Many Los Angeles parents are interested in sending their children to private elementary schools as they are often seen as a direct route to an Ivy League education, and in fact, most are known as Prep Schools. Take a look at our list of private schools in Los Angeles as you make your choice about where to send your kids.
We’ve got an article about why one Los Angeles mom chose a private elementary school for her child. And here’s an article about paying for private elementary school vs. saving for college.
Featured Private Elementary Schools
Argo Navis School
Type: Elementary School, Featured Private Elementary Schools, Middle School, Private Middle School
Description:
Imagine a learning experience unlike anything you had as a child. Imagine travelling to locations throughout the city each week to learn by experience, not from a workbook. Imagine learning math and language by building a sailboat, and a test in the form of setting it out to water. What if your study of biology consisted of visiting a marine biologist in Santa Monica and your study of archeology came from an archeologist at the Natural History Museum? What if your learning path was guided mostly by you and what you found interesting in the world? What if your Learning Plan was tailored to fit your unique way of learning?
Argo Navis is a research-driven private, progressive elementary and middle school that welcomes adventurers, voyagers, mavericks, innovators, and pioneers. Our revolutionary educational model is rooted in PBL with the ambition to deliver an education that takes place both inside the classroom and out in the world around us. Students embark on field trips each week to connect real-world learning experiences to what they are learning in the classroom. With small student/teacher ratios, each student is given an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) to allow teachers to adapt the educational experience for each individual student to how they best learn. Our hallmark programs are designed to excite and inspire students, fostering curiosity and wonder as the leading agents in guiding students to a personal learning experience that is deep-rooted and lasting. Signature programs include: Spanish Immersion, Financial Literacy, Design & Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, Urban Sports, Global Education, Oceanography & Scuba, and more!
Curious to know more? Visit us!
Time to set sail.
Connect:
Bridges Academy
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School, Private High School, Private Middle School
Description:
Bridges Academy (Grades 4-12) is a school serving the twice-exceptional (2e) – students with learning differences who are amazingly bright, outside-the-box thinkers, capable of developing expertise at a very young age in wide-ranging fields, from robotics to religion, string theory to Sanskrit, politics to poetry. The school prepares students for the 21st century and its many opportunities, including university studies and artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. The school, which opened a second campus in Seattle in fall 2022 and an online high school in 2021, is a testament to the power of strengths-based 2e educational philosophy.
Bridges empowers its students to thrive academically and socially through small classes and differentiated instruction, creating an environment in which gifts are recognized and developed, and learning differences and disabilities are accepted. Many students come to Bridges defined by their challenges but graduate defined by their strengths and talents.
Connect:The Willows Community School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School, Private Middle School
Description:
The Willows Community School, located in Culver City is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational independent school enrolling 465 students annually. Nationally recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader, The Willows’ strong academic program incorporates experiential learning and thematic instruction into cutting-edge curriculum and integrates technology and the arts into the classroom. The Willows is strongly committed to financial assistance and seeks a broad-based student body with a diversity of race, ethnicity, economics and learning styles. 33% of its student body is comprised of students of color, and the school annually enrolls students from 57+ zip codes across the greater Los Angeles area. We believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn.
Connect:
Pacific Preparatory
Type: Elementary School, Featured Private Elementary Schools, High School, Homeschool Program, Middle School, Special Education Resources
Description:
Pacific Preparatory is an accredited K-12 school where students meet virtually with their teachers one-on-one, receiving real-time instruction. Curriculum is always interactive and our teachers adapt activities and homework to fit each student using both physical and virtual materials. We serve a wide variety of learners, including those needing an accelerated pace and those with complex learning challenges. With two decades of experience, we offer innovative school options for families who desire the highest quality educational programming in a non-traditional setup. Rolling admissions is offered with single course, part-time, full-time and transitional options.
Connect:PS1 Pluralistic School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School
Description:
Located in Santa Monica, PS1 is a coeducational day school for children in grades K-6. At PS1, children grown up in—and help shape—an exceptionally joyful, empathetic, dynamic learning community. From this intentionally created microcosm your child emerges excited and prepared to change the wider world for the better.
Connect:Stratford School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School
Description:
Stratford School is a private Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School with Southern California campuses in Altadena, Mission Viejo, and West Los Angeles. We provide an unparalleled education where children are inspired to become creative problem-solvers, innovators, and confident leaders.
Stratford’s STEAM based curriculum is specifically sequenced to provide a foundation for academic excellence, taught in a warm and caring environment. Arts, music, character development, and physical activity round out our students’ experience.
