Best Private Schools in Los Angeles: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Los Angeles has its fair share of elite private schools, but the right one depends on what matters most to your family. Maybe it’s strong academics, maybe it’s a place that sparks creativity, or maybe it’s somewhere that simply feels right. To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up 30+ standout schools and grouped them into clear, helpful categories. No fluff. No stress. Just the kind of guide you actually want to read.

Please note that this ranking is based on Cardinal Education’s professional experience as educational consultants and feedback from hundreds of families we have worked with. It reflects our informed opinion and is intended to provide insight for families exploring private school options. This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially representative of any of the schools mentioned.

Top 8 College Prep Private Schools in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is packed with private schools that don’t just talk about college prep—they deliver. These schools are known for serious academics, standout programs, and a track record of sending grads to top universities. If you’re weighing your options or just getting to know the LA scene, this list highlights the schools that consistently rise to the top.

#1 Harvard-Westlake School | Studio City & Beverly Hills

Harvard-Westlake School Grades: 7–12 (Middle School to Upper School)

Harvard-Westlake is the school everyone whispers about—and for good reason. It’s tough, it’s polished, and it sends students to the Ivies like clockwork. With 30+ APs, powerhouse teams in debate and robotics, and college counselors who know their stuff, this place doesn’t just prep you for college—it practically fast-tracks you there.

#2 Polytechnic School | Pasadena

Polytechnic School Grades: K–12

Polytechnic School—known simply as “Poly” to those in the know—is where brains meet balance. It’s academically intense, sure, but the community is tight-knit, warm, and refreshingly down-to-earth. The STEM program is a standout, with labs and studios that make learning feel more Silicon Valley than high school hallway.

#3 Marlborough School | Hancock Park

Marlborough School Grades: 7–12 (All-Girls)

Marlborough isn’t just top-tier for an all-girls school—it’s top-tier, period. Known for sharp minds and bold ideas, this school puts girls front and center in fields like science and tech. The vibe? Academic grit with a side of leadership training and confidence that sticks.

#4 Brentwood School | West LA

Brentwood School Grades: K–12

Brentwood blends academics with intention. Yes, the classes are rigorous, but it’s the focus on character, life skills, and service that sets this place apart. Students don’t just graduate smart—they graduate grounded, self-aware, and ready to lead with purpose.

#5 Flintridge Preparatory School | La Cañada Flintridge

Flintridge Preparatory School Grades: 7–12

Flintridge Prep is the school where no one’s gunning for class rank, but everyone’s still excelling. With a “we over me” approach, students thrive in a culture of curiosity and kindness. Add in a state-of-the-art STEAM lab and a human development program that actually talks about real life, and you’ve got something special.

#6 Chadwick School | Palos Verdes Peninsula

Chadwick School Grades: K–12

If your kid is the adventurous, global-minded, ask-big-questions type, Chadwick is a great match. From outdoor expeditions to exchanges with its South Korean campus, this school puts exploration on the syllabus. It’s academic, yes, but never boxed in.

#7 The Buckley School | Sherman Oaks

The Buckley School Grades: K–12

Buckley’s known for its “4-Fold Plan,” which sounds serious but is really just their way of saying students get a full experience. Academics? Check. Arts and athletics? Absolutely. Personal growth? Built into every class. Bonus: if your kid lives for theater, they’ll feel right at home.

#8 Viewpoint School | Calabasas

Viewpoint School Grades: K–12

Viewpoint is where ambition gets a creative edge. Students here don’t just study—they pitch, produce, and prototype. Whether it’s filmmaking, coding, or building a brand from scratch, Viewpoint gives kids the space to lead, innovate, and get their ideas out into the world.

6 Best Private Schools in LA for the Arts, Creativity, and Innovation

Los Angeles runs on creativity, and its private schools don’t miss a beat. If you’re looking for a place where imagination gets as much airtime as algebra, you’re in the right city. These schools don’t just sprinkle in the arts because they also build programs that launch filmmakers, designers, and future changemakers. From hands-on innovation labs to boundary-pushing arts departments, this list highlights the schools where creativity leads and students shine.

Here are the best private schools in Los Angeles for arts, creativity, and innovation, ranked and spotlighted for what makes each one stand out.

#1 Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | Santa Monica

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Grades: K–12

If LA had a private school Walk of Fame, Crossroads would be front and center. Known for sending artists, actors, and entrepreneurs into the world stage-ready, it’s where creativity is taken seriously—and so is social change. From conservatory-style arts programs to a curriculum grounded in equity, this is the school where passion and purpose go hand in hand.

#2 Windward School | Mar Vista

Windward School Grades: 7–12

Windward is where engineers sketch storyboards and filmmakers code. It’s a true STEAM playground, with pro-level spaces for music, animation, and game design. Students don’t just consume media—they create it, remix it, and push it somewhere new. Innovation lives here, and it looks really good doing it.

