For families living in $10M+ homes in Beverly Hills Flats, Bel Air, or Malibu, education is an investment in legacy. These private high schools not only offer academic excellence but also access to the same social circles that shape Los Angeles’ future leaders.
1. Harvard-Westlake School (Hollywood Hills)
Harvard-Westlake is the most well-known prep school in LA and consistently ranks as a feeder for Ivy League and top-tier universities.
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Grades: 7-12
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Annual Tuition: Approx. $46,900
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Reputation: Favored by CEOs, top executives, and entertainment industry elites.
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Pros: High-profile alumni, strong college matriculation record.
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Cons: Intense academic culture.
2. Brentwood School (Brentwood)
Brentwood School serves families seeking a well-rounded academic and extracurricular experience.
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Grades: K-12
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Annual Tuition: Approx. $47,100
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Reputation: High-level sports and STEAM programs with access to major universities.
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Pros: Multi-campus flexibility, strong community involvement.
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Cons: Commute from eastern LA neighborhoods may be longer.
3. Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
Crossroads School offers a progressive curriculum blending academics with arts and sciences.
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Grades: K-12
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Annual Tuition: Approx. $48,000
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Reputation: A favorite of creatives and entertainment families.
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Pros: Exceptional arts programming, integrated community service.
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Cons: Less traditional prep school feel.
Related: Malibu coastal luxury estates
4. The Buckley School (Sherman Oaks)
Buckley School has a long-standing tradition of educating Hollywood royalty.
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Grades: K-12
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Annual Tuition: Approx. $47,300
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Reputation: Discreet, security-conscious campus.
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Pros: Intimate environment with exceptional academics.
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Cons: Smaller student body may limit program diversity.
5. Loyola High School (Downtown LA)
Loyola High School is one of the oldest private Catholic schools west of the Mississippi, focusing on academic excellence and service.
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Grades: 9-12 (All-boys)
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Annual Tuition: Approx. $23,000
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Reputation: Preferred by families seeking a Jesuit education.
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Pros: Lower tuition relative to peers, strong alumni network.
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Cons: Single-gender environment.
Pros of LA’s Elite Private High Schools
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Pathways to Ivy League and top-tier universities.
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Secure campuses with state-of-the-art facilities.
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Elite athletics, arts, and leadership programs.
Cons of LA’s Elite Private High Schools
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Intense academic expectations.
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Tuition averaging $45,000+ per year.
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Admissions process highly competitive.
Lifestyle Ties to Luxury Real Estate
The parents of these students often own estates in Trousdale Estates, Sunset Plaza, or The Bird Streets, and balance luxury real estate investments with world-class education.
Related: View Trousdale Estates luxury listings or Bird Streets high-end homes
Final Thoughts
For high-net-worth families in LA, these schools provide a powerful combination of academic rigor, social capital, and prestige—reflecting the same commitment to excellence found in their luxury lifestyle.
Next up in this series: The Most Exclusive Colleges and Universities LA Families Prefer.
