2020 Best Private K-12 Schools in the Los Angeles Area

Best Schools

1,155 results

Polytechnic School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
K-12
96 reviews
#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: My experience at Poly has been unforgettable. I entered as a freshman and immediately became involved in the sports and clubs they offered. The school offers several ways for students to follow their passions including student-run clubs, classroom projects, and service opportunities. The school also ensures students grow outside the classroom through international trips and outdoor education trips. I traveled to Nicaragua for a week with peers and teachers to teach the students there English, and it was an eye opening experience. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip, and I'm thankful Poly made it financially possible for me to go too! The teachers are also incredibly supportive and make it their priority to help students reach their full potential. My chemistry teacher met with me before school at 7:30 in the morning just to go over topics that I was struggling with. Overall, Poly is a great place, and I could not imagine high school anywhere else!
Read 96 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
859 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chadwick School
Private School
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
K-12
80 reviews
#2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Chadwick is a great school community that instills confidence and a global perspective in students. As someone who has attended Chadwick since middle school, I believe Chadwick has prepared me for college and beyond. The school's core values of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect and responsibility are truly emulated in every part of the school and the community. I can genuinely say that I have enjoyed every class I have taken at Chadwick. I learn something new every day, either about the world or myself. Some of the teachers I have had as well as other members of the community are people I can go to for advice and encouragement when I need it. Chadwick has been an amazing space for me and my friends to figure out what our passions are, do something with those passions, and celebrate them with one another. Chadwick is a great place for students who want to take ownership of their learning in a strong community centered environment.
Read 80 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
868 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Brentwood School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
K-12
81 reviews
#3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Junior: I am afforded an abundance of opportunities and an amazing education that not only focuses on the basic realms of teaching but goes into more depth and discovery. I am able to learn in an environment with people who are just as interested as I am. I feel lucky to be receiving a higher education at a place where I feel physically safe and am blessed to have the resources that I have, including transportation, lunch, clubs and activities to fit a variety of interests, etc. I would like to see more diversity, as I am a small percentage of colored students. Often times I feel alone and like I am unable to relate to others, isolated within the community. Despite the staff and student alliance group, it is still very hard walking around a campus where you do not look like the people around you, it can make you feel very alienated and "other". I would like to see an improvement in these aspects of diversity so that people can feel comfortable being where they are and not like an outsider.
Read 81 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
996 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Private School
Santa Monica, CA
K-12
45 reviews
#4 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Alum: At Crossroads School, students thrive as learners, artists, and people. Rigorous coursework, paired with high level discussions of society's major problems, push students to become active global citizens dedicated to making a change in the world. The teachers' commitment to the students is unparalleled; the learning style often asks students to connect curriculum and their own lives, providing for deep personal and intellectual refection. The campus is vibrant and lively: at lunchtime, some students play music and dance on tables while others can be found rehearsing student theatre, playing in the annual ping pong tournament, engaged in one of the school's 30+ community service and social justice clubs, and more. Crossroads is a place where students can explore themselves and their passions in a safe, warm environment, all while applying their newfound knowledge to real world problems. Crossroads students prove that even high schoolers can make a difference!
Read 45 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,174 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sierra Canyon School
Private School
Chatsworth, CA
PK, K-12
77 reviews
#5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: After relocating to CA, we were most impressed with SC as it provided the most comprehensive education. We felt that their approach to education was the most aligned in honing key life and morale character skills needed for one to succeed. Unfortunately, others focused solely on academics. Additionally, unlike one of the most reputable schools in LA, SC didn't make the parents go through a separate interview which we found insulting given our educational and professional credentials. As a result, our daughter turned down this other offer and happily enrolled at SC.
Read 77 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,076 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oakwood School
Private School
North Hollywood, CA
K-12
33 reviews
#6 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: We have two children in the elementary school and could not be more pleased! There is nothing about the school we don't like. From the academics, to the arts, to the community, Oakwood takes great pride and care in making sure that everyone's needs are being met. We are incredibly excited for our children to attend the secondary school, as it offers both competitive academics with incredible arts and STEAM programs. With the new athletic director, we are excited to see what advances are made in that arena as well. We cannot recommend Oakwood highly enough.
Read 33 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
780 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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TVT Community Day School
Private School
Irvine, CA
PK, K-12
146 reviews
#7 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: Amazing!Oldest gained amazing self confidence and leadership skills as a pres of 2 clubs, varsity athlete and Natl AP scholar after jr year(passed 9 AP's after jr year 13 after sr yr).Quality of AP and gen ed instruction can't be overstated.He just graduated Stanford U BS and MS degrees in 4 yrs (less then 2% of Stanford grads are able to do this).Was a leader on the campus+ is off to WashDC after writing a book with a US nl security advisor.Success is directly attributable to the excellence at TVT,nurturing faculty and learning how to approach and work collaboratively with adults!A dual education format with up to 8 courses that really prepares each student for success at the next level!2nd son is on pace to graduate USC in 3-3.5 yrs+exceeded all expectations we had in HS again because of faculty support.I have a current 8th student- the school has only improved since older boys attended!State-of-the-art Eng, Math+ Film.Truly a blessing to have #1 US Jewish school in our community!
Read 146 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
617 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Viewpoint School
Private School
Calabasas, CA
K-12
98 reviews
#8 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: I love the campus, and academics are pretty swell as well. Most teachers actually care about their students. Diversity can use some help but I appreciate the effort nonetheless to welcome all diverse ethnicity into one community. College prep is really helpful and they always accommodate time to students to meet about the college process. Workers and staff that walk around, for example, kitchen staff or security crew are some of the kindest people and are a true blessing to have around. Viewpoint overall is a great rounded college preparatory school that offers many varying opportunities to thrive in chosen area.
Read 98 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,215 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Buckley School
Private School
Sherman Oaks, CA
K-12
31 reviews
#9 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: The Buckley School has been a K-12 adventure for me. I have loved every single year I have been there. The faculty is so supportive and helpful while the students are so caring and fun to be with. Although it is academically challenging, I'm sure it will prepare me for my college adventures!
Read 31 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
830 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Private School
San Juan Capistrano, CA
PK, K-12
44 reviews
#10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: I have 2 children at St. Margaret's and I can't say enough good things about the school and the environment. They really do try to develop the whole child. It isn't just a factory trying to turn out 4.0 students with 1600 SAT scores! Yes it is competitive, but in a good way. Many of the students have been at the school since pre school! The facilities are amazing - better than 99% of the colleges out there. The teachers really care and for the most part, the parents are great. Yes, there are the occasional obnoxious parent, but they usually get chopped down to size cuz there is always someone wealthier and more successful than them :-)

