{"id":436989,"date":"2025-12-10T03:59:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T03:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/436989\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T03:59:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T03:59:21","slug":"the-best-private-schools-in-los-angeles-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/436989\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Private Schools in Los Angeles, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tFor this guide to the most in-demand private schools<\/a> in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Reporter spoke to parents as well as admission consultants, looking at a host of criteria including selectivity, location, class size and school culture. \u201cYou need to look at the values that the school embodies and promotes,\u201d says consultant Betsy Brown Braun. And keep in mind, as consultant Fiona Whitney cautions, that \u201cschools are looking for classmates to make up a classroom \u2014 not for r\u00e9sum\u00e9s of parents. The real currency isn\u2019t just money, it\u2019s a child\u2019s ability to engage thoughtfully and truly be part of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\tThe Archer School for Girls\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Brentwood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $52,720 + $4,600 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 6-12<\/p>\n

\n\tWith a motto of \u201cambitious, joyful learning,\u201d The Archer School for Girls hews to its mission of educating the next generation of female leaders. \u201cI embrace the challenge of being a feminist institution at a time when women\u2019s rights are being eroded,\u201d Archer\u2019s head of school, Elizabeth English, has said. \u201cOur mission of empowering young women has never been more important.\u201d Founded in 1995, Archer is located on a picturesque, nearly 7-acre campus centered on a Spanish Revival building that dates to 1931. With more than 150 course offerings, 11 varsity sports teams and even its own film festival (dedicated to empowering female filmmakers), the school \u2014 from which singer Gracie Abrams graduated in 2018 \u2014 has a breadth of offerings and a deep bench of Hollywood support, with three Netflix execs (Hannah Minghella, Marian Lee and Mitzi Reaugh) and producer Frank Marshall serving on the board. Says manager and stylist Jeanne Yang, whose two daughters attended: \u201cTheir classes were conducted in an expository manner. They had to present and be very vocal and speak very coherently on what they were doing. The communication skills that they learned were so invaluable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\tBrentwood School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Brentwood (both East and West campuses)<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$47,545 (K-5); $55,700 (6-12); plus up to $6,700 in fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO <\/strong>3:1 (K); 7:1 (Grades 1-5); 8:1 (Grades 6-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tEveryone has an opinion about Brentwood, where Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rick Caruso and Mike and Irena Medavoy have enrolled kids. Adherents praise the breadth and depth of academic offerings; the robust sports program and well-appointed playing fields; and such newer additions as the design- and entrepreneurship-focused Belldegrun Center for Innovative Leadership. Others say that every extreme of Los Angeles culture (wealth, celebrity, privilege) can get amplified at Brentwood. A new head of school, Timothy Cottrell, arrived this summer after 13 years in Hawaii at the \u2018Iolani School. Among his top priorities, according to the school, is a \u201cfocus on community and values.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\tThe Buckley School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Sherman Oaks, San Fernando Valley<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $48,250 (K-5); $56,800 (Grades 6-12) + $7,000 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tIt\u2019s been six years since the \u201cVarsity Blues\u201d scandal came to light \u2014 in which several Buckley families were implicated \u2014 and seven years since a former head of school at Buckley resigned after a grade-inflation investigation. Under current head of school Alona Scott (who started in 2019), the 92-year-old institution has worked hard to renew its mission, which rests on founder Isabelle Buckley\u2019s original Four-Fold Plan where equal emphasis is given to academics, arts, athletics and an ethical education. The school \u2014 whose alumni include Laura Dern, Paris Hilton and Bret Easton Ellis \u2014 is remodeling its Lower School Assembly Room Building (which includes an expanded library and dedicated dance studio), and three years ago launched South by South Buckley, a film and arts festival.<\/p>\n

\t\tCampbell Hall\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Studio City, San Fernando Valley<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$46,160 (K-6); $54,100 (Grades 7-12) + $7,245 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO <\/strong>9:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tEvery Friday, students at Campbell Hall watch The Morning Show \u2014 not the Apple TV series, but a student-produced weekly show for announcements. The Episcopal school, which accepts students of all faiths, has a close-knit feel and is known for its well-rounded program including robust sports offerings (though it recently dropped football). \u201cIt\u2019s an academically strong school that also prioritizes balance and well-being,\u201d says admissions consultant Priya Nambiar. Denzel Washington and Matt Bomer are just two of the stars who have sent kids there, and Donna Langley is among a clutch of industry execs who serve on the board. In June, a 15-year-old student was killed in a car crash in the school parking lot. Since then, says one parent, the administration has gone \u201cabove and beyond\u201d in supporting the campus community as it grieves.<\/p>\n

