2024 Best Schools for STEM in Los Angeles County

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  170 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 170 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  166 reviews

Parent: As a parent, I can not say enough wonderful things about Marlborough. It is truly a top-notch school and affords students not only a superb education but a deep sense of community. The academics are rigorous but the support the students receive to be successful is second to none. The teachers, administrators, faculty, staff, and coaches are beyond excellent. The community is diverse, welcoming, kind, curious, and intelligent. I would highly recommend Marlborough without reservation!... Read 166 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  498 reviews

Parent: After sending our son for a year, we are happy to tell that the school is filled with wonderful people. CAMS students are kind, friendly, supporting each other across grades, and caring younger students very well. Parents are very nice and supportive, too. Most teachers have decent backgrounds/careers. It's easy to communicate with teachers and school staffs. Minimal donation/volunteer requests. The school is for students like Engineering, Computer Science, or Bio-technology. Required courses include manufacturing with CNC machines & industrial 3D printers, computer programming, CAD designing, and college level Bio-tech curriculum. Located on CSUDH campus, junior/senior students may take the college classes at reasonable cost. More than 50 clubs to choose from. 1/5 students join FRC or VEX Robotics teams. While sports teams are limited, good players compete at tournaments. Dancing teams actively perform at various school events. A lot of fun and exciting opportunities at CAMS!... Read 498 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 667

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  129 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 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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

• Claremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: The campus, first of all, is beautiful. The teachers are also amazing. Classes were difficult, but always doable; students are never assigned busywork, and student-teacher communication is great. On the flip side, (probably due to COVID) the student culture seems to have changed for the worse in recent years. Students now seem more disconnected, and tend to say or do unacceptable or just rude things. Also, both the student body and the faculty are not very diverse. This is a problem Webb is definitely working on, and I have seen some progress not only in hiring and acceptance but also in school culture. Webb has held many (student run!) events celebrating different cultures and educating students on barriers their peers may face due to race, ethnicity, gender, etc., like the Asian Affinity's Fashion Show, which I was a part of(It was a LOT of fun). That's why I think Webb is. ultimately, a great school; because the administration listens and changes according to student voices.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  109 reviews

Alum: steller incredible academics! I felt so prepared for my Ivy League school after attending Prep for 6 years. The community is incredible; welcoming and friendly. Administration empowers students and gives them a voice in decision making. Teachers are helpful and want you to succeed. My only complaint was that there was a teacher who went around calling us “wild Indians” when we misbehaved. I believe he has retired but still teaches summer and cpr classes... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• ABC Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  399 reviews

Sophomore: Whitney has little social conflict and is arguably a little boring. The teachers excel at teaching despite that some are questionable in terms of character. Every space has its share of bad influence, but I would argue that, compared to other high schools, Whitney promotes good character; some of my favorite teachers are Whitney alumni. In terms of size, Whitney is not winning. They built a new science building, but there are still not enough tables for everyone to sit at, forcing the majority of the underclassmen to sit on the ground during lunch. We also do not have a football field. Whitney's extracurriculars tend to be shifted towards the arts, creating a diverse culture among students. The biggest clubs are service and culture clubs. Each year on International Day, the culture clubs go all out with performances and food. In my opinion, Whitney's theatre productions are the most amazing part of our extracurriculars, especially 2023's Anything Goes performance.... Read 399 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,013

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  108 reviews

Sophomore: Ever since starting at Polytechnic as a freshman, I've continually felt positively challenged in academic coursework, encouraged to explore new opportunities through clubs and fellowships, and formed lasting friendships with my teammates in sports. Polytechnic's community of students is both welcoming and inspirational, something I particularly noticed transitioning into a new school for the first time. Considering the multitudes of diverse opportunities offered at Poly, my advice is to find your own path: step out and try new things! Polytechnic's faculty is dedicated and always there to support students whether it's in coursework or simply brightening their day.... Read 108 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

• 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

• 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

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  103 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 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 865

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Marino Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  280 reviews

Works Here: The thing I love most about this school is the sense of community. We really are a small town and parents, students, and staff are all vital parts of making sure the school is excellent! We have over 20 sports, a thriving visual and performing arts program, two strong CTE pathways in business and media arts, as well as a brand new Medical Arts Academy in partnership with Pasadena City Colleges Dual Enrollment program of which we offer over 7 courses. We offer over 30 clubs and are adding new ones every year. Our teaching staff are second to none and offer a variety of engaging and creative activities and challenging lessons to prepare students for their post-secondary life which includes over 90% of students matriculating to a four-year university.... Read 280 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 869