If you want your child to develop into a great adult with compassion and drive, then SMES is an excellent place to go.
Read 44 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,250 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Campbell Hall
Private School
Studio City, CA
K-12
127 reviews
#11 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: Great school! We have a child in elementary and he's been thriving ever since he's been here. Great academic, athletic and art programs. Even though it is a K-12 school, it is small enough where it truly feels like a very tight knit community, The after-school programs are very popular with the kids as well. One of the things that really caught our eyes when we were first looking at schools is the strong emphasis of character building that school works on instilling in their programs. The kids are lively and very confident. The morning "Chapel" service is something we all look forward to as a family at least a few times a week. There is strong emphasis on spiritual development of every child, supports students' social-emotional growth. Truly wonderful place to be.
Read 127 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,136 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Wildwood School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
K-12
38 reviews
#12 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: I came in 9th grade, and after a few months I found my group! The theatre department is fantastic. The faculty and my teachers have been immensely supportive and hands on with an issue I've been having for years, with a really extraordinary focus on my well-being, compared to maybe how other schools would handle it. When I first got to Wildwood, I was surprised by the lack of cliques and hierarchy found in other schools, including my previous one. Though not perfect, I'm grateful that to go here, I think it's the best fit for me.
Read 38 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
733 Students
4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Roads School
Private School
Santa Monica, CA
K-12
108 reviews
#13 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Alum: What I liked about New Roads School while enrolled was pretty much everything! This school takes a holistic approach to preparing its students for the rigors of a higher education as well as making a difference in society. The faculty, staff, and administrators, who truly became our friends and mentors, created a one-of-kind learning environment where I felt challenged, motivated, and encouraged to do my best. The enrichment trips I got to go on each year I attended the upper school, regardless of me and my family’s financial need, have had such positive effects on me—I still remember those trips fondly to this day. I could go on and on about New Roads School.
Read 108 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
508 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Pilgrim School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
PK, K-12
38 reviews
#14 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Alum: Pilgrim School is not like other pretentious Los Angeles private schools. As a recent alumni of Pilgrim, I can confidently say that Pilgrim helped me love what I was learning and helped me love learning in general. With teachers and administrators who treated students with a sense of equity and respect, school felt less like a job and more a community that works symbiotically. With an amazing STEM program, especially engineering, Pilgrim school helped me thrive and formulate and idea what I would like to major in during college. Cafeteria food is not good but thats about the biggest negative!
Read 38 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
432 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Covenant Academy
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
K-12
24 reviews
#15 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Works Here: I was really impressed with this school, overall. The children smile and enjoy one another's friendship and fellowship. You can tell these children know who Christ is and He has put true joy in their hearts. This is a very disciplined school as well, with a rigorous academic repertoire that challenges students every step of their K-12 school lives. The staff here have warm and inviting Christian character, which is what you'd expect from a traditional Christian school. The staff also try to make learning fun and modern in and out of the classroom. Students of New Covenant Academy have many opportunities to go on trips throughout the school year and learn a plethora of interpersonal and relational skills that public schools severely lack. I would recommend this school most assuredly!
Read 24 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
174 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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International School of Los Angeles - Los Feliz
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
PK, K-5
16 reviews
Junior: LILA offers a bilingual French-International education, with the choice of taking the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate, creating a very rigorous, demanding, and global curriculum. It is a very small school, with a little over 300 students. As a current IB student myself, I think this school does a lot to prepare you for the globalized society we're living in today. However, you should note that this school only offers AP EXAMS, not COURSES. The education is very Eurocentric. If you don't speak French at home, take the IB. Otherwise, if you're a French citizen, you might as well take the FB
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
360 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Faith Baptist Schools
Private School
Canoga Park, CA
PK, K-12
69 reviews
#17 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: We are very satisfied with quality of Faith Baptist School. Our daughter loved the school, achieved college scholarships and received several college offers. The curriculum was well balanced and kept her interested and motivated. Most of the kids at school had high moral standards, which the school encourages. I personally love that she was taught the Bible and about our Lord Jesus. Maddy built many friendships and continues their friendships into college. We are so glad we made the choice way back in her K4 year.
Thank you Faith Baptist School!
Best Regards,
Victor and Holly Gelfo
Read 69 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,234 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Southlands Christian Schools
Private School
Rowland Heights, CA
PK, K-12
18 reviews
#18 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: I've attended Southlands Christian Schools for over 10 years and I'm grateful to go to such a friendly and welcoming school. Teachers are very kind and treat you with respect, genuinely trying to help you get through school. Same of the faculty and admin.
Read 18 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