\t\tCarlthorp School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Santa Monica<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $41,330<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO <\/strong>6:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tTradition remains a defining feature of Carlthorp, where each day begins with a morning assembly called Flag Line, during which students recite the Pledge of Allegiance and reflect on a thought of the day. Yet Carlthorp balances its long-standing customs with rigorous, forward-thinking academics. Founded in 1939, the school (which Dana Walden\u2019s daughters and children of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner reportedly have attended) boasts a science lab, an Innovation Hub (for engineering, computer science and game development) and a Spanish program. As part of its Service Learning curriculum, the third-grade class recently studied issues surrounding homelessness and housing insecurity.<\/p>\n

\t\tThe Center for Early Education\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> West Hollywood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$34,536 (Pre-K); $40,900 (Grades K-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 7:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades Pre-K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tThe Center for Early Education\u2019s annual galas have become renowned for their star power, with Beyonc\u00e9, Queen Latifah and Mindy Kaling among the featured performers and hosts in recent years. All that fundraising has fueled significant growth. In 2020, the school concluded an expansion that added two buildings to its existing building, creating a unified 100,000-square-foot urban campus on 2.3 acres. \u201cTheir brand-new campus is quite spectacular,\u201d says consultant Sandy Eiges of L.A. School Scout. Admission is highly competitive \u2014 a parent of a former student told THR that \u201cthere are thousands of applicants\u201d at a school with just 60 kids per grade. The school, according to one parent, strikes a good balance between academic rigor and social-emotional development. It\u2019s also increasingly diverse. In 2018, more than 50 percent of students at the center were students of color. Today, that number has risen to 64 percent.<\/p>\n

\t\tCrossroads School for Arts & Sciences\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Santa Monica<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $46,694 (K-5); $55,489 (6-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO <\/strong>About 13:1 (Grades K-5); 18:1 (Grades 6-8); 20:1 (Grades 9-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cCrossroads is authentically progressive and has stayed true to their mission. They remain focused and have not shifted with trends or politics,\u201d says consultant Nambiar of the school, which includes an elementary campus and a middle- and upper-level campus located a few blocks apart. Founded in 1971, Crossroads has a long list of notable alumni, including Snap founder Evan Spiegel (who serves on the board), Kate Hudson, Jack Black and Maude Apatow. The most recent graduating class included Patrick Dempsey\u2019s twins and one of Lauren S\u00e1nchez\u2019s children. In 2023, Elon Musk partly blamed the school for his estrangement from trans daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that the type of progressive education practiced there infects students with the \u201cwoke mind virus.\u201d Next year, the school will open its 55,000-square-foot Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts, a teaching, performance and rehearsal space.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tThe vegetable garden at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChris Flynn\/Courtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tCurtis School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Mulholland Corridor<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$40,207 + $2,000 one-time new student fee<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1 (Developmental Kindergarten); 11:1 (Grades K-2); 16:1 (Grades 3-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades DK-6<\/p>\n

\n\tLocated on one of the most beautiful campuses in town, Curtis is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Set on 27 acres, the tradition-minded school with a strong sports program (for grades 4-6) just opened its three-story Collaborative Learning and Innovation Center, which brings arts, science and technology classrooms together under one roof. In 2024, the school \u2014 which Victoria and David Beckham\u2019s kids once attended \u2014 placed 19 students at Harvard-Westlake, 16 at Brentwood and 12 at Windward. It\u2019s also been in the news in recent months amid an ongoing lawsuit from a parent whose child was expelled; the school took action over an email exchange with a fellow student that included the phrase \u201cyou dead yet\u201d along with squirt gun emojis.<\/p>\n