#3 Wildwood School | West LA

Wildwood School Grades: K–12

At Wildwood, art isn’t confined to a class period. It’s infused into how students think, ask questions, and tackle real issues. From studio spaces to social justice projects, creativity is a tool for making sense of the world—and changing it. If your kid has a voice and something to say, Wildwood helps them say it well.

#4 New Roads School | Santa Monica

New Roads School Grades: K–12

New Roads is bold, diverse, and anything but traditional. Its arts programs lean into identity, storytelling, and social justice, encouraging students to use creativity as a lens for change. Whether it’s spoken word or short film, students don’t just make art—they make meaning.

#5 Campbell Hall | Studio City

Campbell Hall Grades: K–12

Campbell Hall strikes a rare balance: strong academics and strong arts, all wrapped in a values-based environment. Whether students are choreographing a dance or editing a short film, the school supports both heart and craft. It’s a place where faith, creativity, and intellect play nice together.

#6 The Willows Community School | Culver City

The Willows Community School Grades: K–8

The Willows starts the creative spark early. Inspired by Reggio Emilia, their model lets students build, design, and express from the moment they walk through the door. From maker spaces to murals, every project is hands-on, minds-on, and totally student-driven.

Innovative and STEM-Focused Private Schools in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is where forward-thinking education thrives. These schools don’t just prep students for college, they prep them for the world they’ll help shape. Think coding in 6th grade, labs that feel more Silicon Valley than science class, and projects that actually matter. If you’re looking for schools where students don’t just learn—they launch—this list is your blueprint.

#1 EF Academy | Pasadena, CA

EF Academy Grades: 9-12

EF Academy is where global meets local meets future. With its Innovation & Impact Program, students design real projects that tackle real-world problems—think climate action, social equity, and tech for good. This isn’t your average STEM class. It’s hands-on, big-picture learning with a passport in one hand and a prototype in the other.

#2 Vistamar School | El Segundo, CA

Vistamar School Grades: 9-12

At Vistamar School, students aren’t just writing code, but they’re building apps, programming hardware, and solving real problems before lunchtime. This is where tech meets purpose, and where computer science actually feels like a gateway, not just a graduation requirement.

#3 Pilgrim School | Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire), CA

Pilgrim School Grades: Preschool-12

Pilgrim School in Los Angeles keeps things real with classes in engineering, green design, and digital film. Students get their hands dirty (sometimes literally) with projects that are messy, meaningful, and full of learning that actually sticks.

#4 Oaks Christian School | Westlake Village, CA

Oaks Christian School Grades: K-12

Oaks Christian School has its own Institute of Engineering, and no, it’s not just a fancy name. Students explore everything from aerospace to software and build stuff that actually works. This is where curiosity meets a soldering iron.

#5 Turning Point School | Culver City

Turning Point School Grades: Preschool-8

Turning Point School gives younger students a creative playground to test out ideas. Want to build something? Paint something? Code something? The Foundations classes let kids try it all while figuring out what makes them tick.

#6 Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) | Playa Vista, CA

Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) Grades: Preschool–8

WNS runs on curiosity. With STEAM projects powered by a Reggio-inspired model, students explore, experiment, and occasionally invent something cooler than what’s in your kitchen drawer.

#7 Southwestern Academy | San Marino, CA

Southwestern Academy Grades: 6–12 (Day & Boarding)

Located in San Marino, Southwestern Academy makes lab goggles look good. Students dive into hands-on science while learning alongside peers from around the world. It’s part chemistry, part cultural exchange, and entirely unforgettable.

7 Best Faith-Based and Values-Driven Private Schools in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has no shortage of private schools with strong values—literally. Whether it’s rooted in a specific faith or built around universal principles like compassion and service, these schools do more than teach. They shape character, build community, and help students grow into people who care as much as they achieve. If you’re looking for a place where academics meet meaning, start here.

#1 de Toledo High School – Jewish | West Hills, CA

de Toledo High School Grades: 9–12

De Toledo High School offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum infused with moral clarity. With a curriculum that weaves in Jewish values, students graduate ready to lead with purpose. Think global thinking, ethical decision-making, and service that actually shows up in the real world.

#2 Marymount High School – Catholic  | Los Angeles, CA

Marymount High School Grades: 9–12 (All-Girls)

Marymount High School empowers young women to think deeply, lead boldly, and live with intention. Faith is part of the foundation, but so is critical thinking, service, and a strong push toward making the world better—one well-prepared graduate at a time.

#3 St. Matthew’s Parish School – Episcopal  | Pacific Palisades, CA

Matthew’s Parish School Grades: Preschool–8

St. Matthew’s Parish School values like compassion and integrity aren’t posters on the wall—they’re part of daily life. With a focus on faith, community, and strong academics, students are raised to be thoughtful, grounded, and ready to give back.

#4 Berkeley Hall School – Non-denominational, Spiritual Philosophy | LA

Grades: Nursery–8

Berkeley Hall School leans into a spiritual approach that prioritizes character, mindfulness, and connection. It’s not about doctrine—it’s about helping kids grow into kind, confident, and centered humans who thrive in school and beyond.

