2024 Best High Schools in Los Angeles County

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  180 reviews

Middle school student: My experience At HW has undoubtedly changed me. The community at Harvard Westlake is very inclusive. Many people say that the work load is immense, but with some good time-management you will get through; another thing is that HW has a lot of breaks sprinkled throughout the year. We get Rest and Relax Weekends one every quarter, Flex days every quarter, and even more Holidays and breaks in the school year. Overall, I would say that my experience there was amazing... Read 180 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  111 reviews

Sophomore: Flintridge Preparatory School has allowed me to find myself and grow myself as a student, leader, and friend. There are plenty opportunities that allow me to express myself and meet new friends. If I could change anything I would create more spaces on campus that allows me to connect with my community and have more lounge spaces to do homework.... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: What I love most about Windward is the dynamic, stimulating, and warm community! My son, now a graduating senior, started in 9th grade and I was amazed that starting on the first day, everyone made him feel welcomed and comfortable. The faculty had done their research and knew exactly who he was and what his interests were, and they organically integrated him into his new school. The teachers know how to engage students academically by making the class discussions nuanced and relevant to the real world and encouraging students to go deep into their areas of interest. There are robust extracurricular opportunities in every imaginable area, and there's also tremendous support and resources for students to start their own clubs, produce their own events, and do independent or collaborative projects. The facilities are state of the art and college counseling is particularly strong, with my son and his peers well-prepared and headed to their colleges of choice this fall. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: As a parent of a sophomore who entered Poly for high school, I've been thoroughly impressed with the upper school and the experience my child has has so far both academically and socially. From the moment we stepped onto the campus, it was clear that this institution is truly special, and worth its reputation. The rigorous academics along with a dizzying array of extracurriculars means so many opportunities for true personal and intellectual growth for the kids. The teachers are not only experts in their fields but are genuinely invested in each student's success, offering personalized attention that has helped my sophomore thrive. The school community is welcoming and students seem to be open-minded and respectful. On top of all this, the campus is gorgeous and facilities are state of the art. We feel lucky to be a part of Pasadena Polytechnic School.... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 872

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  168 reviews

Alum: Graduated decades ago surrounded by talented, brilliant, focused and creative individuals. At the time, many of us counted down the days till graduation, not fully appreciating the actual impact of Marlborough on our lives. Not only were we exceedingly well prepared for college but for life itself. In my career, there has never been a time when I walked into a meeting/board room and felt anything but prepared and capable. That’s what a brilliant educational experience can do even if you don’t realize it at the time.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chatsworth, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  127 reviews

Parent: As a parent deeply invested in my child's education and overall growth, I can confidently say that Sierra Canyon "SC" exceeds every expectation. With top-tier academic and athletic programs, it's a hub of excellence. The school's commitment to providing abundant resources ensures that every student thrives, both academically and athletically. SC's educators and administrators go above and beyond to foster a positive learning environment. Their dedication to each student's success is palpable, creating an atmosphere where students feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential. SC champions inclusivity, embracing students from all backgrounds and fostering a culture of acceptance and respect. This inclusive environment not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students for the diverse world.... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,173

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  155 reviews

Junior: Best: I definitely met some of my best friends here! I always look forward to school and seeing all my friends. The teachers are also very humorous and understanding, which is everything a stressed high school student needs. Bad: The upper school gets very competitive with academics , sports, and extracurriculars. I have learned to not compare myself with others and focus on myself. Change: I understand there is a general concern with the college process and its results. The counseling team works extremely hard, and I applaud their work. But, I want to see more urgency. To have college counseling S2 of junior year is too late. It would have been very beneficial for many of students to understand the importance of hobbies and extracurriculars (outside of school) early on in their Westridge journey, perhaps starting in 7-8 grade(early) to 9th grade(latest). Not only to bolster academics but also their passions helping them discover what the student enjoys.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Claremont, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  97 reviews

Sophomore: The academics, extracurriculars, student leadership roles, and school culture are incredibly unique to Webb and are hard to get anywhere else. Throughout my Webb journey, teachers have been so incredibly supportive and deeply care about students' well-being and success. Most, if not all, love and enjoy what they do which makes every class more engaging and enjoyable. Webb's extracurriculars have also encouraged me to try things I would have never even thought to do before including, Triathlon and Technical Theater. Lastly, I can say without a doubt that Webb's community is tight and strong. The culture, which at times can be competitive, is overall supportive and pushes students to be independent while engaging in healthy competition. If you are someone who thrives in a tight-knit community and loves learning exploration in all its capacities, then I'd encourage you to consider Webb.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rowland Heights, CA•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.93 out of 5  86 reviews

