Best Private Schools in Los Angeles and Where to Live Near Them

Los Angeles has some of the finest private schools in the country, and for families relocating from New York, London, or elsewhere, school placement often determines where you buy your home.

Private school decisions in LA are as much about fit as they are about reputation. I work with families who've moved here specifically because of a school's educational approach, not just its name. The guide covers the major options but the conversation that helps families is usually more specific than any list. I always tell my clients to look at niche.com and greatschools.org as a starting point, but use them as one piece of the picture rather than the whole answer. GreatSchools leans heavily on test scores and academic data, while Niche adds parent reviews, culture, and community feel. Together they give you a fuller picture than either does alone, and neither replaces walking through the school and talking to parents who send their kids there.

The schools that consistently attract serious attention include Harvard-Westlake, with campuses in Studio City and Holmby Hills. Families prioritizing this school tend to look at homes in Studio City, Toluca Lake, and the hills above Sherman Oaks, all within comfortable reach of both campuses.

Brentwood School draws families to the Westside, with Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica being the natural catchment areas. Crossroads School in Santa Monica appeals to families who want a more progressive environment, and the surrounding neighborhoods reflect that: creative, design-conscious, and well-connected.

Marlborough School, an all-girls institution in Hancock Park, pulls buyers toward Hancock Park, Larchmont, and Windsor Square, some of the most architecturally significant residential streets in the city.

The Buckley School sits in Sherman Oaks, making it one of the few elite private options directly within the San Fernando Valley. For families who want space, privacy, and strong schooling without crossing the hill, Buckley changes the equation entirely.

What most relocating families discover is that the school decision and the neighborhood decision are inseparable. Getting the right guidance on both at the same time saves considerable time and misalignment.

If you're relocating with school-age children, feel free to get in touch for a more tailored conversation.