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2020 Best Schools in the Los Angeles AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 4,936
Best Schools
4,936 results

  1. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 134 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Harvard-Westlake's reputation matches reality: it is definitely an extremely challenging school with a lot of competition. You are pushed everyday and it's definitely very challenging. However, I feel like I've grown so much while I've been there. Harvard Westlake has made me feel like I'm prepared for college and I will actually have the skills to succeed. I get great teachers, great students who are all super motivated, and great courses. I'm not looked down upon for actually trying to do well in school, something that I had experienced before going here. When all is said, if you want to challenge yourself and grow to be a better person in every way possible, this is the place for you.
    Read 134 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 96 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 96 reviews
    #3 Best Private High 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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  4. Marlborough School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 146 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: I so believe in Marlborough's core values and formative role in contributing to the person I am today. When I was at Marlborough, I took for granted that all or most schools were the same. In college at UCLA, I realized that was not the case. College was easy after all the preparation and encouragement I had received at Marlborough. And now, 25 years out from graduation, I am still in touch with many of classmates and see them regularly - the life long friendships are another bonus!
    Read 146 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 533 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Westridge School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 4-12
    • 107 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: As parents at Westridge, we are incredibly impressed with how much our daughter has grown as a student and especially as a person. I recently asked a friend about her 15-year-old daughter and she rolled her eyes, saying "typical teenager! spends 2 hours on makeup and clothes every morning." I secretly said to myself, "thank goodness for Westridge!" where the girls sleep in those 2 extra hours and focus on becoming their best, boldest selves. Girls on campus have none of those external pressures. Teachers and administrators know each girl so well and are so dedicated to the social and emotional and academic development of each one. Only downside is sports are not emphasized, but this not really a school for jocks.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Windward School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 72 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Our daughter just finished middle school at Windward and will continue to 9th grade. We could not be more pleased with the faculty, staff, administration, curriculum and the general school ethos. Windward is truly an outstanding school where our daughter has blossomed into a confident, and well-informed young person. There is a wide range of elective offerings that gives the students the opportunity to explore their interests. Windward teachers are the best part of Windward, as they truly support and encourage their students and provide the necessary methodology and environment for students to reach their potential. Most of the teachers have graduate degrees, some have taught at universities. The administration is always cordial, friendly, and forthcoming. Windward is heavily athletics oriented, however, liberal arts are just as vigorously promoted and supported. Strong STEM as well. All things considered, we couldn't have asked for a better school.
    Read 72 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Chadwick School

    • Private School
    • Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
    • K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #7 Best Private High 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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  10. The Webb Schools

    • Private School
    • Claremont, CA
    • 9-12
    • 82 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: The Webb Schools are simply the best boarding/day schools in Southern California with the most outstanding college placement! Our sons have loved their experience there and both ended up at their first choice colleges. Best part is that Webb cares about character, honor, and the importance of being a good person in and out of the classroom. We love Webb!
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 410 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Sage Hill School

    • Private School
    • Newport Coast, CA
    • 9-12
    • 71 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Junior: I love the sense of community and small class sizes! Town meetings every Monday morning are really fun. There's lots of time to do work, like during conference and X-Block. Advisories are a great way to make friends and talk to the same group of people for all four years. Freshman retreat is very fun. The academics are challenging, but if you're a motivated student it's very valuable.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 545 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Brentwood School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • K-12
    • 82 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: It has outstanding teachers/professors and administration that truly care. It's rigorous academically and best for serious, motivated students. My daughter is extremely happy and thriving at the Brentwood School!
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 996 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

    • Private School
    • Santa Monica, CA
    • K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #11 Best Private High 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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  14. Marymount High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 107 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Overall, I feel prepared for college. The history department is very well run, while the other departments seem to lack quality faculty in one way or the other. The administration does a good job at running the school and listening to the students. The close-knit campus is something a value, as I know all my teachers and classmates very well. Comparing my experience to that of my mom's, who also went to Marymount, and faculty who have been there at the time, I can say that the school was definitely in better condition 30 some years ago. There are some parts of the school I will miss, like my friends I have made and some of the teachers, but overall I am happy to be graduating and moving on from Marymount.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 369 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Sierra Canyon School

    • Private School
    • Chatsworth, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 79 reviews
    #13 Best Private High 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 79 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,076 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Oakwood School

    • Private School
    • North Hollywood, CA
    • K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #14 Best Private High 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 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. TVT Community Day School

    • Private School
    • Irvine, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 146 reviews
    #15 Best Private High 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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  18. Mayfield Senior School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 9-12
    • 103 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: An overall great experience! Everyone is very welcoming, friendly, and passionate about what they do. The faculty and staff are amazing and helpful, the student body are a blast to be around, and the campus is a beautiful place to be at.
    Read 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 333 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Viewpoint School

