Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to some of the most prestigious private high schools in the nation, offering families exceptional educational opportunities ranging from rigorous college-preparatory academics and world-class arts programs to specialized single-gender institutions and innovative K-12 campuses. These schools are known for their small class sizes, dedicated faculty, extensive extracurricular offerings, and impressive college placement records.
This guide highlights twenty of the best private high schools in the Los Angeles area, based on academic reputation, college placement, and the unique strengths of each institution.
Top 20 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles
1. Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School is a premier coeducational college-preparatory day school serving grades 7-12, ranked as the #1 Best Private High School in the Los Angeles Area. It has two campuses: a middle school in Los Angeles and an upper school in Studio City. The school offers over 300 courses with 14 AP and 43 Honors options, with a 96% AP pass rate and average SAT score of 1470. Tuition is approximately $54,900 per year, and 20% of students receive financial aid averaging 72% of costs. Harvard-Westlake has impressive Ivy+ college placements, including 17 to Stanford, 12 to Yale, and 9 to UPenn in a recent year.
2. Windward School
Windward School is a highly regarded coeducational college-preparatory school in Los Angeles serving approximately 625 students in grades 7-12, with tuition around $58,101. The school ranks among the top private high schools in Los Angeles County. Windward offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on critical thinking and creativity, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 6:1. Its graduates are consistently placed in top universities, and the school is known for its collaborative learning environment and strong community values.
3. Flintridge Preparatory School
Flintridge Preparatory School is a highly ranked coeducational school in La Cañada Flintridge serving grades 7-12, with tuition of approximately $53,750. The school ranks #2 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Flintridge Prep is known for its collaborative environment and emphasis on intellectual curiosity, with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and enrollment of 530 students.
The school offers strong programs in STEAM, Global Studies, and athletics, and has a reputation for preparing students for competitive college admissions.
4. Marlborough School
Marlborough School is a prestigious college-preparatory independent school for girls in the heart of Los Angeles, serving grades 7-12 with tuition of $57,850. Founded in 1889, the school inspires students to discover who they are, engage deeply in their studies, and lead lives of purpose. Marlborough offers 12 sports with 36 teams, 90+ student-led clubs, and student publications.
The school has strong Ivy+ college placements, including 6 to Yale and 4 to Cornell in recent years. The average SAT score is 1420, and the average ACT score is 33.
5. Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences
Crossroads School is a prestigious K-12 school in Santa Monica known for its progressive, arts-focused education, with tuition ranging from $46,694 for K-5 to $55,489 for grades 6-12. Founded in 1971, Crossroads has a long list of notable alumni including Kate Hudson, Jack Black, and Snap founder Evan Spiegel.
The school is opening a new 55,000-square-foot Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts to further its mission. Crossroads emphasizes authentic learning, creativity, and social responsibility, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 7:1.
6. Sierra Canyon School
Sierra Canyon School is a private coeducational school in Chatsworth serving grades PreK-12 with tuition of $48,600. The school is ranked among the top 10 private high schools in Los Angeles County. Sierra Canyon is known for its strong athletic programs and college-preparatory academics, with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
The school has gained attention for its high-profile student body and impressive college placement. Sierra Canyon offers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a friendly community atmosphere.
7. Chadwick School
Chadwick School is a prestigious K-12 private school located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with tuition of $53,760. The school ranks among the top private high schools in Los Angeles County. Chadwick is known for its comprehensive academics, strong arts and athletics programs, and a campus that emphasizes community values. The school consistently places graduates in top universities and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
8. Polytechnic School
Polytechnic School is a highly ranked K-12 private school in Pasadena, known for its rigorous academics and supportive community. The school ranks #7 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Polytechnic emphasizes critical thinking, independence, and intellectual growth, with strong programs in mathematics and science. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and has a reputation for preparing students for competitive college admissions.
9. Westridge School
Westridge School is a prestigious all-girls school in Pasadena, serving grades 4-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. The school is ranked #11 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Westridge is known for its leadership in STEM education for girls and its strong sense of community. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on developing confident and capable young women.
10. Brentwood School
Brentwood School is a K-12 institution with campuses in Brentwood, offering a breadth of academic offerings, robust sports program, and state-of-the-art facilities. Tuition ranges from $47,545 for K-5 to $55,700 for grades 6-12. The school features the Belldegrun Center for Innovative Leadership, focusing on design and entrepreneurship. Brentwood has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 for grades 6-12 and is known for its diverse and accomplished student body.
11. The Archer School for Girls
Archer is a prestigious all-girls school in Brentwood serving grades 6-12 with tuition of $52,720 and additional fees of $4,600. With a motto of “ambitious, joyful learning,” the school offers more than 150 course offerings, 11 varsity sports teams, and its own film festival dedicated to empowering female filmmakers. Archer has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and strong Hollywood support, with three Netflix executives and producer Frank Marshall serving on the board.
12. Marymount High School
Marymount High School is an independent Catholic college-preparatory school for girls in Los Angeles, serving grades 9-12 with tuition of $42,700. The school has 345 students, a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, and an average class size of 14 students. Marymount offers 21 AP courses and has an average SAT score of 1320. Founded in 1923, the school is known for its mission-driven, ethical education rooted in high academic standards and spiritual development.
13. Campbell Hall
Campbell Hall is an Episcopal school in Studio City serving grades K-12, with tuition ranging from $46,160 for K-6 to $54,100 for grades 7-12. The school has a close-knit feel and is known for its well-rounded program including robust sports offerings, and accepts students of all faiths. Campbell Hall has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and is ranked #20 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Notable supporters include industry executives serving on the board.