Beyond the classroom, Stratford encourages students to explore their individual passions through enrichment activities to strengthen personal development and prepare them for admission to competitive high schools and colleges. Evident at all our schools is the Stratford motto, “Summa spes, summa res,” meaning “highest hopes, highest things.”
Stratford Altadena: 2046 Allen Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Stratford Mission Viejo: 2471 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Stratford West Los Angeles: 2000 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
*Please check with your preferred campus for grades currently offered.
Connect:Private Elementary Schools in Los Angeles
PS1 Pluralistic School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School
Description:
Located in Santa Monica, PS1 is a coeducational day school for children in grades K-6. At PS1, children grown up in—and help shape—an exceptionally joyful, empathetic, dynamic learning community. From this intentionally created microcosm your child emerges excited and prepared to change the wider world for the better.
Connect:Stratford School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School
Description:
Stratford School is a private Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School with Southern California campuses in Altadena, Mission Viejo, and West Los Angeles. We provide an unparalleled education where children are inspired to become creative problem-solvers, innovators, and confident leaders.
Stratford’s STEAM based curriculum is specifically sequenced to provide a foundation for academic excellence, taught in a warm and caring environment. Arts, music, character development, and physical activity round out our students’ experience.
Beyond the classroom, Stratford encourages students to explore their individual passions through enrichment activities to strengthen personal development and prepare them for admission to competitive high schools and colleges. Evident at all our schools is the Stratford motto, “Summa spes, summa res,” meaning “highest hopes, highest things.”
Stratford Altadena: 2046 Allen Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Stratford Mission Viejo: 2471 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Stratford West Los Angeles: 2000 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
*Please check with your preferred campus for grades currently offered.
Connect:Berkeley Hall School
Type: Middle School, Preschool, Private Elementary School
Description:
Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens – gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.
Connect:Bridges Academy
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School, Private High School, Private Middle School
Description:
Bridges Academy (Grades 4-12) is a school serving the twice-exceptional (2e) – students with learning differences who are amazingly bright, outside-the-box thinkers, capable of developing expertise at a very young age in wide-ranging fields, from robotics to religion, string theory to Sanskrit, politics to poetry. The school prepares students for the 21st century and its many opportunities, including university studies and artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. The school, which opened a second campus in Seattle in fall 2022 and an online high school in 2021, is a testament to the power of strengths-based 2e educational philosophy.
Bridges empowers its students to thrive academically and socially through small classes and differentiated instruction, creating an environment in which gifts are recognized and developed, and learning differences and disabilities are accepted. Many students come to Bridges defined by their challenges but graduate defined by their strengths and talents.
Connect:Children’s Community School
Type: Private Elementary School
Description:
LA’s progressive Elementary School. Children’s Community School prepares children to be active citizens in a democracy. At every step, we relate study to life. We believe education ought to prepare each and every student to take part in shaping their own future—and the future of society.
Connect:Hollywood Schoolhouse
Type: Preschool, Private Elementary School
Description:
Hollywood Schoolhouse knows, values, and encourages fearless curiosity. Through a blended program of innovative academics and structured learning, our diverse community inspires students to be academically strong, artistically proud, physically active, and socially grounded.
Connect:International School of Los Angeles
Type: International, Preschool, Private Elementary School
Description:
The International School of Los Angeles is a non-profit, independent, international school committed to bilingual education and academic excellence in a nurturing environment. The International School of Los Angeles offers a preschool through 12th grade curriculum that culminates in the French baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate®’s Diploma Programme.
With over 65 nationalities and 40 spoken languages represented across its multiple Los Angeles-area campuses (Burbank, Los Feliz, Pasadena, and West Valley), the School invites its students to study and live in a diverse global community every day.
The International School of Los Angeles is committed to the values of respect, excellence, and diversity, and to preparing students of all backgrounds to excel in and contribute to a global world. Since 1978, the School has been instilling the love of learning in all its students through small classes and low student-to-teacher ratios.
If you envision your child studying and learning in an intimate setting and growing up to be a confident, caring, and open-minded critical thinker who will thrive in a diverse, competitive world, book a tour today.
