2024 Best Middle Schools in the Los Angeles Area

• Arcadia, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.84 out of 5  61 reviews

Freshman: My son applied for admission to RA for two reasons. First, he heard that the basketball atmosphere at the school is excellent, and the school's basketball team has competed at both the state and national levels, winning the state championship. Second, after coming here, the academic teachers not only arrange class schedules flexibly based on our basketball training time but also provide additional academic tutoring when we have extra learning needs. At the same time, the basketball atmosphere at the school is really good. The school has hired a renowned basketball coach in the California region to guide our school team and participate in various levels of competitions. Thanks to the basketball achievements of school team, my son successfully applied to his ideal university through the NCAA.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 258

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  107 reviews

Sophomore: Poly offers so many vast opportunities for learning, growth, change, challenge and mastery. My teachers and my classmates are supportive and the community as a whole is welcoming. I couldn't think of what I would change about Poly. The greatest challenge that I see Poly facing is time. There are not enough hours in a day or week to be able to enjoy all the opportunities it allows for, however that challenge has forced me to utilize my time more efficiently.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 872

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chatsworth, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  114 reviews

Parent: No place is perfect, but Sierra Canyon is about as close as you can get to a child utopia! My two kids (who are very different) have been incredibly well served by Sierra- socially, athletically, and academically all while being in a warm and loving environment. You walk into Sierra and it's like you drank happy juice! It is just so inviting and visually diverse. And this feeling is real. Everything they tell you during the tours and through admissions is true- and it's actually better. My kids have thrived at Sierra Canyon.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,173

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: Westridge offers an extremely rigorous academic experience. I am immensely grateful for the education I have received at this school. However, I cannot deny the faults of its toxic competitive and elitist environment. The culture of comparative suffering, and pressure to constantly strive for (and prioritize) academic excellence is potent, and damaging to students’ mental health. We don’t have finals anymore, though! That’s a plus.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Rowland Heights, CA•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.93 out of 5  86 reviews

Sophomore: I'm a student taking the MBacc course at Elite Open School. MBacc course gives us a completely different opportunity of learning from the original high school course. MBacc class goes on online and follows the form of the class called the forum that is made by Minerva University. In the forum, we meet teachers and students living in different countries online. The advantage that I found in this course is that we are doing 'real' learning, not just studying for exams or university. By doing student-led classes and lots of presentations, we learn what we have to learn in the real world and relate every topic to each other. Whenever I take the class, I feel like I'm really learning something very useful and meaningful. Even though there are some parts where we have many work-loads for every class, a small number of students in class, and different time-line with teachers and other students, these factors also make us more productive and have real close relationships with the class!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  189 reviews

Parent: TVT was tremendously supportive and welcoming as my son transitioned from another school. On the first day, I received an email with a picture of my smiling son and a brief note telling me he's doing great. From that day forward, I can't say enough wonderful things about the administrators, faculty, and all the great school events that brought families onto campus to witness firsthand how our children are learning and growing. My son would tell me he loved his teachers because they were kind and they challenged him every day in all his subjects. Besides math, his other favorite subject is learning Hebrew! They make learning fun! He made new friends quickly and they support each other wholeheartedly. As I attended parent workshops and volunteering opportunities, I was impressed with the advanced curriculum but more importantly, their focus on building great character, addressing the student's emotional needs, and providing a well rounded support system. TVT far exceeded my expectations!... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: As a current senior, I have loved my time at Chadwick School. The teachers are incredible; they are always willing to meet with students outside of class time to go over content and improve the student's academic skills. The athletics department is fantastic because anyone can join any sport. It provides a great opportunity to expand your comfort zone, experience team camaraderie, and play against other teams. The campus is beautiful because of all the trees and green areas and everyone on campus is extremely friendly. The cafeteria has wonderful food - from sushi, to omlette bars, to ice cream bars, etc. Outdoor education trips have been the highlight of my Chadwick time because you go backpacking with a group of 12 students for a week and experience the outdoors. It is great for bonding and appreciating nature. I have met my closest friends here, and I am so thankful for every dance, class, and event I've attend through this school! Love this campus more than anything!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 865

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: Our child has been enrolled at Oakwood since Kindergarten and we have had an incredible experience so far. Our little one is thriving! The teachers are so kind and smart, the staff is very supportive and responsive, and the community is beyond welcoming. We looked at all of the private schools on the east side of the 405 in LA and were most impressed with Oakwood! We have never been disappointed with our decision. There are of course bumps with every educational experience but the way Oakwood deals with those situations and the way they work on making sure they don't happen moving forward has been really differentiated. We feel heard and appreciated, always. Special shoutout to the teaching staff who work so hard to make sure all of the students are working to their highest ability. We love Oakwood and would highly recommend!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 828