Senior: I am currently enrolled at Elite Open School, and so far my entire experience has been very supportive. The faculty members and counselors, with their unwavering dedication, have consistently bestowed upon me their undivided care and attention whenever I found myself in need of guidance. With the help of EOS, my academic performance has witnessed a commendable upswing, reflected in the notable elevation of my GPA and SAT scores. Moreover, the college planning process, which can often be daunting, has been remarkably streamlined and harmonious under their expert guidance. It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I extend my heartfelt thanks to the esteemed institution and its exceptional educators for their instrumental role in shaping my academic and personal growth thus far.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  103 reviews

Parent: The Chadwick culture and curriculum builds character. My husband and I look forward to our dinner table conversation with our kids each evening (one is in Upper School and one is in Middle School) to hear about their class discussions. The small class sizes and block schedule creates opportunities for deep thinking and learning. My kids have different personalities and strengths and they have each gravitated to a different set of interests and activities. Chadwick offers a variety of leadership and community service opportunities, global exchange trips, and sports teams that appeal to both of them. I highly recommend Chadwick to anyone looking for their children to grow into open-minded, confident, critical thinkers.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 865

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: Oakwood clicked for our family from first blush, and our daughter is thriving there. Oakwood's warmth and close-knit community makes it feel like a neighborhood school, but it offers the top-notch academics that only come from the best independent schools. It's a tricky needle to thread, but they pull it off beautifully. On our first day of kinder, I was struck by just how friendly the place is - a rarity in LA! And in the time since, that sense of belonging has only deepened for both my daughter and our family. Our daughter is blossoming at Oakwood, which is a testament to both the curriculum and the approach to challenging students, but also the level of social-emotional support that is offered. She especially loves art studio, science lab, and music class. Oakwood also has truly one of the best libraries and librarians I've ever encountered, and it's such a joy and resource for our whole family! We couldn't find a better school and look forward to many happy years ahead!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 828

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  58 reviews

Alum: The faculty at Crossroads were exceptional mentors who fostered a love of learning and encouraged intellectual curiosity. Their passion for their subjects was contagious, and their dedication to student success was evident both inside and outside the classroom. Whether I was engaging in lively discussions in English literature or conducting experiments in the science lab, I always felt supported and challenged to reach my full potential. Beyond academics, Crossroads offered a vibrant array of extracurricular activities that allowed me to pursue my interests and discover new passions. From theater productions to art exhibitions to community service projects, there was always something happening on campus that inspired me to get involved and make a difference. One of the things I appreciated most about Crossroads was its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,201

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Long Beach Unified, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  504 reviews

Junior: My experience here at CAMS has been pretty good. Of course there has been ups and downs due to how academically challenging it is, but I have enjoyed my time so far! Some of my best experiences here have been during spirit rally. We were able to take a break from academics and instead focus on the fun aspects that contribute to competing against each other. It brought classes together as a community and even through losses, everyone supported each other. The worst parts would probably have to be around AP testing season due to the fact that we have to balance studying for these tests and class work that has been added on top of all the studying. It is a season with very little sleep. Nonetheless, I am still very grateful to attend this school.... Read 504 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 672

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• El Segundo, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  120 reviews

Parent: I'm a mom of a current sophomore at Vistamar '26, and my child has been having a wonderfully imperfect experience on all levels, academically, athletically, artistically, culturally, socially, and emotionally. Our teen did not come with a group of friends but was quickly able to meet peers and made a friend during the 9th grade orientation sessions that occurred before school even started. Every family is also assigned a buddy family for the school year so that kids and families get connected, and the REAL questions get answered family to family, before the first day of school. Additionally, in the fall, our child joined a sports team, went to a grade-level retreat in the mountains, and participated in a few club experiences offered by the 11th-12th grade students and Staffulty. There are lots of different ways for kids and families (search PAVE) to get plugged in and to develop a sense of belonging within the Vistamar community! ❤️ We're so looking forward to the next two years!... Read 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  126 reviews

Junior: Marymount has a very supportive faculty which is there for every student. The resources for students with learning differences is also incredibly beneficial.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 342

