2024 Best Schools 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 4.41 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 1,201

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• 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•

• 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

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  143 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 143 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,157

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  216 reviews

Senior: As a current senior at Loyola, I am happy to be attending this school. I have witnessed myself grow into a better person both academically and personally thanks to the wonderful support system of faculty, staff, and other students. While the curriculum itself is challenging, teachers and school counselors are willing to help students perform at their greatest potential. On top of this, the school involves itself with the community through the various clubs and extracurricular activities found throughout campus. Joining these helped me meet new people and make lifelong connections along the way, allowing for a very enjoyable and welcoming experience of my stay here.... Read 216 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  170 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 170 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 384

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  271 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 271 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• William S. Hart Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  243 reviews

Senior: Academy of the Canyons is a very academic-oriented school, as it has no sports. It has high offerings in the STEM fields, so you can take advantage of a lot of opportunities there. The clubs and activities are lacking in terms of their breadth, but that is to be expected from a school of 400, so most of what you do outside the classroom is in reality outside the school. The teachers and staff there are amazing and always ready to support you, in & out of the classroom! Overall, a great school to recommend to academically focused, mature students ready to challenge themselves in a college environment.... Read 243 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 395

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• 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

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  117 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 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1