Compare Schools in the Los Angeles Area

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4,956 results

Harvard-Westlake School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
7-12
128 reviews
#1 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: My son started at HW in the 9th grade. He looked at many schools when his prior school ended in 8th grade. We took a leap of faith, as the decision to attend HW meant: he would know very few, if any, HW students; he would catch the daily shuttle at 6:30 am; and we had very little prior personal knowledge of HW, except by reputation. Hands down, he could not have chosen a better school, both by fit, quality of teachers, close friends he has made, and pure enjoyment of the opportunities HW offers. As parents with initial reservations, we are one of HW's biggest fans. Yes, it's challenging, but HW's approach to address competitiveness is to be commended. My son said he thinks his 4 years at HW will likely be the best years of his life.
Read 128 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,598 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Flintridge Preparatory School
Private School
La Canada Flintridge, CA
7-12
95 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 95 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
530 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Polytechnic School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
K-12
97 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 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
859 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marlborough School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
7-12
141 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 141 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
533 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Westridge School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
4-12
100 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 100 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
500 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Windward School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
7-12
67 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 67 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
550 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chadwick School
Private School
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
K-12
78 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 78 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
830 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Webb Schools
Private School
Claremont, CA
9-12
78 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 78 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
410 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sage Hill School
Private School
Newport Coast, CA
9-12
66 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 66 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
545 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Brentwood School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
K-12
80 reviews
#10 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Junior: I am afforded an abundance of opportunities and an amazing education that not only focuses on the basic realms of teaching but goes into more depth and discovery. I am able to learn in an environment with people who are just as interested as I am. I feel lucky to be receiving a higher education at a place where I feel physically safe and am blessed to have the resources that I have, including transportation, lunch, clubs and activities to fit a variety of interests, etc. I would like to see more diversity, as I am a small percentage of colored students. Often times I feel alone and like I am unable to relate to others, isolated within the community. Despite the staff and student alliance group, it is still very hard walking around a campus where you do not look like the people around you, it can make you feel very alienated and "other". I would like to see an improvement in these aspects of diversity so that people can feel comfortable being where they are and not like an outsider.
Read 80 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
996 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Private School
Santa Monica, CA
K-12
44 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 44 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,174 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marymount High School
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
9-12
104 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 104 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
396 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sierra Canyon School
Private School
Chatsworth, CA
PK, K-12
66 reviews
#13 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Freshman: I've been attending SC since 5th grade and I have had no issues! The environment is very friendly and I've made some great friends over the years. The teachers are very nice and approachable and their classes are very academically rigorous. Overall, great school!
Read 66 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
986 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oakwood School
Private School
North Hollywood, CA
K-12
28 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 28 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
780 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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TVT Community Day School
Private School
Irvine, CA
PK, K-12
145 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 145 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
617 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mayfield Senior School
Private School
Pasadena, CA
9-12
99 reviews
#16 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Mayfield is a wonderful school! Mayfield not only provides a wide range of athletics and conservatories, but also provides opportunities for service and courses that prepare you for the future. The faculty and staff treat the students and parents with care, as if they are family. Safety is not an issue at Mayfield, for there is a security guard at the gate who takes his/her job seriously and works to help keep the campus safe. Teachers make themselves available for students who need extra help, but there are also peer tutors. The college counselors are always around to lend a helping hand, wether it be teaching you how to properly mail a letter, give you a "pep talk", how to apply for scholarships, and much more! Mayfield provides many resources for help if one seeks them. The sense of community is outstanding and everyone looks out for each other constantly. Mayfield is a place of opportunity.
Read 99 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
333 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Viewpoint School
Private School
Calabasas, CA
K-12
97 reviews
#17 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Viewpoint is an excellent school, teachers are definitely willing to help the students that are struggling in their classes. Viewpoint has some of the best counselors that are ready to help students get into college. I would say that viewpoint has a manageable schedule where you can complete all class work and still be able to join multiple clubs on campus. Some changes I would like to see is an upgrade on our kitchens food. I would also like to see an increase on diversity. Viewpoint sports is often looked away from as something that is not that important. I would say that the students who are playing a sport are really putting the work in and giving all their hard work to become the best they can be.The viewpoint community is definitely different. When walking in to the school you get a warm welcoming vibe from the students and administration. Everyone is kind and willing to help others.
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,215 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Archer School for Girls
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
6-12
106 reviews
#18 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Junior: I am a current student at the Archer School for Girls. I have had a great experience at the school, but there are some areas for major improvement. The athletics at this school are neglected; there have been coaching changes in the middle of playoffs due to being fired and there are no facilities. There is no track, gym or weight room. While the schools lack of urgency in the athletic department is one of the main problems at Archer, there are other issues as well. The lack of diversity is jarring. It is necessary to cut Archer some slack in this area because the school is in a predominately white neighborhood. All in all, I have enjoyed my experience at Archer and cannot name another school where the educators are as caring and invested in the students' lives.
Read 106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
496 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Troy High School
Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
9-12
824 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: I have really enjoyed being at Troy, surrounded by amazing people. The staff and students are very supportive and encouraging. I hope to see more positivity spread throughout campus!
Read 824 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,680 Students
29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Buckley School
Private School
Sherman Oaks, CA
K-12
28 reviews
#19 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Having attended The Buckley School since kindergarten, I have seen it at its best and at its worst. The Lower School is certainly a friendly, loving, and nurturing environment. Teachers are incredibly considerate, prioritizing learning and kindness above all else.

