2023 Best Schools Offering AP Courses in Los Angeles County

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  162 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 162 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: So far, so good. Son chose this school over other top schools because he liked the community there. Happy to report that he is loving school and the food and getting acclimated very well. The HS academics are challenging which is a plus but I never got the sense that he is stressed out. It is a healthy and manageable level for him but could be difficult if student is not used to the rigor. The teachers and admins are very supportive and available and most of the students are friendly, nice, and well rounded. We love the school so much that we are excitedly waiting to get our younger one there for 7th!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  107 reviews

Parent: As a parent of current poly students, I can attest to the quality of the teachers, faculty, student body and facilities. Poly is academically rigorous and sets high expectations for its students while providing the scholastic and emotional support needed to ensure every student has an opportunity to succeed. Poly also does an admirable job incorporating character building into their curriculum. Compassion, service, self awareness, diversity, inclusion, tolerance and integrity are all modeled and reinforced throughout the campus at every grade level. Poly can of course continue to work on its diversity by reaching out to the larger Los Angles community to attract a more broad coalition of students. That said, we could not be happier. Most importantly our children (middle and high school) feel happy, proud, challenged, accepted, supported and seen.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 872

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: Windward excelled my expectations in every possible way. Their sports teams are intense and insane going against the best competition in the country. And the offer and endless stream of activities for your children. The relationship between parents, students, and faculty are all around great. Lots of communication and preparation to ready your children for higher education. The only downside I did notice was every so often our community would be put inside a bubble. Although it’s great to have a nurturing community, someonetimes our children have to see reality for what it is.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  163 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 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  130 reviews

Parent: When we were looking for private school, we were looking for a school not only offers robust academic curriculums, but also emphasizes on character and social-emotional learning. Our daughters have been with Westridge since 4th grade, and our experiences have always been positive. With more than 100 years of history under strong leadership, Westridge is very proficient in providing an environment that's best fit in shaping young, independent girls. The school continuously evolves and does an excellent job empowering young minds to meet new challenges of modern days. Our daughters are continuously challenged intellectually and never be afraid to make a mistake. We are especially impressed by how Westridge takes an early initiative with DEI and encourages the whole community to make a difference. Teachers and administrators are truly supportive and nurturing. With confidence, we know that we are raising intellectual and well-rounded daughters together.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Claremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  88 reviews

Alum: Recent alum here, fantastic school for academic development. The teachers here are top notch and the relationships they foster with students is extremely unique at the high school level. We were spoiled at Webb and I constantly am reminded of how much I was blessed to attend a school that is so enriching in several areas. By FAR the best school academically in the area, and nothing within a 40 mile radius offers anything better or even remotely close to the quality and personalization of a Webb education. Beautiful campus, quality location, top notch. The ONLY negative gripe I have with Webb is the college admissions staff and their deceiving system that is inherently unequal. They claim to use a system based on "fit," but instead cater to a practice reliant upon getting as many seniors into 10% of colleges as they can. Telling seniors to not apply to a certain school by claiming lack of "fit," when in reality, they want to cut down competition and cater to their quota.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  97 reviews

Junior: Chadwick is a super tight-knit community and the academics are amazing! You are able to be involved in all sorts of amazing activities from sports to theater to community service. There are also many leadership opportunities where you can grow immensely as a leader and individual. The teachers are extremely supportive and educated, always there for you if you need any help.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: Oakwood School provides an excellent education that shapes the entire student. The teacher-student relationships at Oakwood are incredible, as teachers prioritize their students' educational experience and personal growth over anything else. Academically, courses at Oakwood are rigorous and competitive but also supportive and collaborative. I feel my Oakwood education has more than prepared me for college. Oakwood creates a strong sense of community and belonging through many extra-curricular activities, arts programs, and athletic teams. The athletic department is wonderful, building competitive, kind, and passionate athletes. The excellent facilities and talented coaching staff are big pluses too. I would recommend an Oakwood education to anyone looking for an inclusive community where they can be challenged academically and develop a sense of identity inside and outside of the classroom.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chatsworth, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: We have had an amazing experience at Sierra Canyon. Our son is a student-athlete. Academics are very important to him. He finished his senior year with a 4.4 GPA while playing on one of the top football programs in the country with some of the best coaches. That is not possible without the support of amazing teachers that keep the kids engaged. Sierra Canyon's college counseling is phenomenal as well. We have two older sons that graduated from one of the best Catholic schools in the area, but the counseling is virtually non-existent. We now know the difference. Sierra Canyon was a great fit for our youngest. My only regret is not moving him there sooner. He is now playing football for Texas Christian University and in their Neeley School of Business. I credit Sierra Canyon for that!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  120 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 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 322

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  487 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 487 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Sherman Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• El Segundo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: There is something for everyone at this school! There is an expansive list of clubs for every student's interest. The academics are very strong but the school also caters equally to kids who have an interest in the fine and performing arts. The school encourages progressive thinking, open-mindedness and self-discovery while also helping guide students toward colleges and careers that will make them happy in the long run. The school wants students to think beyond the here and now. The math curriculum is innovative and combines the best math programs from schools around the world. The school lives up to its motto - "there is a better way to do high school."... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  210 reviews