\t\tEcho Horizon School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Culver City<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $34,240 (Pre-K); $41,757 (Grades K-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO <\/strong>8:1 (Pre-K); 10:1 (K); 12:1 (Grades 1-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades Pre-K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tEcho Horizon is known for its inclusive program, which brings together deaf and hard of hearing students (who make up 15 percent of the student body) with their hearing peers. The school, which has attracted such parents as Shonda Rhimes and Marti Noxon, hews to a \u201cbest of both worlds\u201d educational approach, emphasizing both foundational skills and project-based learning. Its athletic program has a \u201cno cut\u201d policy, meaning that any student who wants to play can join. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tArt class at Echo Horizon, where deaf and hard of hearing kids make of 15 percent of students.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMichelle McSwain\/Courtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tFlintridge Preparatory School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> La Ca\u00f1ada Flintridge, San Gabriel Valley<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$50,750 + $2,000 enrollment fee<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 7-12<\/p>\n

\n\tPrep is known for its collaborative environment and emphasis on intellectual curiosity. Founded in 1933, the school counts Haley Joel Osment and Harry Hamlin as alumni, while Netflix vp Sonya Makunga serves on the board. In addition to a strong sports program (with 20 varsity teams), Prep offers a hands-on STEAM program that encourages long-term projects as well as a Global Studies initiative that broadens students\u2019 understanding of the world.<\/p>\n

\t\tGeffen Academy at UCLA\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Westwood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$41,200 + $2,620 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 10:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 6-12<\/p>\n

\n\tLaunched with a $100 million gift from David Geffen in 2015, the school boasts a modern, urban campus located on UCLA\u2019s south end. Particularly motivated students can participate in the Advanced Student Research Department, which allows them to pursue two-year projects. Classes encompass everything from Latin and Advanced Rhetoric to Wellness Skills and Emergency Preparedness, and students are eligible to take a General Education course at UCLA during their senior year.<\/p>\n

\t\tHarvard-Westlake School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Bel-Air<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $52,500 + $6,000 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 7-12<\/p>\n

\n\tLong the titan of prep schools in Los Angeles, with a reputation as an Ivy League feeder, Harvard-Westlake has seen the suicides of four students between 2023 and 2024. The deaths left the campus of 1,600 middle- and upper-school students shaken and stoked a conversation about whether HW\u2019s academic environment puts too much pressure on children. Changes at the school to address student mental health have been in the works for a couple of years and continue to roll out. Harvard-Westlake created a new position of director of student wellness in mid-2024. It now employs six full-time counselors (up from three in total two years ago), and the campus went cellphone free this fall. Anthony Sparks, a showrunner and writer (Bel-Air, Queen Sugar) who has a child at the school, says the changes haven\u2019t gone unnoticed. \u201cIs there real effort and concern and care at the school? My family\u2019s experience has been a big, fat yes. There\u2019s been an increase in support systems and the number of touch points.\u201d His two older children both graduated from Harvard-Westlake: \u201cIt\u2019s just an extraordinary place. There\u2019s a push for excellence that\u2019s balanced by an embrace of process rather than just outcome.\u201d Next fall, the school is on track to open a new, nearly $200 million sports complex in Studio\u00a0City.<\/p>\n

\t\tHollywood Schoolhouse\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Hollywood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $25,400 (Pre-K); $31,200 (K); $33,800 (Grades 1-3); $35,900 (Grades 4-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 6:1 (Pre-K); 8:1 (Grades 1-3); 10:1 (Grades 4-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades Pre-K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tCelebrating its 80th anniversary this year, Hollywood Schoolhouse is prized for its central location not far from Netflix and Paramount and a teaching approach that blends play, structure and rigor. This year, the school (which Meghan Markle attended) reopened a renovated 49-seat theater and welcomed new outdoor classrooms. It also has its own outdoor pool. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tThe Hollywood Schoolhouse, not far from Netflix and Paramount, offers a teaching approach that blends play, structure and academic rigor.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tThe John Thomas Dye School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Bel-Air<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $43,900 + $2,500 one-time new student fee<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 7:1 (K); 12:1 (Grades 1-6)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cJohn Thomas Dye really drives home the importance of family involvement as well as character building,\u201d says entertainment attorney Jeff Bernstein of Jackoway Austen, adding that the school\u2019s educational program is rigorous without being overly stressful: \u201cThey never take the joy out of learning.\u201d Founded in 1929, JTD steadfastly upholds its traditional approach and starts every school day at an assembly with a recitation of \u201cThe Salutation of the Dawn,\u201d during which members of the school community are asked to think of ways to make the day as fulfilling as it can be. JTD \u2014 where Paul Thomas Anderson and Lisa Marie Presley went to school and Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin\u2019s kids have attended \u2014 sent 95 students to Harvard-Westlake between 2021 and 2025.<\/p>\n

