Introducing the Best Private and Independent Schools for Minorities in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles area is home to many prominent private schools offering K-12, elementary, middle and high school educations.. Some of these schools are well known for their academic excellence, while others offer students an alternative to traditional public school education. Many of the private schools in the Los Angeles area are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Private high schools in Los Angeles offer students a unique educational experience. These schools typically have smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and more hands-on learning opportunities than their public counterparts. Private schools also offer students a variety of extracurricular activities. Some of these activities include athletics, music, clubs, and theater. Students often take part in a wide range of competitions, including academic competitions and academic tournaments.
Many private high schools in Los Angeles have a strong focus on the arts. This focus can be seen in the school's curriculum, as well as in the school's extracurricular activities. Students may participate in a variety of music programs, such as band, orchestra, choir, or jazz ensemble. In addition, many of the private schools in Los Angeles offer drama programs that encourage students to express themselves through the written word. Some of these programs even allow students to participate in plays.
Other independent high schools in Los Angeles provide students with a more rigorous academic program. The students at these schools may study a wider range of subjects, and may spend more time studying each subject. As a result, they may be able to be more prepared for success and admission to top level colleges and curriculums..
Students who attend private schools in Los Angeles often do so because they prefer a more individualized education. For this reason, these schools are often considered more challenging than their public counterparts. Many parents choose private high schools in Los Angeles because they want their children to get a better education.
At PrivateSchoolAxis.org, our goal is to diversify L.A. Partner private schools by bridging the gap between people of color and independent schools through the delivery of admissions support, advocacy, and DEI education.
With this mission in mind, here is a list in alphabetical order of what we feel are the best private and independent schools for bipoc, black (African American), Hispanic people and families of color…
Top Private Independent Elementary Schools in Los Angeles for Minorities
The Center for Early Education 563 N. Alfred Street, West Hollywood CA 90048 323-651-0707 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “The Center for Early Education, a socio-economically and culturally diverse independent school for children, toddlers through grade six, strives to graduate students who are joyful, resilient, life-long learners. The Center embraces a philosophy of education that combines a nurturing, inclusive learning environment with an increasingly challenging academic program that addresses the developmental needs of each child.”
Curtis School 15871 Mulholland Drive Los Angeles CA 90049 310-476-1251 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “By pioneering programs that inspire engaged, healthy, and empathetic young learners to embrace the next phases of their education and lives with joy, confidence, and purpose, Curtis School sets the standard for elementary education in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond.”
Echo Horizon School 3430 McManus Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 310-838-2442 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “The mission of Echo Horizon School and its Echo Center is to educate children in a collaborative environment that is academically challenging and developmentally appropriate. We actively promote mutual respect, individual responsibility, and ethical action. The Echo Horizon graduate is an inquisitive and critical thinker who brings creativity, kindness, and self-reliance to the life long journey of learning.”
Hollywood Schoolhouse 1233 North McCadden Place Los Angeles, California 90038 323-465-1320 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “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.”
Los Encinos School 17100 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-990-1006 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “Los Encinos is a small, independent, elementary school that provides a comprehensive educational program within a nurturing environment; our impact extends not only to the child, but also to the family. Kindergarten through sixth grade Los Encinos students are encouraged to develop confidence, independence, and joy in learning. We recognize and honor individuality and believe that personal success motivates children toward realizing their fullest potential.”
Pluralistic School One 1225 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90404 310-394-1313 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “Pluralistic School One (PS1) is a private elementary school located near Santa Monica, just outside of Los Angeles. A top private kindergarten school, PS1 serves grades K-6 and also accepts children who in some cases might be eligible for transitional kindergarten in California. One of the best schools in Los Angeles, PS1's program nurtures children's social-emotional development, creativity, and interconnectedness, using Pluralism as both the goal and the method.”
St. James Episcopal School 625 S. St. Andrews Place Los Angeles CA 90005 213-382-2315 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “At St. James' we hope to inspire and nurture our students to become people who think critically and act compassionately.”
Turning Point School 8780 National Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 310-841-2505 Grades: K-8
In their own words: “Based on scientific research and the field of positive psychology, our positive equation for achievement encompasses the intellectual, social, physical, ethical, and emotional elements that drive each student’s experience and growth, from the very first day of preschool until eighth grade graduation.”
UCLA Lab School 330 Charles E. Young Drive North Los Angeles, CA 90095 Ages 4-12
In their own words: “UCLA Lab School is a small, innovative school for children 4-12 years old. The school serves as a laboratory for UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies and is located on the UCLA campus in Westwood.”
Westland School 16200 Mulholland Dr Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-472-5544 Grades: K-6
In their own words: “Westland is widely respected as a pioneer in progressive education. We believe in a learning environment that is community oriented, noncompetitive, and child centered. Our social studies–based curriculum is integrated and hands-on. At the core of our mission is the belief that the most effective learning takes place within a diverse school community.”
Westside Neighborhood School 5401 Beethoven Street Los Angeles, CA 90066 310-574-8650 Grades: K-8
In their own words: “WNS is committed to creating a deeply caring community of lifelong learners that nurtures students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential, develop cultural competency, and inspire the world with their curiosity, innovation, compassion, and stewardship.”