Five Locations in Los Angeles:
Burbank Campus (6th – 12th grade)
1105 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
Los Feliz Early Learning Center (preschool & pre-K)
2714 St George Street, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Feliz Campus (pre-K – 5th grade)
4155 Russell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pasadena Campus (preschool – 5th grade)
30 N. Marion Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
West Valley Campus (preschool – 5th grade)
5933 Lindley Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91356
Connect:
The Willows Community School
Type: Featured Private Elementary Schools, Private Elementary School, Private Middle School
Description:
The Willows Community School, located in Culver City is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational independent school enrolling 465 students annually. Nationally recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader, The Willows’ strong academic program incorporates experiential learning and thematic instruction into cutting-edge curriculum and integrates technology and the arts into the classroom. The Willows is strongly committed to financial assistance and seeks a broad-based student body with a diversity of race, ethnicity, economics and learning styles. 33% of its student body is comprised of students of color, and the school annually enrolls students from 57+ zip codes across the greater Los Angeles area. We believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn.
Connect:Alphabetical List of Schools
Berkley Hall School
16000 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-6421
PreK–8th
Located in Los Angeles, California, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. “Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens – gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.”
Brawerman East: Elementary School of Wilshire Blvd Temple
3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-835-2170
K–6th
Brawerman West: Elementary School of Wilshire Blvd Temple
11661 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
424-208-8934
K–6th
“Brawerman Elementary School is a co-educational, K-6 institution with two campuses in Los Angeles, employing the highest academic standards in a nurturing environment with a deep understanding of Jewish values.”
Brentwood School West Campus
12001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-471-1041
K–5th
Brentwood School is an independent, K-12, coed day school with two campuses, located four blocks apart, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The Buckley School
3900 Stansbury Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-783-1610
K–12th
The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing, learning community committed to equity and inclusion. Their innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage, and collaboration. By promoting a balanced development of mind, body, and character, they encourage each student to find joy and meaning in life and make an impact in the world.
Campbell Hall
4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City, CA 91607
818-980-7280
K–12th
Campbell Hall is an independent, coeducational day school for grades K-12, located in Studio City, California. They are affiliated with the Episcopal Church and its 500-year history of academic excellence, and are also one of the most religiously and racially diverse schools in Southern California.
Chadwick School
26800 South Academy Dr., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA, 90274
310-377-1543
K–12th
At Chadwick, the curriculum is developed with the whole child in mind. The faculty work together to create enriching, challenging classroom experiences while also providing office hours and mentorship to ensure that students maintain a healthy life balance.
Upper School students are comfortable taking challenging courses on multivariable calculus, performing in school musicals, and enjoying time with their friends — all while gaining the academic foundation they need to succeed in college and beyond.
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Elementary School — Norton Campus
1715 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-828-1196
K–5th
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences provides a unique K-12 program built on a progressive, developmental model of education.
Curtis School
15871 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-1251
PreK–6th
Curtis School is an independent, coeducational day school for students in Developmental Kindergarten (age 4 1/2) through Grade 6. The school is located on a 27-acre campus in Los Angeles.
Echo Horizon School
3430 McManus Ave., Culver City, CA 90232
310-838-2442
PreK–6th
Echo Horizon is a Pre-K–6 elementary school experience that creates a safe, inclusive community where children don’t have to grow up too quickly. Diversity and inclusion are the school’s foundation—15% of its students are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).
The DHH students use hearing technology and grow up alongside their hearing peers. All students develop strong communication skills and an appreciation of different perspectives. Echo Horizon’s students come from 49 different zip codes within Los Angeles County and approximately 50 percent identify as people of color.
International School of Los Angeles
Los Feliz Campus
4155 Russell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-665-4526
PreK–5th
International School of Los Angeles
Pasadena Campus
30 N. Marion Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
626-793-0943
PreK–5th
International School of Los Angeles
West Valley Campus
5933 Lindley Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356
818-345-0155
PreK–5th
The International School of Los Angeles was established in 1978 by visionaries of varied cultural backgrounds who felt that the Los Angeles community needed a school that would prepare children for life in an increasingly international environment. There are multiple campuses.
International School of Orange County
1838 N. Shaffer St., Orange, CA 92865
714-771-4710
PreK–6th
The International School of Orange County started as the Orange County Campus of the International School of Los Angeles. It began operating as its own entity on July 1st, 2021, and offers bilingual French immersion education to Pre-K through grade 6 “in a multicultural, nurturing, and intimate environment”.
John Thomas Dye School
11414 Chalon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-2811
K–6th
Located In Los Angeles, California, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K–6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Kadima Day School
7011 Shoup Ave., West Hills, CA 91307
818-346-0849
PreK–8th
Kadima is a private Jewish day school in Los Angeles rooted in academic excellence and Jewish learning. The learning environment they provide encourages independence, confidence, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Come see what a Kadima educational experience has to offer.
