2024 Best Private Schools in Pasadena

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  107 reviews

Parent: So far, so good. Son chose this school over other top schools because he liked the community there. Happy to report that he is loving school and the food and getting acclimated very well. The HS academics are challenging which is a plus but I never got the sense that he is stressed out. It is a healthy and manageable level for him but could be difficult if student is not used to the rigor. The teachers and admins are very supportive and available and most of the students are friendly, nice, and well rounded. We love the school so much that we are excitedly waiting to get our younger one there for 7th!... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• 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

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  61 reviews

Parent: Oakwood clicked for our family from first blush, and our daughter is thriving there. Oakwood's warmth and close-knit community makes it feel like a neighborhood school, but it offers the top-notch academics that only come from the best independent schools. It's a tricky needle to thread, but they pull it off beautifully. On our first day of kinder, I was struck by just how friendly the place is - a rarity in LA! And in the time since, that sense of belonging has only deepened for both my daughter and our family. Our daughter is blossoming at Oakwood, which is a testament to both the curriculum and the approach to challenging students, but also the level of social-emotional support that is offered. She especially loves art studio, science lab, and music class. Oakwood also has truly one of the best libraries and librarians I've ever encountered, and it's such a joy and resource for our whole family! We couldn't find a better school and look forward to many happy years ahead!... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 828

• 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

• 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 384

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  116 reviews

Parent: Excellent school. The administration is very supportive of the students academically and mentally. During Covid years, they were fantastic in making sure the students didn’t fall behind. My daughter had reservations at first but after graduation would not have picked a different school. Highly recommend.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 333

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: La Salle has provided me with a lot of opportunities to pursue my interests. This has greatly impacted me and has allowed me to learn more about myself and grow more then I ever though I could! Activities like Speech/Debate, Waterpolo, and Mock Trial, has given me the chance to gain more confidence and become a stronger person overall. The only factors I might change about La Salle is to have more communication between faculty and students so they can work together to achieve goals that benefit both parties.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 630

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  96 reviews

Alum: St. Francis High School was a life changing experience for me. It prepared me for academic success in college, shaped my faith/character, and launched me on a trajectory for a life of service. My success/happiness is a direct result of the Capuchin Franciscan tradition and the influence of St. Francis High School. Teachers and administrators are committed to relational learning and building young men of character. It's a wonderful place for students to call home! Thank you, St. Francis!... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 620

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  219 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from IH. I was a proud panda at the middle school and high school, and my experience at IH was one that I would not trade for the world. Although in the heart of Hollywood, IH felt like a safe haven for higher education. I constantly felt challenged academically, but not in a toxic manner. Healthy competition was present among students, both in terms of learning and athletics. IH truly shines in its art department (visual and performance). The teachers at IH are unparalleled. I keep in contact with a few of my teachers and I will never forget the information and morals they instilled in me. Teachers want and make an effort to connect with students, that is something incredibly special. In terms of theology, IH makes the subject approachable for all students. Whether Catholic, Jewish, Atheist, etc., IH students are encouraged to learn about and participate in religious events. I never felt uncomfortable in a religious setting. IH is an amazing school!... Read 219 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  28 reviews

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 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 163

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• San Marino, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  58 reviews

Parent: I am so happy I sent my daughter to Southwestern Academy. She attended her four years of high school there. She was much more comfortable in the small classes and received a lot of one on one help from the teachers. Southwestern Academy teachers meet with the students who need, or want, extra help after classes are over for the day, while other students study in study hall. This opportunity was so helpful for my daughter who struggled in Math and Science classes. My daughter is a little shy and had a hard time making friends at her other school, but she was able to form lasting friendships at Southwestern Academy. The students there are so friendly and accepting of everyone, and the place just feels like a family. There are always fun activities going on during the weekends, and even though she was a day student, she would often join in. She was able to participate in many extracurricular activities she wouldn't have been able to elsewhere. Southwestern Academy was a great fit for us!... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Rosemead, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: Bosco Tech is an amazing school that I will always hold close to my heart. Though it is an all male Private Catholic High School, I have been able to cherish all the moments that make me the man I am today. This school has helped me become a better person, son, and older brother towards my younger sister. The education and teachers at Bosco Tech are phenomenal as I feel prepared to leave Bosco and have the ability to succeed in college. Though I love my school very much the one thing I would change about Bosco Tech would be to update the buildings and bathrooms. Most of the restrooms and the classrooms haven't had any updates since the school opened in 1955. The only significant update each classroom has received is an air conditioning and heater for when the weather gets too hot or too cold. Otherwise I see Bosco Tech as a perfect school for all male students in high school.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Sun Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: Incredible Academic and Extra Curriculars! However, it’s very expensive to do anything. All the people on the varsity are only people who can afford club. Plays are $300 or more each to participate in. The experience comes at a hefty cost and then fees like books and ap classes stack up throughout the year. And while I love how loving and kind everyone is (it really gives great christian centered learning) they shut down the GSA and do not take bullying seriously.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,085