517 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Waverly School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
PK, K-12
40 reviews
#19 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: Waverly is a unique gem among the dozens of schools in the San Gabriel area. It offers both a developmental and college preparatory (yes those things can and do co-exist) for students in preschool through grade tweleve. It is an ecclectic community of students, parents, and teachers. It is not for kids who need grades to motivate them. Students who are creative, intelligent and self motivated will do well here. Think small liberal arts college as opposed to huge university. That is the vibe of this wonderful school!
Read 40 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
321 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ribét Academy
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
PK, K-12
26 reviews
#20 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Alum: I loved Ribét when I went here. There is so much to be involved in for a small school. Teachers actually care about you and know your name. The school is what you make it so a positive attitude goes a long way. There is great programs that range from so many things - science, math, art, dance, sports etc.. which is crazy that it all comes from one small school. I highly recommend Ribét! Go Fighting Frogs!!
Read 26 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
385 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Acaciawood School
Private School
Anaheim, CA
1-12
15 reviews
#21 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: Acaciawood Preparatory Academy prepares your child academically and also shapes them with the proper character to embrace the challenging world we are living today. I have two children that have been at this school since first grade and now entering middle school and high school. At different events I get compliments of how intelligent they are, how well they interact with others, how they respect the authority, how well they do what is required of them and how much they go beyond what is expected. I owe much of that to the education and training they have received at this school. No matter where my boys end up going to college, I know they will do excellent as they are receiving an excellent and challenging education and they are also receiving the preparation they need to be a person strong in character and high in standard.
Read 15 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
119 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Linfield Christian School
Private School
Temecula, CA
PK, K-12
93 reviews
#22 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: I’ve been at Linfield since 2nd grade! The community aspect of the school is absolutely the best! I’ve made connections with students and teachers that have lasted for years! The school also is very good for college prep because although I haven’t personally gone to college yet, students from our school have gone to prestigious universities like Yale, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Cal Berkeley, UC Davis, and University of Alabama and have thrived!
Read 93 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
856 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
Private School
San Juan Capistrano, CA
PK, K-12
52 reviews
#23 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: We have been at CVCS for 4 years and love it! The teachers, staff and administration are professional, hard working, and create a loving "family type" environment not only for the students, but the entire family. We have loved the excellence in education, spiritual development, and extra curricular activities. This is a great school and I would highly recommend to anyone.
Read 52 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
441 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Monica Academy
Private School
Montrose, CA
1-12
24 reviews
#24 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Alum: St. Monica Academy is an excellent Catholic grade school, middle school, and high school. I should know, I spent all 12 years there. It was founded by Catholic families who wanted a truly Catholic education for their children, and let me tell you, their standards hold up. Not only does the standard of Faith hold up at this school, the academic standard is quite top notch as well. You WILL come out of this school as an excellent writer, transitioning into the university setting with ease. You will also have a great understanding of the Latin language, which surprisingly, comes in handy especially if you are in the medical field deciphering difficult words which most often stem from Latin! There is so much goodness in this school and I am blessed to call myself an alumnus.
Read 24 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
270 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Trinity Classical Academy
Private School
Valencia, CA
PK, K-12
16 reviews
#25 Best Private K-12 Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Trinity Classical Academy has taught me how to manage my time with academics, work, friends, and family and, most importantly, work hard for my passions. With its many honors and AP subjects, Trinity gives me the magnificent opportunity to reach my goals, both little and big. I also appreciate Trinity for its community. Since we — a private, christian academy — are unlike most school, I am grateful to grow in knowledge and wisdome around peers I have known for years both academically and personally. I am truly blessed to have gone to Trinity Classical Academy.
Read 16 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
569 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Futures Academy - Manhattan Beach
Private School
El Segundo, CA
6-12
2 reviews
Parent: Our son started in 6th grade because the public schools were not challenging him. Futures was able to place him according to where he needed to be, this has meant he was able to take Algebra 1 as a 6th grader. As he progressed through the year he was also advanced complete grade levels. Futures kept checking in with him to make sure he was in the right levels and that he was challenge, but not flailing. The mix of students has been wonderful as all grades socialize with each other. The faculty has been proactive and communicative an amazing experience all around
Read 2 Reviews
28 Students
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Legacy Christian Academy
Private School
Valencia, CA
K-8
8 reviews
Parent: We are so happy that our children have had the privilege of attending Legacy Christian Academy (LCA) and have been an LCA family for nine years now. Legacy Christian Academy has caring teachers, a purposeful administration team, and the best science/math programs in the area. We believe in higher education and setting a strong foundation is crucial to succeeding in life. Thus, we wanted to give our children the best education possible while giving them the core values needed, and we have found that at LCA.