Willows Community School 8509 Higuera Street Culver City, CA 90232 310-815-0411 Grades: K-8
In their own words: “At The Willows, we believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn. Our mission is to grow that gift by challenging our students to uncover meaning and significance in the world around them and to become capable, confident individuals who demonstrate character, engagement, and a joyful passion for creative inquiry across a lifetime.”
Best Private Independent K-12 Schools In Los Angeles for Minorities
The Buckley School 3900 Stansbury Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-783-1610 Grades: K-12
In their own words: “The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion. Our innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage, and collaboration. By promoting a balanced development of mind, body, and character, we 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 Grades: K-12
In their own words: “Campbell Hall is a COMMUNITY OF INQUIRY committed to ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE and to the nurturing of DECENT, LOVING, AND RESPONSIBLE human beings. A Campbell Hall education will raise issues of meaning, identity, and ultimate truth at every opportunity, but also will acknowledge the limits of human reason in the face of life’s most profound questions.”
New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 310 828 5582 Grades: K-12
In their own words: “We the people of New Roads liberate young individuals through the pursuit of justice, equity, and opportunity; raising generations of powerfully compassionate advocates in an intellectual habitat driven by authentic diversity — ultimately empowering them to disrupt systems that produce inequality and build a more just future.”
Oakwood School 11600 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601-3015 818-732-3000 Grades: K-12
In their own words: “Oakwood School was founded in 1951 by parents who wanted to provide their children with an educational experience that was rich in the arts, sciences, and humanities and challenging to their creative, intellectual, and physical capacities.”
Westridge School 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, California 91105 626-799-1153 Grades: 4-12
In their own words: “Westridge is an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school committed to educating intellectually adventurous thinkers, and courageous, compassionate leaders.”
Wildwood School Middle & Upper 11811 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-478-7189 Grades: K-12
In their own words: “Wildwood combines academic excellence with innovative practices to nurture high achieving, emotionally intelligent students who are uniquely prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Top Private Independent Middle and High Schools In Los Angeles for Minorities
The Archer Schools for Girls 11725 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-873-7000 Grades 6-12
In their own words: “The Archer School for Girls empowers young women to discover their passions and realize their true potential in an environment that is both ambitious and joyful. Founded on research and supported by expert faculty, this construct prepares girls to become leaders in the 21st century.”
Brentwood School East Campus 100 S Barrington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-889-2657 Grades 7-12
In their own words: “Brentwood School is a place where scholars, athletes, artists, and activists, inventors and aspiring leaders are all at home. It's also a place where one person can take on many of these roles. At Brentwood, we believe you should be—and be celebrated for—all the things you want to be.”
Episcopal School of Los Angeles 6325 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 323-462-3752 Grades 6-12
In their own words: “The mission of the Episcopal School of Los Angeles is to create and sustain a campus devoted to nurturing souls and minds in an intellectually rigorous and spiritually curious academic community. The purpose of the School is to enable young people to thrive in an atmosphere of diversity and to become ethical leaders in communities of faith, the nation, and the world. All work will share the same goal: to manifest and embody what it means to be both a person who loves to learn and a person who responds to what they believe in with their words, faith, and action. In the Anglican academic tradition of honor, respect, integrity, and joy, we will lift up what it means to be a community at work, study, play, and service.”
Geffen Academy UCLA 11000 Kinross Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095 310-794-9877 Grades 6-12
In their own words: “Geffen Academy at UCLA is a university-affiliated school for students in grades 6-12. We value academic depth and inspiration within a humane educational environment. Our community is guided by principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Geffen Academy students are encouraged to be questioners, analysts, and presenters, who are creative, collaborative, and active young adults. Our students practice their skills, competencies, and relationships with deliberation.”
Harvard-Westlake School 3700 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604 818-980-6692 Grades: 7-12
In their own words: “Harvard-Westlake is an independent, coeducational and college preparatory school for grades 7-12, located in Los Angeles, California. Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond ourselves.”
Marlborough 250 South Rossmore Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-935-1147 Grades: 7-12
In their own words: “Marlborough is a college preparatory, private middle and upper school for girls located in the heart of Los Angeles. Our independent school prides itself on inspiring middle and high school-aged students to discover who they are, engage deeply in their studies, embrace their communities and lead lives of purpose.
The Webb Schools 1175 W. Baseline Road Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 626-3587 Grades: 9-12
In their own words: “When you join The Webb Schools, you join a 24/7 community that’s built by you, for you. A boarding and day high school (9-12) community fostering independence and feeding the smart, curious, independent mind. Community is our most important resource, helping students to grow and develop their sense of self and to act with honor and moral courage.”
Windward School 11350 Palms Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90066 310-391-7127 Grades: 7-12
In their own words: “Windward School strives to innovate and offer students educational opportunities that are unique, engaging, and relevant to life in the 21st century. Our students explore their multiple interests in a dynamic academic environment while growing within a nurturing community.”
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