2024 Best Private Schools in Pacific Palisades

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: Joyful pursuit of excellence! My two daughters are attending Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  79 reviews

Junior: I love Windward because of the balance of challenging academics, wide range of extracurriculars, incredible student life, and high quality athletics. I feel prepared for college and happy with my experience.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  123 reviews

Parent: My daughter has completed her Freshman year at Marymount and I can't express enough how incredible the year was for her. Socially she made many new friends, who all have different interests, personalities, and goals. The young woman at Marymount really support one another and encourage each other to try new things. Academically, the faculty is extremely attentive to the students and work with them if they need extra help or explanations. Also, Marymount makes sure the students are on track for the college admissions process. They really get to know the students and help guide them every step of the way. I love the events they offer such as the Father/daughter dance, Mother/daughter brunch, and the Father's BBQ on campus. These types of events really help the parents get to know one another and spend time with their daughter's friends. If you have a daughter who is looking for a high school in the future, I highly recommend you take a look at Marymount!... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 342

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Junior: I thought my experience was overall good! All the teachers are fully engaged in your learning journey and are there to help you succeed. They all ensure everyone understands the material and are ready to do whatever necessary to give you a grade you are satisfied with. I do believe that we are lacking a couple sports, such as track and field for example.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 148

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Calabasas, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: We have three children at Viewpoint in the middle and high school. Each one of our children has thrived at the school. They have participated in sports every season, the music program and have accelerated academically. The culture at the school is accepting and loving while also expecting a lot out of the students. The teachers and administration respond immediately to concerns. The campus is beautiful and extremely safe. It is nestled in the canyon and in a great location that feels more secluded.... Read 128 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

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  160 reviews

Works Here: Pacifica is an exceptional school that takes their mission and motto to heart, encouraging students to "think and live well”. Students are given the framework and space to reflect on their own ideas and those of others, encouraged to engage diverse viewpoints with intellectual hospitality. It is incredibly refreshing to observe students having thoughtful discussions and debates on various worldviews with maturity and respect. Pacifica’s intellectual hospitality and care for its community is modeled by administration and faculty alike. The curriculum provides an impressive foundation for higher education and embraces a diversity of thinkers and ideas. The faculty at Pacifica is incredibly dedicated, often going the extra mile to engage with students meaningfully and to offer support. I am continually impressed by the supportive nature of the Pacifica staff and faculty, which contributes to a warm and positive environment. I can’t recommend Pacifica enough!... Read 160 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 251

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• Woodland Hills, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  187 reviews

Junior: Louisville has been a great experience over my three years as a student. I am happy to learn with classmates, and friends I have made. I have gotten closer to people in my grade through retreats, sports, and extracurriculars. I am thankful for the faculty and staff, especially the counselors who have given great advice and support to each student. One of the best parts of my experience is the community within the school. As Louisville sisters, we support one another. The community and bond the student body shares make Louisville more comforting. Additionally, our pep rallies are full of spirit. I enjoy our spirit weeks, giggling with my friends about what outfit we chose or character to fit for the theme of each day. For the worst parts of my experience, I was sad to see there was not too much diversity in posters or advertisements for the school. I would like to see more diversity regarding people and what we celebrate each month, including holiday diversity.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  52 reviews

Alum: This is an incredible private school. I attended public school for two years and then my sister and I were accepted into Wildwood. From second to twelfth grade I had an amazing experience here. There is little diversity due to the massive price tag, so we were two of the few people of color at school. The teachers are not paid enough, but they were so passionate and lovely. I never had a class that was larger than 20 and the teachers gave personalized time to each student. The project-based learning helped me become a great critical thinker and I learned how to make a great presentation! The sports were lacking, but that is because Wildwood is an art/STEM school, not an athletic school. The funding is endless, parents are very involved, and they absolutely prepare students for college. The upper school (6-12) does NOT have a gym/cafeteria/yard etc. It is in West Los Angeles and the facility used to be a warehouse, so there is little natural light in most classrooms.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 733

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  121 reviews

Parent: My introduction to New Roads started 24-25 years ago with our son who started in kindergarten. We were looking for a diverse school for both students and faculty and we were referred to visit New Roads by a friend of the family. After going through the interview process, we quickly learned that this was no ordinary private school but rather a unique learning institution that would help us parents raise good humans! We love New Roads for so many reasons but here are a few: loving our kids for who they are as individuals, pushing their academics at their pace, creativity for freedom of expression through the arts/music/sports, standing up for what they believe in, building relationships, college readiness and the list goes on! Our daughter currently in the 4th grade is enjoying the same experience as our son had and we could not be happier with New Roads! Our village rocks!... Read 121 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Encino, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  26 reviews