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: As a senior student at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, my experience has been a blend of positive aspects and areas where I believe there's room for improvement. The best parts of my experience at Pilibos include the strong focus on preserving and promoting Armenian culture and heritage. The school's commitment to instilling Armenian values, language, and history is truly commendable. This cultural immersion has not only fostered a deep sense of identity but has also created a tightly-knit and supportive community among students, staff, and parents. On the flip side, there are areas where I believe Pilibos can make improvements. While the focus on Armenian culture is vital, there is a need for a more diverse range of extracurricular activities. This could include expanding clubs, sports, and arts programs to cater to a wider spectrum of interests and talents among the students.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• Students 613

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Glendale Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  223 reviews

Senior: In key metrics of college and job preparedness, this school outperforms the state average. This school's test results are well above the state average, indicating that the majority of its students are performing at or above grade level. The staff is also kind and always has a smile on their face. An overall clean environment for the students to study hard was provided as well.... Read 223 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Arcadia Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,120 reviews

Senior: I'm a senior taking in a great educational journey with the wonderful environment of the school. The teachers are not only educators but caring mentors, offering support, and the wide array of courses caters to diverse interests. The strong sense of community among students has led to the formation of great friendships created through clubs and sports. The vibrant extracurricular landscape, spanning sports, arts, and service clubs, enriches our experience, while counselors provide invaluable guidance as we navigate the path toward college. Arcadia High is more than a school; it's a dynamic hub of growth, learning, and preparation for the future.... Read 1,120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,031

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• El Segundo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  113 reviews

Senior: Coming from a charter middle school to a private school like Vistamar School really highlighted how good Vistamar was for me. Vistamar school shares the same positives of other private schools: good education, a lot of resources, and complete safety. I would say its a lot better than other private schools, though. Some of the measures they've taken for minorities at the school include building a cafeteria so that moderated tuition students can have free meals during school, having a gender neutral bathroom, having a private meting space for closeted LGBTQ+ students that parents nor other students have access to, a bias form to report racism, a day dedicated to minorities and celebrating different cultures, and multiple assemblies. Their teaching technique, while unique, is also very good and engages the students in the topic they are learning.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  60 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 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 174

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 828

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  665 reviews

Sophomore: PVPHS is a great choice for kids who are willing to challenge themselves and prepare for college. Most of the teachers are excellent and well-qualified, and I’ve had amazing experiences with many of them. The majority of students are also very kind, vibrant, and accepting, compared to my last school in LA—they put extra effort into making you feel welcome. Along with that, the school spirit is fun and contagious, and kids here feel a lot of pride to be Peninsula students. However, the student culture here sometimes gets overwhelming—many feel pressure to get perfect grades and be involved in extracurriculars. While kids here are really polite, there’s always an underlying message: you need to do well and maintain your grades, or else. The pros outnumber the cons significantly: supportive people everywhere you look, some of the best academics in the state, and endless valuable experiences and opportunities. Final tip: Just be sure to find good friends and a decent work-life balance!... Read 665 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,340

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  91 reviews

Parent: I am a current parent at Brentwood School, as well as an alumni. Brentwood’s student population has become far more diverse, in particular the elementary school. It’s hard for me to comprehend how Brentwood could be ranked below so many Los Angeles schools that have far worse SAT/ACT scores, worse college placement and offer far lighter curriculums. Academically, the curriculum at Brentwood is far more challenging and prepares its students for college far more than at Oakwood, Campbell Hall, Marymount, Buckley, and many other schools on this list, some of which I’ve never even heard of. Whoever is handling these rankings clearly has no idea what these schools are actually like.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  835 reviews

Junior: Overall, I think Diamond Bar High School creates a safe and friendly environment for everyone. Our academics offered are more challenging compared to other high schools in our area, which allows us to challenge ourselves. Despite our over achieving academics we have well round sport teams, where students are able to compete in all levels. They also offer programs such as International Baccalaureate and Brahma Tech. We also offer a Journalism program, Journalism 1 and 2. I am personally in volved in Journalism 2 and we write for the school paper while also learning to design how the paper will look like. One of my favorite things about Diamond Bar High School would be our Wellness Center. A very important topic that is needed to talk about more is students mental health, our school offers time during the day where students can go and take a break.... Read 835 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,534

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Pomona, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: This is a strong school, it's open for all religions, Education curriculum is very strong they are always doing all district online exam to see what is the level of your kids, if there is any problem they will address it with thier amazing social workers staff, they are updating library every year and also not they are updating the STEM lab and the Gym, the most important thing to me is that my kids are in same culture so I'm not worried also they are in the school from elementary till high school so I will not be worried about moving them too much.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 160

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1