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: Supportive, inclusive and safe environment with caring staff and administrators who are responsive to students' needs and their emotional well-being. Ever improving facilities. Students are taught to listen to one another, as well as to advocate for themselves and others. Wonderful programs in the arts. Very strong in the humanities. Advance courses have the same rigor of AP courses but without the stress. The food offerings are great - reasonably priced nutritious tasty choices with variety. Generous affordability program attracts and retains the best students. We cannot be happier.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,174

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  58 reviews

Parent: From the moment I walked through the campus , I was impressed with the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff and teachers were friendly and approachable, and the students seemed happy and engaged in their learning. The facilities are top-notch. The classrooms are spacious, clean, and equipped with the latest technology to enhance the learning experience. The school also has a well-stocked library, science and computer labs, a gymnasium, and outdoor sports fields. One of the things I appreciate most about SMES is their commitment to student well-being. The school offers a range of programs and services to support the mental health and emotional well-being of its students, including counseling services, and extracurricular activities that promote physical activity and social connection.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  142 reviews

Junior: Great school. Hands down one of the best schools in the state - Coolest, kindest, and most well rounded kids, best facilities, tight-knit community, fantastic teachers and campus, and the best opportunities to excel in whatever you're interested in - kids here are so talented! They really focus on creating kind, well rounded, successful, and well educated kids. It's a really special school. Wide variety of students of all different interests and backgrounds. Had such an amazing school experience here. The only academic school I've been in that isn't stressy and allows you to still have a good time whilst you're in kid. If you are lucky enough to go there don't take it for granted! - I can't imagine a better school :)... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,157

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Sherman Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  54 reviews

Works Here: Buckley has an incredible community of faculty, students, alumni, and parents. I've worked at the school for several years now and have been so impressed by the caliber of my colleagues and students. In particular, I appreciate how our smaller size encourages students to take on more challenges; my students take rigorous courses while also participating in sports, playing an instrument, writing for the newspaper, and anything else they're interested in trying. The campus is also beautiful, situated in the mountains -- there is even a nature trail off the field! The school has incredible, state-of-the-art facilities for arts, tech, athletics, and more.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  88 reviews

Sophomore: I love Brentwood! It has opportunities to thrive in whatever way works for you. If you are an athlete, you can play your sport. If you are an artist, you can create masterpieces. If you’re a debater, like me, you can go debate. Every person is able to find the path that works for them. Not only can students thrive individually, Brentwood creates a strong sense of community. Students and faculty alike always cheer each other on. We have awesome community events from September Splash to weekly football games to keep us all connected.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  270 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 270 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Alum: I am a Pacific Academy alum who graduated with the class of 2021. Thanks to Pacific Academy, I had a wonderful middle and high school experience in which I blossomed into a more confident, responsible, and outgoing version of my younger self. This school is about more than just academics; the teachers build warm relationships with their students because they truly care about them, and the students are encouraged to participate in the many clubs and extracurricular activities that are available. No matter the student's interest, there is almost always a space for them to grow and do what they love. And if not, they can create their own opportunities that pave the way for other students who might also share those interests. The school also fosters collaboration in all areas, from the classroom to sports to club activities. I'm also thankful that I got to make so many close friendships during my time here with a lot of amazing people.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  59 reviews

Freshman: New Covenant Academy provided a family like educational environment which enabled my daughter to spend her sensitive teenage years safely and happily, thanks to the caring and encouraging teachers. Small numbers of student body allows teachers to pay undivided attention to each student. NCA also focuses on students' academic achievements that led to my daughter's acceptance to NYU! Most importantly, my daughter feels at home at school and has been spending her precious 4 years full of enjoyments and happiness! Choosing NCA for my daughter was my best choice!... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 174

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Calabasas, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  129 reviews

Junior: I've attended Viewpoint since kindergarten and so has my sister. My mom also works here. All and all it has been a positive experience. The teachers are all great for the most part and the academic opportunities are incredible. Any student who gets the opportunity to attend a school where so much time and effort is focused on you and your ability to succeed would be lucky. My only complaint is that some of the people who attend this school aren't top tier. A lot of them don't care about academics and barely have to try to get into college because they have a lot of money. And they act this way also. I'd say the demographic is about 50/50 of students who put in a lot of effort and students who couldn't care less and just are genuinely unkind people. Anyone who isn't your typical "Calabasas baby" probably won't fit in. I'm not saying you won't find your people, but options are limited. But there are definitly a solid group of students who actually want to be there and are successful.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,215