Middle and High School, too, was a pretty special experience. While the thought of middle school sends shivers down most kids' spines, middle school at The Buckley School could not be a more accepting space. Teachers grant their students independence through creative research projects and complex team building assignments. Other important aspects of student growth are also explored, such as classes in student diversity and inclusion.
Read 28 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
830 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Private School
San Juan Capistrano, CA
PK, K-12
39 reviews
#20 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: My two girls have been at SMES since preschool. One is a senior and one is a freshman. They are intelligent, aware, compassionate, respectful, loyal, inquisitive, hard working, athletic, proud, thoughtful, resilient young women. They are who there because of their time at SMES. They are loved, appreciated, validated and known by their SMES community. Do I recommend SMES? That is a resounding YES! There is no perfect school experience and there is no perfect school, but SMES comes pretty darn close. It’s a wonderful community and I couldn’t imagine a better place for a child to grow up.
Read 39 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,250 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Private School
Anaheim, CA
9-12
50 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 50 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
577 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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California Academy of Mathematics & Science
Long Beach Unified School District, CA
9-12
419 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Senior: Attending CAMS was one of the best decisions I ever made. From being exposed to a variety of different career paths including engineering, biotechnology, and medical biology, to being exposed to a melting pot of cultures and people, CAMS has definitely impacted my career choice and who I am as a person. The rigorous environment and college - like curriculum have prepared me to attend a four year university and pursue my Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, being surrounded by many like - minded individuals with the same tact and eagerness to learn as myself has allowed me to become more comfortable working in groups, subsequently developing my teamwork and leadership skills. Overall, CAMS, though heavily focused on engineering, is a well rounded school that thoroughly provides you with enough resources, including peer and college aids as well as access to university classes, to receive a quality education.
Read 419 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
683 Students
28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Episcopal School of Los Angeles
Private School
Los Angeles, CA
6-12
16 reviews
#22 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area
Parent: We have 2 kids at ES-LA and thank the universe for this school every day! Finally a school that walks the walk. Middle School and High Schools are diverse, socially responsible, liberal in the best way, and wonderfully academic without pressuring the kids unnecessarily. The Deans and Teachers are emotionally invested in each kid succeeding and being happy. Both of my kids are so happy here. One week into school my son said, "Mom, I've found my people!" After being bullied for so long he is in heaven here. And my daughter is getting the finest High School education I've seen in any school in LA.
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
150 Students
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
9-12
594 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 594 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,426 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Futures Academy - Manhattan Beach
Private School
El Segundo, CA
6-12
1 review
Senior: I really enjoy the one-on-one classes. It enabled me to graduate early. The teachers and the administration are caring and supportive. The only downside for highschoolers is the lack of social life; however, I am very involved in community service, work and have many friends outside of Halstrom, so this doesn’t bother me.
Read 1 Review
28 Students
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St. Margaret's School
Private School
Tappahannock, VA
8-12
47 reviews
Freshman: I found my family here at St. Margaret's and they are from all around the world! Students from the U.S. and countries such as Vietnam, China, Rwanda, Chile, and more come together at this amazing school in pastoral Virginia. There is a lot of focus on academics, with classes tailored to each student. Teachers are helpful, ready to go the extra mile to help me do my personal best. As an ALL girls school, the staff empowers me to be the strongest version of me. My faith is supported, and the small amount of students selected to go to this exclusive and inclusive school makes for a fantastic place to forge close bonds with multinational students. The campus is beautiful, in a historic area of Virginia known as the "birthplace of the nation," rich with history and beauty. Richmond and Washington D.C. are within a two hour drive, but we're far enough away to be surrounded by amazing wildlife and the River. This is the best educational decision my parents ever made for me. Seriously!
Read 47 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
120 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ramona Convent Secondary School
Private School
Alhambra, CA
9-12
195 reviews
Alum: As a Ramona alum, I can confidently say Ramona changed my life. The teachers, for the most part, really are there to support you and guide you into the real world. As soon as you step onto campus, the counselors are excited to talk about the next step, college. In a nestled area in the suburbs, the beauty of Ramona resonates beyond the norm. There are Ramona alums everywhere in every field always willing to lend a hand. The teachers and faculty, to me, are what makes this place special. The staff is truly one of a kind in that they know what they are teaching and can actually teach. All together, Ramona is great.
Read 195 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
293 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 199

Harvard-Westlake School

Flintridge Preparatory School

Polytechnic School

Marlborough School

Westridge School

Windward School

Chadwick School

The Webb Schools

Sage Hill School

Brentwood School

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

Marymount High School

Sierra Canyon School

Oakwood School

TVT Community Day School

Mayfield Senior School

Viewpoint School

The Archer School for Girls

Troy High School

The Buckley School

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Fairmont Preparatory Academy

California Academy of Mathematics & Science

The Episcopal School of Los Angeles

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

Futures Academy - Manhattan Beach

St. Margaret's School

Ramona Convent Secondary School