We have 3 boys who are currently in 10th, 8th, and 5th grades, all of whom have experienced LCA. Our oldest two boys have experienced the middle school program and are thriving! The Middle School Program at Legacy has built a strong foundation for our children. Our family has experienced the most wonderful education at Legacy Christian Academy and we love it!”
Saber (M.D.) and Fatin (Pharm.D.) Patrus
Read 8 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
416 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Notre Dame Academy Girls High School Los Angeles
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
9-12
136 reviews
Senior: The academic rigor there is pretty good compared to other schools in the area. Classes are changing, and a relatively wide range of advanced classes are held or such a small school. The only thing to watch out for is bad teachers. NDA has a bad habit of hiring terrible teachers, and sometimes students have no choice but to take their classes. Sports exist, but are not extremely competitive (with the exception of volleyball). Aside from the annual spring musical, there are no programs for students to further any musical interests. If you want to pursue music, don’t go to NDA. Aside from those though, NDA has some pretty competitive unorthodox extracurriculars like robotics, a nationally-ranked rocketry team, and Academic Decathlon.
Read 136 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
380 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 47

Polytechnic School

Chadwick School

Brentwood School

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

Sierra Canyon School

Oakwood School

TVT Community Day School

Viewpoint School

The Buckley School

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Campbell Hall

Wildwood School

New Roads School

Pilgrim School

New Covenant Academy

International School of Los Angeles - Los Feliz

Faith Baptist Schools

Southlands Christian Schools

The Waverly School

Ribét Academy

Acaciawood School

Linfield Christian School

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

St. Monica Academy

Trinity Classical Academy

Futures Academy - Manhattan Beach

Legacy Christian Academy

Notre Dame Academy Girls High School Los Angeles