\t\tLaurence School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Valley Glen, San Fernando Valley<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $41,090<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tSet on 5 acres in the Valley, this elementary school balances traditional academics with a \u201ctotal child\u201d approach that encompasses social-emotional learning, development of public speaking skills and hands-on exploration. It recently opened a two-building STREAM Center that includes 3D printers, cardboard cutters, a greenscreen studio and two robotics tables. On its board are industry execs Channing Dungey of Warner Bros. TV and Nathan Kahane of Lionsgate, who has said of Laurence: \u201cIt\u2019s their dedication to community service that really makes it stand out.\u201d Students learn the importance of giving back via events like a recent fundraiser for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tA rendering of the STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Music) center at Laurence School<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tMarlborough School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Hancock Park<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $54,700 + $7,950 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 7-12<\/p>\n

\n\tOne of the most academically rigorous institutions in town \u2014 and a well-worn conduit to the Ivies \u2014 Marlborough is the oldest all-girls school in Southern California, founded in 1889. \u201cIt\u2019s more than 125 years old and rooted in tradition while also being really attuned to modern research on how girls learn,\u201d says one school consultant. Elective classes have included such subjects as food justice, Jewish literature and portfolio stock investment, and two newer additions to the curriculum are an entrepreneurship program and the Global Futures Institute, focusing on the future of the environment, of democracy and of worldwide societies.<\/p>\n

\t\tMirman School \t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Bel-Air<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $44,430 (Grades K-5); $49,100 (Grades 6-8) + $2,500 one-time new student fee<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 6:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-8<\/p>\n

\n\tThe bar is high at Mirman. To be considered for admission, students must generally have an IQ score of at least 138. Mirman has grown in recent years, expanding its enrollment from 330 to 430 students, adding a third class at each Lower School grade level and debuting 16,000 square feet of new facilities, including an arts pavilion. The select list of alumni includes actors Crispin Glover and Masi Oka (Heroes), novelist-screenwriter Nick Sagan (son of Carl), Scott Free executive Elyse Seder and several of Musk\u2019s kids. Recent Upper School electives have included competitive math, electronic music and above top secret (which delved into \u201crecent discussions of the government\u2019s admittance of the existence of high tech and UFOlogy\u201d and \u201cexciting new views on time travel\u201d).<\/p>\n

\t\tNew Roads School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Santa Monica<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $42,965 (Grades K-5); $52,645 (Grades 6-12) + additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-8<\/p>\n

\n\tNew Roads is committed to progressive education, founded as it is on the belief that there are many kinds of intelligence, including \u201ccognition, intuition, imagination, creativity, kinesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal,\u201d according to the school. There\u2019s a focus on project-based learning and a tradition of outdoor class trips to such destinations as the Channel Islands and Yosemite. Among the upper-level electives are film production, dance, animation, costume shop, textile dyeing and the cryptically named Mysteries class (\u201ca human development class for students to explore and learn about things that go unaddressed in the rest of school coursework\u201d). Poet Amanda Gorman is among its best-known alumni. In 2024, 20 percent of the graduating class became first-generation college students.<\/p>\n

\t\tOakwood School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Studio City and North Hollywood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $45,990 (Grades K-6); $55,070 (Grades 7-12) + $4,795 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 11:1 (Grades K-6); 9:1 (Grades 7-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tFounded in a backyard in North Hollywood by a group of parents in 1951, Oakwood draws families who appreciate the continuity of a K-12 education. Oakwood has two campuses, located a mile apart, and is known for its academically challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum informed by relational pedagogy, which \u201cviews students as partners in teaching and learning,\u201d as the school puts it. The industry connections run deep: Alumni include Chris Pine and Lily-Rose Depp; Marta Kauffman and Courtney Kemp are current board members, and Dave Grohl performed at the most recent school benefit. Early next year, the elementary school will welcome a new story building called the Da Vinci Lab and Classroom Complex, with a maker space and STEAM lab.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tA classroom at Oakwood School, whose notable alumni include Chris Pine and Lily-Rose Depp. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCameron Jordan\/Courtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tPilgrim School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Wilshire Center<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $26,865-$47,395 from Pre-K to 12th<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 14:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades Pre-K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tFounded in 1958, Pilgrim School takes kids from preschool all the way through high school graduation, focusing on mastery-based learning while instilling a sense of inclusion with its \u201ceverybody plays\u201d athletic program. Located in the heart of Koreatown on nearly 5 acres, the school has placed additional focus on mental health in the past few years, launching a social-emotional-focused program called Amaze and partnering with mental health care company Therapy Lab to provide services to students.<\/p>\n

