Private Schools in the San Fernando Valley: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family

If you're raising a family in the San Fernando Valley or thinking about moving here, schools are often a big part of the decision. One thing I love about the Valley is the number of choices we have, including some wonderful private schools, each with its own personality.

I've lived in the San Fernando Valley for more than 30 years and raised my two kids here. Both of my children attended Viewpoint School in Calabasas, so I've experienced the private school world here firsthand as a parent. What I learned is that choosing a school isn't just about academics. You want to find a place where your child feels comfortable, challenged and excited to be there.

Viewpoint School in Calabasas has a beautiful campus tucked into the hills and serves students from TK through 12th grade. Having had both of my children attend Viewpoint, I know the school from a parent's perspective as well. It has a polished, well-rounded and academically focused feel, with strong programs in the arts, film, theater, music and athletics.

Louisville High School, located on Mulholland Drive near Calabasas, is an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory high school. The feeling is supportive, close-knit and empowering, with a strong focus on helping young women build confidence and leadership skills. Louisville also offers academics, athletics, arts and a wide variety of clubs and activities.

Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino is an all-boys Catholic college-preparatory school. It has a strong sense of brotherhood, tradition and school spirit, with an emphasis on academics, character, athletics and leadership. For families looking for an all-boys environment, Crespi has been a well-known choice in the Valley for generations.

Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth has an energetic, ambitious feel with lots of school spirit. While many people know Sierra Canyon for its outstanding athletics, it is also a strong college-preparatory school with academics, arts and plenty of extracurricular opportunities. Its basketball program has received national attention, and LeBron James's sons, Bronny and Bryce James, both attended Sierra Canyon, making it one of the Valley's more recognizable schools in the sports world.

Chaminade College Preparatory, with its middle school in Chatsworth and high school in West Hills, has a more traditional, community-oriented feel. Faith and character are an important part of the experience, along with academics, athletics and the arts.

Campbell Hall in Studio City has a creative, well-rounded atmosphere. This K–12 Episcopal school is known for strong academics along with excellent opportunities in music, theater, dance, visual arts and film.

The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks is another longtime Valley private school with a beautiful canyon campus. It has a strong college-preparatory focus along with athletics and arts programs.

There are also many smaller independent, Catholic and faith-based schools throughout the Valley, and sometimes a smaller school community can be the perfect fit.

My biggest advice is to visit each school with your child. While touring, you really get a feel for the school, the campus and the culture in a way you simply can't from a website. Your child will also let you know pretty quickly if they feel comfortable in that environment, and that feeling matters.

If you're also deciding where to live, think about the daily school commute. In the Valley, a school that looks close on a map can feel very different during morning drop-off.

If you're considering a move to the San Fernando Valley, I'm always happy to share my local perspective on the neighborhoods, schools and what everyday life here is really like.