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Burbank, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: LILA is an outstanding school with a rigorous & enriching academic program that focuses on the holistic development of its students and gives individualized attention. For a small school, it offers a range of extracurricular activities. LILA students are polyglots, being able to navigate multiple cultures and countries in a variety of languages. While LILA may not be for everyone, for those, who cherish a challenging & demanding international academic program that prepares young people with a world class education, will find LILA an overall rewarding experience as we have. LILA students are all-around globally-minded, independent, confident, caring, kind, compassionate, inquisitive, intellectually curious critical thinkers who think outside of the box & who are ready to take on the world. The school has been responsive to any and all of our concerns, whenever they have come up. Choosing LILA was the best decision we made. This school is a gem!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Glendale, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  169 reviews

Parent: I’m glad I chose Holy Family for my youngest daughter to attend for her freshman year. Holy Family provided a comfortable and nourishing environment for my daughter. Even though the classes were Distance learning due to the Covid pandemic, my daughter is learning and receiving excellent grades. The teachers and school staff are amazing! They have all made it possible to continue teaching during these difficult times. I’m very proud of my daughter. She has managed to stay focus and dedicated to her school studies. Thank you Holy Family for doing an exceptional job!... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 130

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  146 reviews

Alum: I loved the sport. Every sport at Cathedral High School is filled with energy. It's filled with love towards one another and to the sport. Everyone is eager to play and win since it's competitive. I love the teacher and staff because they always manage to make a blue day, bright up. The theatre has a stunning view. What I would change about the school are the outside lockers. The lockers are worn out, dirty, broken, and sometimes easy to unlock. The school is amazing, but there is only one detail I would change.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  215 reviews

Alum: The main issues I could see while I was a student mostly stemmed from the fact that the campus was kinda understaffed. You would often see teachers filling several roles, and that model can be kind of dangerous when all of the moving parts of a department are maintained by two people. The bigger issue with this is that a lot of divides in viewpoints are pretty visible (I mean good thing that we know the teachers well but still). While the staff does get along well, differences in teaching styles and social goals for the school or student body (like what sort of groups/culture we want to have, what we want to openly support, and how we run class) are clearly spearheaded by a few individuals. You can clearly see the differences between teachers the same way that deveations from an average are accentuated in smaller settings/groups. It kinda messes with the impression of school unity, expecially differences in political and social ideology. Other than that it was good tho, W teachers... Read 215 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 527

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Alhambra, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  217 reviews

Freshman: Ramona has given me the opportunity to excel not only as a student, but also as a person. Everyone here is so sweet and makes sure you are alway on top of your grades. They also make sure you are staying top of your mental health by providing wellness seminar for all students. Our athletics program is outstanding and our athletes skill's continue to grow. Our pep rallies truly display our school spirit and leaves a mark on your mood all day. Our college councilors provide amazing resources for applying to colleges, scholarships, etc. We have rigorous courses and teachers who are willing and dedicated to work with you. I love Ramona and the campus because it's very big and a calming ambiance. This is a great consideration for any student who is transferring to another high school or any 8th graders looking for a high school!... Read 217 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 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 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 225

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  45 reviews

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 45 reviews

• grade A

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Arcadia, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: I love this school, my teacher always help me when i was needed. Student here come from all over the worlds so we got to know about each other culture. Iam an international student myself and getting alot of troubles when i just moved here but my teacher and friend always help me. It's also a very safe school, every student here are a big family, the school is so small that the teacher know all the student in the school, and I never seen any fight or argument between student in my school years.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Students 130

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1