2023 Best Boarding Schools in the Los Angeles Area

• Claremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  88 reviews

Alum: Recent alum here, fantastic school for academic development. The teachers here are top notch and the relationships they foster with students is extremely unique at the high school level. We were spoiled at Webb and I constantly am reminded of how much I was blessed to attend a school that is so enriching in several areas. By FAR the best school academically in the area, and nothing within a 40 mile radius offers anything better or even remotely close to the quality and personalization of a Webb education. Beautiful campus, quality location, top notch. The ONLY negative gripe I have with Webb is the college admissions staff and their deceiving system that is inherently unequal. They claim to use a system based on "fit," but instead cater to a practice reliant upon getting as many seniors into 10% of colleges as they can. Telling seniors to not apply to a certain school by claiming lack of "fit," when in reality, they want to cut down competition and cater to their quota.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chatsworth, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: We have had an amazing experience at Sierra Canyon. Our son is a student-athlete. Academics are very important to him. He finished his senior year with a 4.4 GPA while playing on one of the top football programs in the country with some of the best coaches. That is not possible without the support of amazing teachers that keep the kids engaged. Sierra Canyon's college counseling is phenomenal as well. We have two older sons that graduated from one of the best Catholic schools in the area, but the counseling is virtually non-existent. We now know the difference. Sierra Canyon was a great fit for our youngest. My only regret is not moving him there sooner. He is now playing football for Texas Christian University and in their Neeley School of Business. I credit Sierra Canyon for that!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: For generations, Fairmont Academy has been a cornerstone of our family and for good reason. Investing in this institution is an investment with long-term benefits - offering the chance to gain more than just knowledge but also confidence, discipline and poise. Education plays such a key role in success that making sure we give our children the best start possible was paramount; thankfully at Fairmont they are guaranteed quality teaching from experts who know their stuff!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  169 reviews

Junior: I love Flintridge Sacred Heart because of the community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. I can be friends with anyone and I feel comfortable being myself. Everyone has so much school spirit and love for the school, that it makes events super fun. Everyone participates in everything! Teachers are also super helpful. They are there early in the morning and late at night. They all want to ensure that we succeed in high school. The teachers are always available to help when needed. They show so much support through arts and sports as well by showing up to events. As a whole, the community is outstanding at Flintridge Sacred Heart. I also feel like I am being prepped very well for college. Everyone is rooting for everyone's success!... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 367

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  267 reviews

Senior: Oaks Christian is an excellent school academically, particularly in the English and Math departments. It has a breadth of resources like the IDEA lab (contains woodworking, metalworking, and 3D-printing machinery) and an expansive variety of elective choices. The teachers are quite invested in each student, and there is generally respect given both ways. The student body is a little friendlier and "tamer" than I imagine the average high school; though, every school is different of course and I can only reference my own experiences. In terms of diversity, the school has international dorms and there's a large number of students from the East. However, the school attracts a number of wealthy families and seems to value that reputation more than is healthy. Tuition is high and has been increasing, though they offer a good deal of aid as well. In terms of administration, it is generally good; though, a number of good, long-standing teachers have left/been released which is saddening.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Marino, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: Southwestern Academy is a peculiar place to have attended and graduated from when I was a student. It is a great small private school that offers a safe learning environment and pushed students to reach a better potential. I learned how to write and found a new love for literature that I had not had before. Furthermore, the teachers had the capacity and time to have one-on-one time with students, which was great for me because I am terrible at math. The small school size allowed me to be able to participate in sports, such as volleyball and basketball as well as the high school drama productions. Lastly, it was easy to make connections with other students because it was a tight community. There were friends that I had made throughout the years that are from across the world and friends that I made that are close by in the same city. Southwestern Academy provided great opportunities for participation and to be better prepared for the future, while making great connections and friends.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bellflower, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: I came from a public school and transferred into St. John Bosco during the sophomore year. The school atmosphere was a breathe of fresh air. Teachers and staff have a true sense of care for the students that I didn't find at my previous school. I wasn't a very religious child, but St. John Bosco didn't treat me worse because of this fact. This is a institution for not only religious children, but children who want to better themselves outside of the classroom. Amazing sports teams and clubs. This school is so innovative with the Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Bio-Medical programs. Many thanks to the teachers and academic counselors for all of their efforts in helping me achieve my goal of attending my dream school! I know that I am prepared for the rigor of college.... Read 159 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 753

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  43 reviews

Middle School Student: I attended Pilgrim School from 7-8th grade. I overall loved the experience the school provided for me. The faculty and administration were so helpful to me as a new student. By my first week at the school they all knew me which I didn’t have at any of the other schools I attended. I would definitely recommend this school for elementary and junior- high school. If you are looking for a school with a very welcoming community for your children, I would definitely recommend this one. Pilgrim School definitely was a great introduction to Los Angeles County, and Southern California for me coming from the East Coast. As a student with learning disabilities, the school did a great job helping me stay on track, and working with my schedule. I have many friends who enjoy/enjoyed their high school experience here, I personally needed to be with more kids. If you’re looking for lots of one-on-one time with teachers and smaller classrooms I would recommend Pilgrim.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 432