Parent: Loyola High School is an exceptional college-preparatory high school that truly supports its students in every way! It offers a rigorous education that will not only prepare you for college, but also for real life. The school produces scholarly men of faith, service and leadership. Its focus on cura personalis is exemplary. Everything about this school is top notch!... Read 210 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  128 reviews

Alum: As a recent alum, I can attest that if I ever have a daughter, I will most certainly be enrolling her at Archer. I cannot express my gratitude enough towards this community, the academics, and all the unique programs that continue to shock other students at my university when I talk about them. I’ll always remember the courtyard and the dinning hall on a warm spring day, the sounds of violins and choirs echoing around the campus, girls engrossed in philosophical debates, and laughter at every turn. I attend a college with an 8% acceptance rate as of 2023 and can confidently say that I was extremely over-prepared socially and academically when I on campus for my first day. I feel infinitely blessed to have had enjoyed 6 years at the most wonderful liberal-arts, girl’s school in the country.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  169 reviews

Junior: I love Flintridge Sacred Heart because of the community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. I can be friends with anyone and I feel comfortable being myself. Everyone has so much school spirit and love for the school, that it makes events super fun. Everyone participates in everything! Teachers are also super helpful. They are there early in the morning and late at night. They all want to ensure that we succeed in high school. The teachers are always available to help when needed. They show so much support through arts and sports as well by showing up to events. As a whole, the community is outstanding at Flintridge Sacred Heart. I also feel like I am being prepped very well for college. Everyone is rooting for everyone's success!... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 367

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  140 reviews

Alum: Campbell Hall Episcopal is the greatest school in the world! I had the privilege to attend for all 13 years and would not have it any other way. What sets Campbell Hall apart is its traditions of close-knit community, caring faculty, where kids grow & make life-long friendships; its 4 R's, & students from loving, nurturing families. Where it could improve is in its lack of enough qualified teachers who aren't wannabe Hollywood stars, its need to embrace its roots, not change what works under social pressure, and build its social science program to balance the misguided focus on STEM, & need to commit to more K-12 families instead of allowing too many new families in 7-12th grade that often bring bad influences, and keep the "bubble" closed. Overall, my time at CH was the greatest of my life, receiving a world-class education unmatched anywhere. I am happy to call it my home forever. I look forward to continuing my life-long relationship with the school as an Alum. Ne Obliviscaris!... Read 140 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,148

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Calabasas, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Viewpoint School is an amazing school! During my Freshman year, they made workshops and took us on field trips which helped me create friendships. The curriculum is massive, so it really allows students to explore what they want to pursue in life from an early age. The sports program is amazing; we achieve new accolades each year, even though we are in one of the most competitive leagues in the country!... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,215

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  114 reviews

Parent: Mayfield Senior School provides a rigorous college preparatory education in a Catholic environment. Faculty are top quality professionals with impressive backgrounds who balance academic rigor with a nurturing and can-do mindset. The Head of School and her leadership team are dedicated to the mission Action Not Words and educational philosophy that encourages the young men to uncover gifts and talents. Mayfield is a treasure!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 333

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  350 reviews

Junior: I'll start off with the bullying: There is none. Everyone is nice and helpful to each other. The homework is a bit much but with some encouragement from parents, it's not all that bad. The teachers are extraordinary at explaining the class material and subjects and are always willing to help a student in need. But the school is not all work. La Canada High School also offers a plethora of sports teams and clubs, most of which are run by the community or students. As a student with ADD (ADHD Innatentive), staying focused has been a bit difficult. Luckily, the teachers are nice and give me extra time to complete assignments or tests. Now onto the food! The cafeteria offers a variety of food, usually with different menus each day. There's also a wide variety of drinks and snacks in the Cafe.... Read 350 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  657 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 657 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,359

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• ABC Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  392 reviews

Alum: Academics are definitely rigorous and challenging, but they have great teachers that genuinely care about their students (in addition to the SIA James--shoutout to him!). The school is small so it's easier to make connections with your peers and teachers. It only really feels competitive once you get to senior year applying to colleges; otherwise, I'd say it's a collaborative environment where students are willing to team up and share resources or help each other out. Make sure to keep your mental health in check; while you obviously want to do good in school, getting enough sleep and taking care of yourself is key. Take advantage of the great college and career center, especially their weekly newsletter.... Read 392 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,019

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  267 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 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  15 reviews

Sophomore: I love being a student at Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles high school. I am not a native French speaker, yet I have excelled with the individualized attention and encouragement I have received from all my teachers and faculty. The small class sizes encourage team work, and my fellow classmates are not in competition with one another, but seek to empower each other instead. We have a well rounded curriculum, encouraging the arts, music, sports, and STEM courses. I have also found that as an American learning about European history, I have gained an important tool to understanding what is happening in the world today.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 148

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1