14. Oakwood School
Oakwood School is a K-12 institution in Studio City and North Hollywood, founded in 1951 by a group of parents. Tuition ranges from $45,990 for K-6 to $55,070 for grades 7-12. Oakwood draws families who appreciate the continuity of a K-12 education and has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 for grades K-6 and 9:1 for grades 7-12. Alumni include Chris Pine and Lily-Rose Depp, and the school is building a new Da Vinci Lab and Classroom Complex with a maker space and STEAM lab.
15. The Buckley School
Buckley School is a K-12 institution in Sherman Oaks with tuition ranging from $48,250 for K-5 to $56,800 for grades 6-12, plus additional fees. The school’s Four-Fold Plan gives equal emphasis to academics, arts, athletics, and ethical education. Buckley has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and has worked to renew its mission following past challenges. Alumni include Laura Dern, Paris Hilton, and Bret Easton Ellis.
16. Loyola High School of Los Angeles
Loyola High School is a premier Jesuit college preparatory school for boys in Los Angeles, founded in 1865 and serving grades 9-12. The school has 1,260 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, earning an A+ Niche grade. Loyola emphasizes “Cura Personalis” through rigorous academics, spiritual development, and community service, with a 99% college attendance rate. The school is known for its strong brotherhood and commitment to forming men of faith, character, and leadership.
17. The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school in Claremont serving grades 9-12 with tuition of approximately $48,000 for day students and $68,000 for boarding students. The school has 401 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, earning an A+ Niche grade. Webb is known for its unique curriculum and leadership development programs. The school ranks #12 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche.
18. Oak Crest Academy
Oak Crest Academy is ranked as the best private high school in Los Angeles County by Niche’s 2026 rankings. Located in Pomona, the school has 72 students and tuition of $46,000. Oak Crest offers a personalized, rigorous academic program and is known for its exceptional college placement. The school maintains a strong focus on academic excellence and individual student development.
19. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a prestigious all-girls Catholic boarding and day school in La Cañada Flintridge, serving grades 9-12. The school has 384 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, earning an A+ Niche grade. The school is ranked #21 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Flintridge Sacred Heart is known for its deep commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and an empowering sisterhood.
20. Viewpoint School
Viewpoint School is a coeducational school in Calabasas serving grades K-12, with 1,102 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The school is ranked #17 in the Los Angeles area according to Niche. Viewpoint offers a comprehensive college-preparatory program with strong offerings in arts, athletics, and technology. The school is known for its well-rounded education and commitment to academic excellence.
Comparison Table
| School | Type | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard-Westlake School | Coed, 7-12 | Studio City | #1 Private HS in LA, 300+ courses |
| Windward School | Coed, 7-12 | Mar Vista | Rigorous academics, collaborative environment |
| Flintridge Preparatory School | Coed, 7-12 | La Cañada Flintridge | #2 in LA area, STEAM and Global Studies |
| Marlborough School | All-girls, 7-12 | Hancock Park | 90+ clubs, 12 sports with 36 teams |
| Crossroads School | Coed, K-12 | Santa Monica | Progressive arts, notable alumni |
| Sierra Canyon School | Coed, PK-12 | Chatsworth | Strong athletics, college-preparatory |
| Chadwick School | Coed, K-12 | Palos Verdes Peninsula | Comprehensive academics, community values |
| Polytechnic School | Coed, K-12 | Pasadena | Strong math and science programs |
| Westridge School | All-girls, 4-12 | Pasadena | STEM education for girls |
| Brentwood School | Coed, K-12 | Brentwood | Belldegrun Center, design/entrepreneurship |
| Archer School for Girls | All-girls, 6-12 | Brentwood | Empowering female leaders, film festival |
| Marymount High School | All-girls, 9-12 | West LA | 21 AP courses, Catholic tradition |
| Campbell Hall | Coed, K-12 | Studio City | Close-knit feel, well-rounded program |
| Oakwood School | Coed, K-12 | North Hollywood | Continuity of K-12 education |
| Buckley School | Coed, K-12 | Sherman Oaks | Four-Fold Plan, arts and athletics |
| Loyola High School | All-boys, 9-12 | Los Angeles | Jesuit tradition, 99% college attendance |
| The Webb Schools | Coed, 9-12 | Claremont | Boarding & day, leadership development |
| Oak Crest Academy | Coed | Pomona | #1 ranked in LA County by Niche |
| Flintridge Sacred Heart | All-girls, 9-12 | La Cañada Flintridge | Catholic, empowering sisterhood |
| Viewpoint School | Coed, K-12 | Calabasas | Well-rounded education, technology focus |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Application Process: Private schools like Harvard-Westlake have highly competitive, multi-step application processes that include interviews, essays, and recommendations. The application window typically runs from September to January, with enrollment confirmation required within one week of offer notification.
Financial Aid: Many private schools offer significant financial aid. Harvard-Westlake reports that 20% of students receive financial aid, with the average grant covering 72% of costs. Marymount High School provides financial aid to 25% of students with an average grant of $21,289.
Tuition Costs: Private high school tuition in Los Angeles ranges from approximately $42,000 to $58,000 per year, with additional fees often applying. Boarding schools like The Webb Schools have higher tuition costs.
College Placement: Top private schools in Los Angeles have impressive college placement records. Harvard-Westlake and Marlborough School consistently place graduates in Ivy League and other elite universities.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a wealth of exceptional private high schools, from the nationally ranked Harvard-Westlake School and the empowering all-girls community at Marlborough and Archer to the progressive arts education at Crossroads and the rigorous college-preparatory programs at Windward and Flintridge Prep.
These institutions provide students with a strong foundation for college and life through small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive resources. Whether you are seeking a coeducational or single-gender environment, a traditional college-preparatory curriculum, or a school with a strong focus on the arts or STEM, Los Angeles’ private high schools offer an education that prepares young people to become compassionate, global thinkers who make a positive difference in the world.