 and 9, making competition especially fierce for those grades. Families are strongly advised to attend open houses in the fall and to ensure all materials are submitted impeccably and on time, as these schools have acceptance rates often below 15%.
For families living in Westwood, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (like University High School) with the premier private schools?
Westwood is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), with University High School being the highly regarded local public magnet school. The key considerations are: **Class Size and Resources:** Private schools offer smaller classes (often 15-20 students) and immense resources in facilities, technology, and counseling. **Curriculum and Consistency:** Private schools provide a consistent, mission-driven education without the budget fluctuations and district-wide policy changes that can affect LAUSD. **Selectivity and Peer Group:** Private schools curate their student body through admissions, while University High, though selective for its magnet program, is part of a larger, more diverse public system. **Cost:** The obvious difference is tuition versus a free public education. Many families weigh the guaranteed, intensive private environment against the cost and the unique, real-world diversity and specific academic strengths of a top public magnet like Uni High.
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