The Best Private Schools in Woodland Hills, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Woodland Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sierra Canyon School
Independent
Sierra Canyon School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Woodland Hills in Chatsworth, the school is known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Sierra Canyon offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs.
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Chaminade College Preparatory
Marianist Catholic
Chaminade College Preparatory is a distinguished Catholic school located in adjacent West Hills, serving students in grades 6-12. Founded by the Marianist tradition, the school combines rigorous academic preparation with character formation and spiritual development. The 23-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Chaminade offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, competitive athletics programs, and rich extracurricular activities. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement record.
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Notre Dame High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Notre Dame High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school located in nearby Sherman Oaks, serving students throughout the San Fernando Valley including Woodland Hills. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by robust arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Notre Dame emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service to others, preparing students for success in college and beyond. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic achievement and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Woodland Hills, California
What are the main types of private schools available in Woodland Hills, CA, and how do they differ?
Woodland Hills, located in the San Fernando Valley, offers a diverse range of private school options. The area is notably home to prestigious independent schools like Sierra Canyon School, known for its strong academics, arts, and athletics, often with a college-prep focus. You'll also find faith-based institutions such as Chaminade College Preparatory (Catholic, co-ed) and Notre Dame High School (Catholic, single-sex). Additionally, there are smaller parochial elementary schools and secular progressive schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy (e.g., religious formation vs. secular independent), campus size, student body composition, and specific programmatic strengths like STEM or performing arts, which are prominent in several Woodland Hills schools.
How does tuition for private schools in Woodland Hills, CA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition at top Woodland Hills private schools like Sierra Canyon, Chaminade, and Notre Dame is generally at or above the California state average for private secondary education, often ranging from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 annually for high school. California's higher cost of living is a factor. However, these schools typically offer robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual fundraising. It's common for schools to use the Clarity Application or similar needs-based assessment tools. Many also offer merit scholarships, and some have parish subsidies for affiliated families at Catholic schools. We strongly recommend applying for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Woodland Hills private schools?
Private schools in Woodland Hills leverage their Los Angeles-area location to offer unique programs. Sierra Canyon is renowned for its extensive arts conservatory and competitive athletics, often drawing students interested in entertainment industry connections. Chaminade College Preparatory emphasizes its Engineering and Applied Science program, a dedicated STEM track. Notre Dame High School offers distinctive single-gender education within a Catholic framework, with strong leadership and service programs. Many schools also utilize the nearby Santa Monica Mountains for environmental science and have partnerships with local universities and businesses for internships. The proximity to cultural institutions in LA is a significant academic and extracurricular asset.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Woodland Hills?
The process for schools like Sierra Canyon, Chaminade, and Notre Dame is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should start researching in the spring or summer before the desired fall entry year. The key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing standardized testing (like the HSPT or ISEE), scheduling student interviews and shadow days, and submitting teacher recommendations. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For the most competitive grades, especially 9th entry, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Sibling and legacy applicants often have earlier or priority deadlines.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the defining characteristics of the private school environment in Woodland Hills?
Choosing a private school in Woodland Hills often involves seeking a specific community or educational approach not guaranteed in the large, well-regarded but crowded Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) public schools like El Camino Real Charter. Private schools here offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), more individualized attention, and a mission-driven culture—whether faith-based or centered on a particular pedagogical philosophy. They provide greater programmatic consistency and often have more resources for arts, technology, and college counseling. The trade-off is cost and a less socio-economically diverse student body. The defining characteristic is choice: parents can select an environment that closely aligns with their values and their child's learning style.
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