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Torrance, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  346 reviews

Senior: I love the sense of community at Bishop Montgomery. It is a very safe environment with teachers and administrators that are passionate and supportive. The rigorous academics are excellent and give me, a senior at the school, great confidence as I prepare to begin my college career!... Read 346 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Arcadia, CA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: Alumni here. I had an amazing experience attending and graduating from Excelsior. It has been life-changing for me. From lifelong friends I had made to the incredible teaching staff, Excelsior has taught me invaluable lessons. The academic curriculum is rigorous yet challenging and fun. The support and endless resources are outstanding, the teachers are always available to assist me outside of the classroom. Attending Excelsior not only prepared me for college but also life after college. Thank you Excelsior!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 103

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• West Covina, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: Outstanding education for my grandson who is now in Kindergarten! The preschool teachers have given him a solid foundation and it continues on through kindergarten with their strong focus on reading. Even as young as kinder, they are introduced to a variety of subjects with specialized teachers in Music, Art, Spanish, and PE. The expectations are high and the teachers are great at getting them there! My grandson loves this school and so do we!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mission Hills, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  306 reviews

Freshman: Even though this is my first year at Bishop Alemany High School, I am absolutely loving my experience here! There is so much opportunity and I really do appreciate how the teachers push you to challenge yourself to the best of your ability. For my elementary and middle school years, my last two schools were small and everybody knew everybody. In a way, that was a positive, but it also left me wondering what other opportunity lies outside…What things could I do that I can’t do here? When I went to Alemany for the first time, I was amazed by the amount of students, the diversity, and all the options I had that weren’t offered before! For example, I am very much an arts type of person and I love theater and music. At Alemany, I was ecstatic to learn I could start a club to interact with other people who share my love of music! I was also blown away when I saw how incredible their theater program was! I haven’t been at Alemany long enough to want change because I think it is incredible.... Read 306 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,160

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Wildomar, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: CLHS is an AMAZING school for all students! The faculty and staff are thoughtful and care about each and every student there. Extra academic help is offered daily in the spirit of Christ’s love. The students are also truly special due to the leadership there as well. Every student is valued and nurtured to their highest potential. CLHS is a hidden gem!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 92

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Newbury Park, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: Newbury Park Adventist Academy is a welcoming and diverse school. As an incoming senior, I was immediately shown the ropes through fellow classmates and staff as I began to feel more at home there. Although academics could be improved to provide more higher level courses, classes can be challenging and fun. the school provides a great environment for learning, growing with God, and fun activities. There are a lot of opportunities musically and sports wise in addition to class and school traditions, sports events, great fundraisers, social functions, and more! In addition, the school is conveniently located so that the students are able to buy food off campus at the adjacent foodcourt during lunch.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.96 out of 5  49 reviews

Parent: Push yourself to the next level with Fairmont's new San Juan Capistrano campus! Here, you will be surrounded by exceptional educators, skilled administrators devoted to helping students realize their aspirations and classmates who are just as determined for success. Amidst this inspiring environment there is no limit – unlock your potential at Fairmont and reach unprecedented heights of achievement in both education and career endeavors.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Lake Elsinore, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Recent Alumnus: There's been trials and tribulations but I have overcome them. I have met God and through the staff here I have been able to form my identity and find my purpose in life, which is to serve God.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 50

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Sophomore: I feel lucky to make the right decision for my kids, even for the first year of the Pasadena campus. My kids love that in EF, no one's opinion dominates the other's because of almost even nationalities of the schoolmates. It is very different from the local private school they experienced in the past. My kids also enjoy making friends from anywhere in the world, which I believe will benefit my kid's connections, which would be priceless assets in their life. At last, EF is not established 100% profit-driven due to its ownership. It differentiates its curriculum between more creative rather traditional. I have recommended many of my friend's kids to the school.... Read 5 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My son attended the final two years (7th/8th) at SCA, and it was an absolute transformation in terms of character, leadership and maturity. My son was a distracted, entitled, immature, complacent, digital obsessed high energy boy, the typical smart under achiever. SCA transformed him into a mature responsible respectful leader. few caveats to keep in mind: 1. Academics. Wonderfully small classes (10 to 1 teacher ratio), where teachers work closely with the boys to ensure learning - parents are NOT expected to lift a finger to help. But don't expect the curriculum to be advanced top 1% stuff like Pegasus. 2. Tuition is not cheap and financial aid non-existent. But if you were planning to spend $15,000 per year anyway, there is not a better middle school for boys in all of California. 3. Objective of SCA is character and leadership, nothing less. If you want a school that coddles your child, this is not the school for you.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 142

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 129

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Sherman Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 126

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 68

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Calabasas, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 59

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1