#5 Oaks Christian School – Christian | Westlake Village, CA

Oaks Christian School Grades: 5–12 (Middle & High School); also offers K–4 through its Elementary campus

Oaks Christian School blends faith with future-ready programs in arts, engineering, and leadership. Students dive deep into learning while staying grounded in Christian values, building skills with soul and purpose with passion.

#6 Pilgrim School – Progressive Christian | Los Angeles, CA

Pilgrim School Grades: Preschool–12

Pilgrim School redefines faith-based learning with a focus on mastery, inclusion, and global citizenship. It’s open-minded, mission-driven, and built for students who want to think critically while staying connected to core values.

#7 Campbell Hall – Episcopal | North Hollywood, CA

Campbell Hall Grades: K–12

Campbell Hall is where academic excellence meets spiritual reflection. Students are encouraged to explore their beliefs, speak their truths, and build a world that works for everyone. With a strong emphasis on DEI and justice, it’s a school that walks the talk.

Top 4 LA Private Schools for Gifted, Twice-Exceptional, and Differently-Wired Students

Los Angeles has exceptional private schools designed for students who learn differently. These schools celebrate individual strengths and provide tailored support for gifted students and those with learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, and more. If your child needs an environment that understands how they think, this list is a great place to start.

#1 Westmark School | Encino, CA

Westmark School Grades: 2-12

Westmark School is built for students with language-based learning differences. With tools like multisensory instruction and individualized support, the school helps students gain confidence, close skill gaps, and rediscover the joy in learning.

#2 Frostig School | Pasadena & West Los Angeles, CA

Frostig School Grades: 1–12

Frostig School in Pasadena and West LA offers a full academic program alongside social-emotional and therapeutic support. It’s a community where students with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism learn at their pace, with teachers who know how to guide them every step of the way.

#3 Mirman School | Los Angeles, CA

Mirman School Grades: K–8

Mirman School is made for highly gifted learners who need more than standard curriculum. Small classes, advanced academics, and plenty of creative freedom make it a place where bright kids can stretch their minds and stay curious.

#4 Berkeley Hall School | Los Angeles, CA

Berkeley Hall School Gades: Nursery–8

Berkeley Hall School provides a nurturing setting for students with different learning styles. With small class sizes and a focus on character, the school supports growth both academically and personally.

Interested in One of These Schools? Let Cardinal Education Help You!

If you’re interested in one of these top private schools in Los Angeles, Cardinal Education is here to help you navigate the application process. With expert guidance and tailored strategies, we can assist you in showcasing your strengths, preparing for entrance exams, and presenting a compelling application. These schools provide outstanding academic opportunities, but getting in requires more than just good grades, because it’s also about aligning your passions, achievements, and aspirations with the unique culture of each school.

Let Cardinal Education be your partner in making your dream school a reality. Contact us today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you’re looking to get your child into a top college, schools like Harvard-Westlake, Polytechnic, Marlborough, Brentwood, and Flintridge Prep are great choices. These schools are known for being academically challenging and offer advanced classes like AP and honors. They also have experienced college counselors who help students with applications, essays, and finding the right school.

    Many students from these schools end up at Ivy League and top universities across the country. The schools also offer strong extracurriculars, from sports to robotics, which help students stand out in college admissions. Overall, they prepare students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally for life after high school.

  • If your child is creative or passionate about the arts, consider schools like Crossroads, Windward, Wildwood, New Roads, and Campbell Hall. These schools have amazing programs in things like painting, music, acting, filmmaking, and even dance.

    They also let students mix arts with other subjects, so kids can learn in fun, engaging ways. There are lots of performances, art shows, and student-led projects throughout the year. Plus, they have modern studios, music rooms, and tech labs that support creativity. These schools are great for kids who want to explore their talents, build confidence, and maybe even go into creative careers in the future.

  • Yes, definitely. If your child is gifted or learns in a different way, schools like Mirman, Westmark, Frostig, and Berkeley Hall are great options. These schools focus on students who might be ahead in some subjects but need help in others, like kids with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism.

    The class sizes are small, so teachers can give each student more attention. The schools build learning plans based on each child’s strengths and needs. They also support emotional and social growth, making sure students feel confident and understood. These schools create safe, supportive spaces where gifted and neurodiverse kids can learn, thrive, and be themselves.

  • If you want a school that includes faith and values as part of learning, there are great options in L.A. Marymount is a top Catholic high school for girls. De Toledo is a leading Jewish high school. St. Matthew’s and Campbell Hall follow the Episcopal tradition, while Oaks Christian and Pilgrim School are rooted in broader Christian teachings.

    These schools blend solid academics with spiritual growth, service, and character-building. Students are taught to be kind, respectful, and thoughtful, while still being challenged in the classroom. They also do community work, join faith-based activities, and grow up with a strong sense of purpose and belonging.