Junior: The Armenian diaspora is ever-increasing as current times of war and conflict arise in the homeland. Tension has brought the community together, especially to those who have fled to California. Holy Martyrs Armenian provides a safe, welcoming home to the Armenian youth of Southern California with the purpose of providing amazing education and service opportunities to blossom well-rounded citizens.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Encino, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  68 reviews

Senior: Crespi has been an excellent experience! I was afforded a great education provided by some outstanding teachers. I was involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. More importantly, I was able to establish a brotherhood with so many of my classmates.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Canoga Park, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: I've been going to AGBU MDS since I was three, and am now graduating as a member of the class of 2023. I've been able to learn how to read write, and fully converse in Armenian, and am going to go to Armenia this year for the school trip. This school provides educational trips for students in 5th, 8th, and 10th grade, allowing them to see the real word. The school lunch is great, and teachers have an allergy guide to help those in elementary watch for specific foods. They have toddler care for those younger than three as well. There are plenty of APs available to high school students who wish to take them, and plenty of clubs that grow and help fundraise for their cause. The teachers and students have a unique relationship, where students feel comfortable enough to share and confide in their teachers. This current year, basketball, volleyball, flag football and soccer have made it to the CIF championships, and some even moved on to state.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 787

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Junior: YULA is a great modern-orthodox school. They have wonderful teachers and really support student growth. Despite this, I feel as though they could improve their dedication to extracurriculars that are not athletic.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A

• Students 206

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: St. Monica Catholic High School is a very great school the teacher are excellent and listen to your concerns if you have them as a student. The students are also nice there as well. There is a strict no-bullying policy there; therefore, you would not have to worry about that if you have experienced that before. The school prides itself on community and giving back. I gave the school four stars because it is not perfect, I believe they need to do a better job with acclimating their transfer students to social life. However, over time you'll have a balance in both the academic and social life there. Therefore, if you are considering this school please apply because it is an amazing school. I hope this helps!... Read 170 reviews

• grade A

• Students 409

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love Fusion Academy!! The teachers and staff are so sweet and really make sure you’re doing well academically but they also take the take to get to know you personally which I feel you don’t see at other schools. The students are all nice and welcoming to everyone no matter what their background is which is nice.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 78

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  11 reviews

Junior: I transferred into YULA for eleventh and twelfth grade. It was an adjustment, but was a great decision overall. I moved for better academics and college prep and YULA delivered.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 169

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• grade B

• Students 53

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: Geffen Academy at UCLA provides great education with precise intentional focus on the overall student mental health. Community engagement at the school is all encompassing, warm and nurturing emphasizing focus on the importance of family, equity and diversity. As a parent I care about a healthy balance for my child especially with academics, extra curricular activities while still maintaining a social life. Geffen Academy meets my expectation in that aspect. Plus the fact that it’s on the UCLA campus motivates students to look forward to college. The students are kind, friendly, compassionate, confident and the community in general is very supportive. Educators go above and beyond in their teaching to ensure success for all students. The administration is responsive and attentive too.. Even though it’s a fairly new school - granted there is no perfect school, Geffen academy is hands down the best. I am excited to witness the school continue to reach new heights every year!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 605

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Angeles Workshop School is an amazing school that recognizes and adapts to different styles of learning. The faculty is made up of a top-notch and very attentive bunch of teachers. They always put the student’s needs first. The limited student body guarantees effective peer to teacher learning, however, with the small class size comes an absence of major social interaction. This is partially made up with the addition of weekly city days where students traverse the city of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Overall this school is a wonderful place for students who need a one on one connection.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 20

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: Brawerman is a wonderful and nurturing environment for children and their parents. Academically, they're as good as any other independent school in Los Angeles, but incomparable when it comes to compassion and empathy; helping parents raise good, well rounded, and thoughtful children. My son (1st grader) loves school even in a virtual setting, and is excited every morning to hop on Zoom. That says a tremendous amount about the school, teachers, and administration, as video conferencing is challenging for everyone, especially children. Brawerman has done an incredible job pivoting to remote learning, reminding me once again fortunate we are to be a part of this wonderful community.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1