\t\tPolytechnic School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $38,500 (Grades K-5); $44,000 (Grades 6-8) + $48,900 (Grades 9-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 7:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tFounded nearly 120 years ago in 1907, Poly is the oldest nonprofit private school in Southern California, with a list of graduates that includes Julia Child, Mike White and B5 Studios CEO Sean Bailey. Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, serves on the board. Set on a 15-acre campus, the school blends strict academics with a close-knit community. In upper levels, students can pursue independent research or take part in international travel programs through its PolyGlobal curriculum, designed to instill a sense of global citizenship. Sustainability is a focus as well \u2014 the school\u2019s solar car team competes nationally in racing challenges.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tPolytechnic School, the oldest nonprofit private school in SoCa<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tPS1 Pluralistic Schools\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Santa Monica<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$41,500 + $3,675 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 10:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tPS1 Pluralistic School subscribes to a belief in pluralism as the foundation of a healthily functioning democratic society. In practice, that means helping \u201cstudents understand themselves as individuals and as members of larger communities,\u201d according to the school. Instead of letter grades, PS1 communicates academic progress via \u201cnumeric rubrics\u201d (starting in third grade) and \u201cnarrative report cards.\u201d In 2020, the school received a Green Business Certification from the city of Santa Monica for its sustainable campus. Says one parent, \u201cPS1 gives you an amazing progressive foundation where kids have a really strong intrinsic sense of motivation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\tSierra Canyon School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Culver City<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $27,500 (Pre-K); $39,800 (Grades K-6); $46,300 (Grades\u00a07-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 9:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades Pre-K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tSierra Canyon has earned a national reputation for athletic excellence, bolstered in recent years by graduating the likes of Bronny and Bryce James and Zaire Wade (Dwyane Wade\u2019s son). This year, Bryce helped lead the men\u2019s basketball team to the CIF Division 1 state title. But the school (which Kylie and Kendall Jenner attended) is far more than a sports powerhouse. Its upper-school math team took first place in several L.A. area competitions in the 2024-25 school year, and next year Sierra Canyon will open the Everest Family Center for the Arts, a home for its visual and performing arts departments.<\/p>\n

\t\tTurning Point School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Culver City<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $36,500 (Pre-K); $43,150 (Grades K-4); $48,375 (Grades 5-8)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 6:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades Pre-K-8<\/p>\n

\n\tNot affiliated with the conservative political organization of the same name, Turning Point is one of the most diverse private schools in the area, with more than 70 percent of students identifying as students of color or multiracial. It\u2019s known for its nurturing environment and small class sizes plus facilities that include a 400-seat theater, full-size gym and studios, and training rooms for art, vocal, dance and music education.<\/p>\n

\t\tUCLA Lab School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Westwood<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $36,799<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 9:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades Pre-K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tRun by UCLA\u2019s School of Education and Information Studies, the Lab School dates to 1882 and is located on the university\u2019s campus on 6 wooded acres. Since it\u2019s a lottery-based program, there are no interviews for admission. Two years ago, former student Leonardo DiCaprio opened his wallet for his alma mater, funding a new Climate Justice Education Program. It\u2019s also one of the most diverse private schools in L.A., where 74 percent of children are students of color. The learning environment is grounded in an \u201cinquiry approach\u201d focused on \u201cwondering\u201d and \u201cgathering information\u201d to solve problems.<\/p>\n

