Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to a remarkable diversity of international schools, reflecting the city’s status as a global hub for entertainment, technology, and business. With over 30 international schools operating throughout the region, families have access to curricula ranging from French and German national systems to the globally recognized International Baccalaureate program. These schools are primarily clustered in affluent areas such as West Los Angeles, Pasadena, and the San Fernando Valley, where international families tend to settle.
The international school landscape in LA includes private institutions with tuition averaging around 27,000 dollars annually, as well as public charter schools that offer international curricula tuition-free. For families seeking bilingual education, a global perspective, or internationally recognized qualifications for university admission, these schools provide exceptional opportunities. Below is a curated list of 20 notable international schools in the Los Angeles area.
Top 20 International Schools in Los Angeles
1. International School of Los Angeles (LILA)
This non-profit school provides French-English bilingual education across four LA campuses in Burbank, Los Feliz, Pasadena, and West Valley. Enrolling over 1,000 students representing 40 nationalities, it follows the French Ministry of Education program and offers both the French Baccalaureate and IB Diploma. The school fosters critical thinking and global citizenship through its Ethic of Care philosophy. Tuition ranges from 22,000 to 28,000 dollars annually.
2. Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles
This prestigious institution offers a rigorous bilingual French-American curriculum from Preschool through Grade 12 at its West LA and Pacific Palisades campuses. Founded in 1964, it follows the French Ministry of Education program, leading to the French Baccalaureate and AP exams. The school emphasizes academic excellence and global citizenship, preparing students for top universities worldwide. Tuition ranges from 15,600 to 42,010 dollars annually depending on grade level.
3. The British School of Los Angeles
Located in Hancock Park, this school serves students from age 3 through Grade 8. It delivers a British-style education by following the English National Curriculum and preparing students for GCSE exams. The school is known for its personalized learning environment, focusing on academic excellence and character development. Tuition ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 dollars annually.
4. Goethe International Charter School
This tuition-free public charter school in West Los Angeles is authorized by LAUSD and is a California Distinguished School. It is an authorized IB World School offering a unique German-English dual-language immersion program from K-8. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and a global perspective through inquiry-based learning. Being a public charter, there is no tuition cost for families.
5. Vistamar School
This private high school for grades 9-12 features an International Student Program welcoming students from countries like China, Korea, and Singapore. It offers a college-preparatory curriculum with an ESL and Sheltered Immersion program for international students. Graduates have gone on to prestigious universities like UC Berkeley and the University of Pennsylvania. Tuition is 52,950 dollars for domestic students and 57,500 dollars for international students.
6. New Covenant Academy
Located in Koreatown, this WASC-accredited K-12 school offers the IB Diploma Programme for students in 11th and 12th grades. It integrates the IB curriculum with a Christian education, providing a college-preparatory focus with moral and spiritual development. The school offers a rigorous academic foundation. Annual tuition is approximately 13,500 dollars.
7. Granada Preparatory School
This IB World School in Chatsworth serves students from Preschool through Grade 8. It offers the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programs, providing a holistic, inquiry-based education focused on developing internationally-minded students. The school emphasizes hands-on, collaborative learning projects that prepare students for a globalized world. Tuition ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 dollars annually.
8. Carlthorp School
This independent day school in Santa Monica serves grades K-6 and offers a rigorous academic curriculum. It places a strong emphasis on character education and global citizenship, fostering a supportive environment focused on academic excellence and personal responsibility. The school prepares students for success in secondary school. Tuition ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 dollars annually.
9. Japanese Institute of Sawtelle
Located in West LA, this K-12 school offers instruction following the Japanese National Curriculum. It provides a comprehensive education in Japanese language, culture, and academic subjects. The school serves students seeking a strong connection to Japanese heritage and educational standards. Tuition ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 dollars annually.