Laurence School
13639 Victory Blvd., Valley Glen, CA 91401
818-782-4001
K–6th
Laurence School is located on a five-acre campus in Valley Glen, just north of Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley.
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles
Campus 55
3055 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-839-1055
PreK–K1
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles
Pacific Palisades Campus
16720 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-454-9395
PreK–2nd
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles
Century City Campus
10361 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064
310-553-7444
K2–1st
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles
Main Campus on Overland Hill
3261 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-836-3464, ext. 315
2nd–5th
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles is a private bilingual education school founded in 1964. It has multiple campuses.
Mirman School
16180 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-2868
K–8th
Mirman School is an independent, coeducational school for gifted children located at 16180 Mulholland Drive in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California, United States, with 330 pupils aged 5 to 14.
New Covenant Academy
3119 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
213-487-5437
K–12th
New Covenant Academy is a K–12th college prep school located in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles.
New Horizons School
651 N. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103
626-795-5186
PreK–8th
New Horizon School is committed to providing students with an excellent academic education and a firm grounding in moral and ethical values. The school fosters a dedication to God through virtuous living in a balanced Islamic environment.
Notre Dame Academy Elementary
2911 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-287-3895
TK–8th
Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, is committed to providing a thoroughly Catholic, 21st-century academic education. Their curriculum is designed to nurture socially responsible citizens and challenge students to think strategically, act independently, and lead by example.
Pilgrim School
540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020
213-385-7351
PreK–12th
Pilgrim School is a private day school located in Los Angeles, California for students in preschool through grade 12, and a boarding school for grades 9 through 12.
PS 1 Pluralistic School
1225 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-394-1313
K–6th
Located in Santa Monica, PS1 is a coeducational day school for children in grades K–6. At PS1, children grow up in — and help shape — an exceptionally joyful, empathetic, dynamic, learning community. From this intentionally created microcosm your child emerges excited and prepared to change the wider world for the better.
St. Monica Catholic Elementary School
1039 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-451-9801
TK–8th
SMCES is a vibrant parish school that educates diverse learners from TK–8th grade. Founded in 1930 by the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary, they believe in continuing the service and love of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and Gospel values.
Stratford Schools
Altadena Allen Campus
2046 Allen Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
626-314-6339
PreK–1st
Stratford Schools
West Los Angeles Campus
2000 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
PreK–K
Stratford Schools: Mission Viejo
24741 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, 92691
949-503-6062
PreK–8th
“Where tradition meets 21st century learning.” They are committed to connecting students with their unique futures and offer an unparalleled education that inspires children to be creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. They approach the learning experience by infusing a strong liberal arts curriculum with STEAM-inspired learning. They have multiple campuses.
Related: Stratford School New Location Enrolling
The Oaks School
6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-850-3755
K–6th
The Oaks School is a progressive, independent K–6 school located in the heart of Hollywood. Since its establishment in 1986, the school has grown into a thriving K–6 school with integrated art, music, drama, maker, and P.E. programs.
The Willows Community School
8509 Higuera St., Culver City, CA 90232
310-815-0411
DK–8th
The Willows School is a DK–8 independent school serving greater Los Angeles.
UCLA Lab School
330 Charles E. Young Dr. N., Los Angeles, CA 90095-1619
310-825-1801
PreK-6th
Part of the UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, the UCLA Lab School is an innovative school for children ages 4–12.
Westland School
16200 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-472-5544
K–6th
Westland is an Independent elementary school in Los Angeles.
Westridge School
324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, California 91105
626-799-1153
4th–12th
At Westridge, girls gain the confidence and courage to stand up and speak for the ideals of responsibility and integrity as they take their places in an ever-changing world.
Westside Neighborhood School
5401 Beethoven St., Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-574-8650
PreK–8th
WNS believes community is the foundation for nurturing innovative and creative thinking. Every day, they create meaningful opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to collaborate and learn from each other. Their shared future benefits from informed compassion.
Wildwood Elementary School
12201 Washington Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-397-3134
K–5th
Wildwood School cultivates reflective scholars, bold innovators, and compassionate leaders equipped with the skills, ethics, and inspiration to transform their world.
Woodcrest School
6043 Tampa Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356
818-345-3002
K–8th
K–8 private school in Tarzana offers a strong academic foundation with a small class size. Their students attend top high schools in the San Fernando Valley and are proficient users of technology, innovators, strong communicators, and kind.
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