\t\tWestland School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Bel-Air<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$39,675<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 10:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tFounded in 1949, Westland celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. In its early days, it drew a number of parents who were members of the Hollywood Ten, including such blacklisted writers as Ring Lardner Jr., Adrian Scott and Dalton Trumbo. Westland has been a beacon of progressive education ever since, balancing traditional academics with programs such as woodworking, printmaking and gardening. (There are two plots on campus, as well as three chickens.) The school is building a new multi-sensory play structure, due to be completed early next year.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tWestland School in Bel-Air offers programs including gardening and woodworking. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tWildwood School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Mar Vista\/Marina del Rey<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $46,190 (K-5); $53,385 (Grades 6-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 10:1 (K-5); 13:1 (Grades 6-12)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades K-12<\/p>\n

\n\tA thoroughly progressive school, Wildwood grounds its teaching in research-driven approaches, working to give its students a sense of agency and mastery. \u201cOur students lovingly joke with us about how by the time they get to college, they are adept at reflection,\u201d says head of school Landis Green. \u201cThey are the ones saying to themselves, \u2018Here\u2019s the evidence of my growth in this area. Here\u2019s evidence that I need to work harder in this other area.\u2019 \u201d The school \u2014 supported by a board that includes execs from Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studio and AMPAS \u2014 is set on two campuses and features a robust internship program. Industry parents who have sent their kids to Wildwood include Demi Moore, Dustin Hoffman, Steven Spielberg, Rob Reiner and Meryl Streep.<\/p>\n

\t\tThe Willows Community School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION<\/strong> Culver City<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $36,025 (DK); $41,350 (Grades K-5); $46,905 (Grades 6-8) + $3,500 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 9:1 (K); 10:1 (Grades 1-2); 9:1 (Grade 3); 10:1 (Grade 4); 9:1 (Grade 5); 18:1 (Grade 6); 21:2 (Grade 7); 14:1 (Grade 8)<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING <\/strong>Grades DK-8<\/p>\n

\n\tThe school \u2014 located on a 4-acre campus with STEAM, art, design and music studios, plus a black-box theater \u2014 is a proponent of social-emotional learning that uses the Yale University RULER approach for \u201crecognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing and regulating\u201d emotions. \u201cThe parent body is really strong, and they love their school,\u201d says Nambiar. Willows has a poet-in-residence, and electives include everything from 3D printing to survival skills.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tA teacher leads a class on the phases of the moon at The Willows Community School.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of School<\/p>\n

\t\tWindward School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Mar Vista<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION<\/strong> $53,718 + $7,981 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 8:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades 7-12<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cIt is really the hottest school in town,\u201d says one school adviser who didn\u2019t want to be quoted by name. Supporters of Windward say its appeal lies in striking the right balance between academics and a well-rounded environment, complete with strong sports and arts programs. There\u2019s even an entrepreneurship program. Windward, which welcomed a new head of school, Sarah Beck, this summer, is located on 9.5 acres that feature a new 33,500-square-foot DeGeorge Family Innovation & Arts Center (with a 250-seat theater, 239-seat recital hall, sky deck and makers studio). In the 2024-25 school year, Windward received 688 applications and admitted 125 new students. Zoe Kazan, Anna Paquin, Josh Groban and Jason Schwartzman are alumni.<\/p>\n

\t\tVillage School\t<\/p>\n

\n\tLOCATION <\/strong>Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades<\/p>\n

\n\tTUITION <\/strong>$39,828 + $3,000 additional fees<\/p>\n

\n\tSTUDENT-TEACHER RATIO<\/strong> 5:1<\/p>\n

\n\tACCEPTING<\/strong> Grades K-6<\/p>\n

\n\tOne of seven schools that were either destroyed or severely damaged in the Palisades Fire in January, Village School relocated to a spot in an office park in Santa Monica to continue its educational mission. Nearly 30 percent of its students lost their homes in the disaster. Founded in 1977, the elementary school structures learning around content areas such as art, navigation (life skills), science and the Dream Studio (dream, research, engineer, art, make). It plans to rebuild in its original location with an expanded campus, projected to open in January\u00a02028.<\/p>\n

\n\tThis story appeared in the Dec. 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For this guide to the most in-demand private schools in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Reporter spoke to parents…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":436990,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5123],"tags":[1582,276,2961,425,224,5337,3060],"class_list":{"0":"post-436989","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-california","10":"tag-la","11":"tag-local","12":"tag-los-angeles","13":"tag-losangeles","14":"tag-schools"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115693276620731555","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436989","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=436989"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436989\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/436990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=436989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=436989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=436989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}