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  146 reviews

Senior: I love Campbell Hall! All of the teachers genuinely care about you and want you to succeed in life. I love the CHAI approach to classes rather than AP's. CHAI prepares you for college more in my opinion, because the teachers really want you to understand the material rather than memorize it. My favorite class so far has been CHAI RACE and the Human Experience, the teacher was amazing and I truly had never taken a class like that before. I think CH does a really good job in creating an inclusive and diverse student body.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,157

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  219 reviews

Senior: At Loyola High School, every day feels like a journey of discovery. As a student, I've found a unique blend of rigorous academics, a vibrant community, and enriching extracurriculars that define this institution. Academics at Loyola are top-notch, with passionate teachers guiding us through challenging coursework. But it's not just about grades—Loyola emphasizes service, leadership, and personal growth. Through service projects and extracurricular activities, I've grown both intellectually and emotionally. The school's community is what truly sets it apart. From the camaraderie in the hallways to the support on the playing field, Loyola feels like home. Challenges exist, but the community tackles them together, fostering a sense of unity and resilience. In essence, Loyola is a place where I've grown, explored, and found my place in the world. With its strong academics, vibrant community, and emphasis on personal growth, Loyola has prepared me for whatever the future holds.... Read 219 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Sherman Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  56 reviews

Junior: It was good. Not very diverse. Feels very small, and not in like a totally good way. It sucks to know everyone and for everyone to know you.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  172 reviews

Alum: FSHA was incredible at preparing me for college and learning how to be a critical thinker. STEM was particularly rigorous in a way that enlightened me to the world of the sciences and math, and allowed me to navigate through the various Honors and AP courses offered in STEM fields. Heavily involved in the arts, I would have liked to see more school-wide and administrative support in building a music program and making more space for students to explore a variety of artistic disciplines. Overall, FSHA pushed me to my limits but prepared me to extend beyond those limits in college.... Read 172 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 384

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  91 reviews

Alum: Once getting to college, I found an even greater appreciation for how well prepared I was, academically, emotionally and socially. I went to a top 20 university, and could not believe how unprepared so many students were, in particular, academically.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  275 reviews

Junior: The school is good but the dorms are another story. The dorms have a curfew of 5:30 and all my freinds who were dorm students left after a year to live on their own in Westlake as the dorms were that horrible. The dorm parent Ms. Oakes is a rude person and a reason my bestfriend left the dorms. She loves to keep the dorm kids and day students seperated. She does not allow visitors and isn't nice about letting people know they can't visit. They watch you open packages and it is a huge process to leave the dorms even for social events/hanging out with friends. My friend was on a sports team and they didn't let her go to any team bonding activities as no on would drive her and they aren't allowed to have cars. I will say there are some dorm parents that are loving and the best but others are not.... Read 275 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• William S. Hart Union High, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  244 reviews

Junior: Overall a good school, but it is very niche. To come to this school you have to be willing to give up school sports or school music, which is fine by many including me.... Read 244 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Junior: I thought my experience was overall good! All the teachers are fully engaged in your learning journey and are there to help you succeed. They all ensure everyone understands the material and are ready to do whatever necessary to give you a grade you are satisfied with. I do believe that we are lacking a couple sports, such as track and field for example.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 160

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: NCA is a strong academic school that prepares students for college. The workload may be challenging at times, but I saw that it was worth it as I saw major improvements from my work. The teachers are also very understanding and have a good balance of connecting with students while teaching them. Although classes are small, the students are able to truly bond as a class due to the size. The adminstration is very involved in student life and students are easily able to approach them. As the school is small, every student is focused on and they are well-cared for by teaches and administration. Students at NCA are emerged in a family-like environment where even elementary students engage with high school students in a sibling-like relationship.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 174

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Pasadena, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  118 reviews

Parent: Mayfield Senior has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. She has grown both mentally and academically and has definitely exceeded our expectations. The school has been able to give her that shine she’s always had. From the extra support her teachers have given her to the extra activities she’s been involved in. The balance she gets from academics, sports and the arts has worked very well for her. Her teachers have been able to communicate with her and that has been very helpful. The counselors have been a huge support as she enters her senior year and prepares to look into colleges. We are grateful for the community feeling from the school and the parents. Everyone has been very welcoming! And we can’t wait to see what senior year has in store for her. Thank you to the staff at Mayfield Senior!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1