10. Chinese American International School of Los Angeles
Situated in Monterey Park, this Preschool to Grade 8 school offers a Mandarin-English bilingual program. It combines the best of Chinese and US curricula, providing an immersive environment where students develop bilingual proficiency and bicultural understanding. The school focuses on achieving academic excellence in both languages. Tuition ranges from 20,000 to 28,000 dollars annually.
11. New Horizon School Westside
This Preschool to Grade 5 school in Los Angeles offers an Islamic faith-based education with an Arabic-English bilingual program. It provides a nurturing environment that integrates academic learning with moral and spiritual development. The school focuses on building character and a strong sense of community among its students. Tuition is approximately 18,000 dollars annually.
12. Adat Ari El Day School
Located in Valley Village, this K-6 school features a Hebrew-English dual language program integrated with Jewish values. It provides a rigorous academic education in a warm, supportive environment that fosters a love of learning and a commitment to community. The school develops a strong Jewish identity alongside academic excellence. Tuition is approximately 28,000 dollars annually.
13. Le Lycée Français High School
The Raymond and Esther Kabbaz High School campus in Los Angeles serves grades 9-12 with the French Baccalaureate and an international perspective. It provides a rigorous academic program complemented by extensive extracurricular activities in arts and athletics. The school prepares students for admission to selective universities worldwide. Tuition is approximately 35,000 dollars annually.
14. LILA Los Feliz Campus
This elementary campus of the International School of Los Angeles serves Preschool through Grade 5. It offers a bilingual French-English program with two native-level teachers per class. The school follows the French Ministry of Education program and fosters a strong sense of community and global citizenship from a young age. Tuition is approximately 22,475 dollars annually.
15. LILA Pasadena Campus
This campus of the International School of Los Angeles provides a bilingual French-English education for students from Preschool through Grade 12. It follows the French National Curriculum and offers the IB Diploma, providing a continuous and rigorous international education path. The school maintains a nurturing environment for all students. Tuition is approximately 24,000 dollars annually.
16. New West Charter School
This public charter school in West Los Angeles offers an IB curriculum and AP courses at the secondary level. As a tuition-free option, it provides a rigorous, globally-focused education with advanced coursework. The school prepares students for college and university applications through its comprehensive academic programs. There is no tuition cost for attending.
17. International Grammar School
This school offers a British-style education to students in Los Angeles, following the British curriculum and offering qualifications including GCSEs and A-Levels. It prepares students for entry into universities both in the US and internationally. The school focuses on academic rigor and British educational traditions. Tuition is approximately 30,000 dollars annually.
18. Milken Community Schools
This independent Jewish day school in Los Angeles serves grades 6-12 and is known for its strong college-preparatory program. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Jewish values, fostering a commitment to intellectual inquiry and community service. The school provides a global perspective on education. Tuition is approximately 45,000 dollars annually.
19. Wildwood School
Located in West LA, this K-12 school is known for its progressive, inquiry-based learning model. It emphasizes student-centered education and real-world application, offering a unique international outlook. The curriculum encourages students to be independent thinkers and active, engaged citizens. Tuition is approximately 38,000 dollars annually.
20. The Willows Community School
This K-8 progressive school in Culver City offers a Spanish immersion program combined with a strong focus on arts and academics. It provides a nurturing and challenging environment where students develop intellectual curiosity and creativity. The bilingual curriculum helps students gain a global perspective. Tuition is approximately 32,000 dollars annually.