    • Private School
    • Calabasas, CA
    • K-12
    • 99 reviews
    #17 Best Private High 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 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,215 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. The Archer School for Girls

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 6-12
    • 113 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: TOP NOTCH! Archer has been an incredible experience for my daughter. She has voiced numerous times that she loves her school because she can be herself and all of her school mates are very supportive. We could not be happier and I feel that Archer encourages the girls to be the best versions of themselves. The joy felt among the students and the administration is infectious and there is a strong sense of community among the Archer families. Archer offers strong academic & athletic programs as well as on going support to help our girls become more confident, resilient and empowered. A++
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 496 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Troy High School

    • Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 857 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Troy High School is a STEM school, no two ways about it. If you're interested in computer science, want access to higher-level maths and science courses, and want to compete with a hundred other students who want to do the same, this school is perfect for you. AP Computer Science Principles is a great/relatively easy course that all Troy Tech freshmen are required to take. Of course, that doesn't mean the humanities and arts are lacking. Sophomores have the option of taking an AP English language course, while most high schools offer the course in junior year. The Media pathway of Troy Tech has courses on advanced journalism, broadcast journalism, yearbook, and film. All of which are great programs. There's also a business pathway, but I have heard it's a bunch of busywork. Troy is a small campus, and easy to get used to. Many teachers, especially honors and ap teachers, have been teaching for more than a decade and are so experienced within their subject.
    Read 857 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,696 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Buckley School

    • Private School
    • Sherman Oaks, CA
    • K-12
    • 31 reviews
    #19 Best Private High 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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  25. St. Margaret's Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • San Juan Capistrano, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 46 reviews
    #20 Best Private High 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 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,250 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Fairmont Preparatory Academy

    • Private School
    • Anaheim, CA
    • 9-12
    • 52 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Fairmont Preparatory Academy is a wonderful school with great teachers, faculty and staff! The students and families are wonderful as well! I am grateful and truly appreciate the school's diversity, college readiness, safety, resources, and sincere love and support of all the teachers and faculty.

    This is truly a wonderful school and my family is blessed to be apart it. Thank you Fairmont Preparatory Academy, for providing many positive and memorable opportunities and experiences, but most importantly for making a difference in our children's lives!
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 577 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. California Academy of Mathematics & Science

    • Long Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 427 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I think CAMS provides a lot of opportunities for their students to grow in both academics and team-work skills. Be prepared to be really busy while going to this school, and if you're not, you're doing something wrong! It's essential to be involved in something here, whether it be in our robotics teams or other science programs. CAMS is also very specialized! Expect to take a lot of extra math and science classes, all of which will be more advanced compared to other curriculum in the district. It is also very important that you understand how you learn best, and you'll have to teach yourself a lot.
    Read 427 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 667 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. The Episcopal School of Los Angeles

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 6-12
    • 19 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I love ESLA! I’ve gone since 6th grade and I’m so happy I stayed all through high school. My teachers are amazing, the food is restaurant quality, the country feels like family, and the college counciling here is unlike any other school! ESLA not only provides a fantastic education but really shapes its students into good people.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 150 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 609 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Freshman: Great school! I currently go here and really enjoy it. The teachers are very enthusiastic and kind, and the students are nice too. One thing I would add is that its a huge school with very academic and determined students, so if you’re not an all A’s student who’s only activities are studying, then you might not love it so much. Homework is, of course, a mandatory part of your grade. After around 8 hours of school, depending on the classes you choose to take, you’ll definitely have at least 3 hours of homework per day. It’s a lot. Also, its hard to stick out to potential colleges in a school this huge and academic. Otherwise, its a great school with an awesome spirit. I would definitely recommend going to PVPHS.
    Read 609 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,348 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: It is the best school I have ever been to and has opened the gates for me to really be able to learn. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. I came in 7th grade and I thought I would have a hard time, but that was not the case. The school is so diverse and I have gotten to learn about a bunch of different cultures and it has given me a better understanding. I went to public school before and until I got to this school I did not really know whiten outstanding education was. I feel ready to share my ideas with the world.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Pasadena Unified School District

    • School District
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 93 reviews

    Niche User: I, personally, would like PUSD to offer a more advanced lunch/breakfast program. I sometimes don't get cafeteria lunch because they don't offer enough options. Some schools even use food from the day before! Other then that, great school!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • 18,164 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences

    • Private School
    • Barnesville, MD
    • PK, K-8
    • 7 reviews

    Parent: We have been a Barnesville School family for four years! Living in Frederick County, we were limited by the private school options available to us and the classroom sizes for Frederick County public schools are simply too large. That's why we chose to place our daughter at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences.

    The School's commitment to inclusivity and diversity is a major reason why we love being a part of this community. Also, as an outdoor-centric family, supporters of the arts, and lovers of all-things scientific, we could not have picked a better school. Our daughter has access to nature, STEM, drama, music, art, athletics, and a community culture that cherishes its members.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • 136 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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