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  129 reviews

Alum: As a recent alum, I can attest that if I ever have a daughter, I will most certainly be enrolling her at Archer. I cannot express my gratitude enough towards this community, the academics, and all the unique programs that continue to shock other students at my university when I talk about them. I’ll always remember the courtyard and the dinning hall on a warm spring day, the sounds of violins and choirs echoing around the campus, girls engrossed in philosophical debates, and laughter at every turn. I attend a college with an 8% acceptance rate as of 2023 and can confidently say that I was extremely over-prepared socially and academically when I on campus for my first day. I feel infinitely blessed to have had enjoyed 6 years at the most wonderful liberal-arts, girl’s school in the country.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Torrance, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Other: Ambassador is an incredible school with some of the best teachers and staff! The school has a great reputation for being a loving community to families while maintaining its academic rigor. Some parents and students might feel intimidated when they hear about the early college program but when they hear about the individual support and attention students receive because of smaller class sizes, they immediately are relieved. The school offers college classes on campus that allows students to receive college credit for their high school courses. This can then transfer to many universities, allowing students to save time and money upon entry into college. Some students have even received their AA degrees before graduating from Ambassador. I highly recommend this school to middle and high school students looking for a great education, loving community, and great staff!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  97 reviews

Junior: I love being a La Reina student. The environment is very different compared to other schools. The traditions that the school has created are great. It brings our class closer together and allows us to make memories that we will cherish forever. My classmates are absolutely amazing and I love working with them every day. La Reina girls can have so much fun at these traditional events because we all feel safe being ourselves. Everyone is so uplifting which is something everyone needs. Many high schoolers struggle with mental health. But at La Reina, each girl has their own support system. It is truly a sisterhood that each girl will forever carry with them throughout life. Although there is a negative, the students are trapped in a bubble. We usually only stay within our community because we are so close. But, La Reina trains the girls to be independent, which overcomes the bubble because when we are released into the world after we graduate we know how to navigate on our own.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: The Science Academy STEM Magnet is a perfect school for students interested in STEM. With a rigorous curriculum filled with college, AP, and honors level classes, attending this school will give students one of the best STEM-focused educations they could possibly receive. Unfortunately, the school lacks in the arts and humanities department, with little opportunity for electives and a lack of freedom in choosing courses. As someone who has realized they don’t want to go into a STEM field, and instead want to pursue film, this makes me wonder if attending this school was the right decision. Especially, because the social life is nothing like “the typical high school experience” that incoming students have seen in films and may desire to have. There is also not much school spirit or participation in sports, though I’ve been working to reverse that this year holding the new position of Commissioner of Athletics. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities, STEM kids will love it here... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 443

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  161 reviews

Parent: Our family loves Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles! NDA offers so much diversity and a rigorous academic program. They are teaching my daughter how to be successful, confident, and a strong young woman. Our daughter is thriving in high school and we owe it to the hardworking staff at NDA. They provide many options such as sports, arts, dance, robotics and much more. They also provide a safe environment with security which we absolutely appreciate as parents.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  59 reviews

Parent: My daughter attends Milken and it has been a wonderful experience for her and our family. First, the students were so welcoming (and so were parents). Second, the opportunities available are immense - so many electives, athletics and the arts that she could try everything she wanted to before committing once she gets to high school. Her teachers are supportive and when we reached out to ask questions, they were very helpful and attentive. The school has been a very stepped up experience from elementary school - more than we could have expected. The senior leadership has vision, and the students benefit from that. We love it!... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  25 reviews

Alum: Overall, Sequoyah allowed me and my peers to grow into educated citizens in the world, able to spot injustices, act on what we see wrong, and problem solve our way through life. The field studies curriculum itself shows the value the school has on student agency and leadership, entrusting students of all ages to take care of themselves in the ever changing natural environment. However, the school lacks in upholding their value of student agency when it comes to criticism of the administration. Students have brought many important issues into discussion only to be ignored by those in power. This is not the way students should be treated by their own school when they’ve been taught to be up-standers their whole academic life.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 432

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  44 reviews

Parent: We transferred here from a very highly rated public school. My children are thriving in the smaller environment, with staff not only respecting but understanding them as individuals. My children are high performers, and the teachers generally motivate them to work at their own best level. Many of the teachers are doing a spectacular job of teaching subjects in a fresh, compelling way. (Other teachers are fine. None to date have been bad.) My children have made down-to-earth friends. We as parents greatly appreciate the school doesn't overly emphasize fundraising. Just know the benefit of a small school can also be its drawback. I wish my children had larger potential friend groups and more extracurricular options, but they're both happy and insist my concerns are not theirs.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 399

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1