Comparison Table
| School Name | Grades | Curriculum | Approx. Tuition | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Los Angeles | PK-12 | French Baccalaureate, IB | $22,000–$28,000 | Multiple Campuses | Bilingual French-English |
| Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles | PK-12 | French MOE, French Bac, AP | $15,600–$42,010 | West LA, Pacific Palisades | Dual French-American |
| The British School of Los Angeles | Age 3–Gr8 | English National, GCSE | $25,000–$35,000 | Hancock Park | British-style education |
| Goethe International Charter | K-8 | IB PYP, German Immersion | Free | West LA | Tuition-free German bilingual |
| Vistamar School | 9-12 | College Prep with ESL | $52,950–$57,500 | Los Angeles | International student program |
| New Covenant Academy | K-12 | IB Diploma | $13,500 | Koreatown | Christian education with IB |
| Granada Preparatory School | PK-8 | IB PYP, MYP | $15,000–$25,000 | Chatsworth | Inquiry-based IB |
| Carlthorp School | K-6 | Independent Day | $30,000–$40,000 | Santa Monica | Character education |
| Japanese Institute of Sawtelle | K-12 | Japanese National | $20,000–$30,000 | West LA | Japanese culture immersion |
| Chinese American International School | PK-8 | Mandarin Bilingual | $20,000–$28,000 | Monterey Park | Mandarin-English bilingual |
| New Horizon School Westside | PK-5 | Islamic, Arabic-English | $18,000 | Los Angeles | Faith-based bilingual |
| Adat Ari El Day School | K-6 | Hebrew-English Dual Language | $28,000 | Valley Village | Jewish values and Hebrew |
| Le Lycée Français High School | 9-12 | French Baccalaureate | $35,000 | Overland Avenue | Upper school French program |
| LILA Los Feliz Campus | PK-5 | French Bac Preparatory | $22,475 | Los Feliz | Elementary French immersion |
| LILA Pasadena Campus | PK-12 | French National, IB | $24,000 | Pasadena | Full French track |
| New West Charter School | Secondary | IB, AP | Free | West LA | Public charter IB |
| International Grammar School | Varies | British GCSE, A-Levels | $30,000 | Los Angeles | British qualifications |
| Milken Community Schools | 6-12 | College Prep, Jewish Values | $45,000 | Los Angeles | Jewish independent school |
| Wildwood School | K-12 | Progressive Inquiry-Based | $38,000 | West LA | Progressive education |
| The Willows Community School | K-8 | Progressive with Spanish | $32,000 | Culver City | Spanish immersion |
Success Tips for Application
Start your research early by visiting school websites, attending open houses, and reaching out to admissions offices. Many elite schools accept only a small percentage of applicants, so strategic planning is essential. Strengthen your child’s application by ensuring strong grades and test scores. Build a portfolio of varied extracurricular activities and craft compelling personal essays and recommendation letters.
If you need financial aid, submit applications as early as possible since many schools offer need-based assistance. Diversify your school choices by mixing applications across different types of institutions. Consider both elite schools and lesser-known options to maximize your chances of acceptance. Focus on developing non-academic traits such as character building and interview preparation since schools look for well-rounded individuals.
For international students, understand visa requirements and plan for F-1 visa applications along with TOEFL or equivalent testing. Build community connections by networking with other families and participating in school events to demonstrate engagement. Prepare for entrance exams like the ISEE or SSAT well in advance of application deadlines.
Consider hiring an educational consultant if you need professional guidance through the competitive private school market. Always have alternative options ready to ensure your child’s educational needs are met regardless of admission outcomes.
Closing
Los Angeles offers an impressive array of international schools that cater to diverse cultural backgrounds, language preferences, and educational philosophies. Whether you seek rigorous French Baccalaureate programs, German-English immersion, British-style education, or globally recognized IB curricula, there are exceptional options available across the city. The key to success lies in early research, understanding the unique strengths of each school, and aligning your choice with your child’s academic needs and personal development goals.
With tuition ranging from free public charter options to premium private institutions exceeding 50,000 dollars annually, there are viable choices for various budgets. Remember that the right international school can provide more than academic excellence. It fosters global citizenship, bilingual proficiency, and cultural understanding that will serve your child well in our interconnected world.
We encourage you to visit campuses, speak with current families, and thoroughly explore each school’s curriculum and community before making this important decision. Note that tuition figures are approximate and subject to change, so you should contact individual schools for current rates and admission requirements.