Choosing the right boarding school is a life-changing decision for families who want to provide their children with world-class education, holistic development, and future-ready skills. Los Angeles, California, known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy, is home to some of the finest boarding schools in the United States.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 boarding schools in Los Angeles and their fees. Each school profile will cover its history, curriculum, boarding facilities, unique programs, and tuition costs.

Top Boarding Schools In Los Angeles And Fees

1. Harvard-Westlake School

Harvard-Westlake is one of the most prestigious private schools in Los Angeles, offering a rigorous college-preparatory education. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, this school has consistently ranked among the top independent schools in the U.S.

Students at Harvard-Westlake benefit from small class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school provides a robust curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, fine arts, performing arts, and athletics. Its graduates often secure admission to Ivy League universities and other top-tier institutions worldwide.

The boarding facilities are designed to ensure student safety and comfort. Boarding life fosters independence, collaboration, and personal growth. Students also have access to enrichment programs, leadership training, and a variety of clubs and organizations.

Fees: Around $45,000–$50,000 per year, excluding additional costs for books, meals, and extracurriculars.

2. The Webb Schools

The Webb Schools, located just outside Los Angeles in Claremont, offer an outstanding boarding experience rooted in academic rigor and character development. With a history dating back to 1922, Webb has earned a reputation for nurturing intellectual curiosity and leadership qualities.

The curriculum includes challenging AP and honors courses, along with unique programs such as paleontology, where students engage in hands-on research at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, located on campus. Webb also emphasizes global citizenship, outdoor education, and ethical responsibility.

Boarding at Webb is an immersive experience, offering students 24/7 access to faculty guidance, cultural events, and community-building activities. The supportive environment encourages students to balance academics with sports, arts, and service.

Fees: Approximately $73,000 per year, including tuition, room, and board.

3. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic boarding school located in the scenic hills of La Cañada Flintridge, near Los Angeles. Founded in 1931, the school combines academic excellence with spiritual and moral development.

Its curriculum focuses on college-preparatory courses, offering AP and honors classes across sciences, humanities, and arts. The school also emphasizes STEM education and leadership development for young women.

Boarding life at Flintridge Sacred Heart is nurturing and supportive, providing a close-knit community for students to thrive. Cultural programs, mentorship, and extracurricular opportunities help foster confidence and global awareness.

Fees: Around $68,000 per year, including tuition and boarding expenses.

4. Pilgrim School

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Pilgrim School offers a diverse and inclusive boarding program with a strong college-preparatory curriculum. The school has been recognized for its personalized teaching approach, which focuses on the individual needs of each student.

The academic program includes AP and honors courses, fine arts, music, theater, and athletics. Pilgrim emphasizes creativity, leadership, and service to the community. The school is known for its warm and supportive environment that makes students feel at home, especially international students.

Boarding facilities are modern and comfortable, with a dedicated residential staff providing round-the-clock support. Students also enjoy access to cultural and recreational opportunities unique to Los Angeles.

Fees: Approximately $60,000–$65,000 per year, depending on grade level.

5. Oakwood School

Oakwood School is a progressive, independent institution offering a boarding program in Los Angeles. Known for its student-centered learning approach, Oakwood emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, blending academics with arts, sports, and extracurriculars. Students benefit from advanced coursework, project-based learning, and personalized mentorship. Oakwood’s graduates consistently gain admission to highly competitive universities in the U.S. and abroad.

Boarding life focuses on independence, responsibility, and community building. With safe and supportive dormitories, students enjoy a home-like environment that encourages personal growth.

Fees: Around $55,000–$60,000 per year.

6. Southwestern Academy

Southwestern Academy, located in San Marino near Los Angeles, offers a truly global boarding school experience. With students from over 25 countries, the school provides a multicultural environment that prepares young people for international leadership roles.

The academic curriculum is college-preparatory, offering AP classes, ESL support for international students, and diverse extracurriculars. Southwestern is known for its small class sizes, allowing teachers to provide individualized attention.

Boarding life at Southwestern is dynamic, with programs designed to encourage teamwork, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Students participate in athletics, arts, outdoor adventures, and leadership programs.

Fees: Approximately $55,000–$65,000 per year, including room and board.

7. Idyllwild Arts Academy

Although located slightly outside Los Angeles, Idyllwild Arts Academy is a top choice for students passionate about the arts. The school combines rigorous academics with specialized programs in visual arts, music, dance, film, fashion design, and creative writing.

Idyllwild Arts is known for fostering creativity and innovation while ensuring that students receive a well-rounded college-preparatory education. The school attracts talented students from around the globe who are passionate about pursuing careers in the arts.

Boarding facilities are designed to provide a safe and inspiring environment where young artists can live and learn together. The campus is located in a beautiful natural setting that inspires creativity and focus.

Fees: Around $67,000 per year for boarding students.

8. Besant Hill School of Happy Valley

Besant Hill School, located in Ojai near Los Angeles, is a progressive boarding school that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and environmental responsibility. With small class sizes, students receive personalized academic support and mentorship.

The school offers a challenging curriculum, including AP classes, arts programs, and experiential learning opportunities. Besant Hill is also known for its commitment to sustainability and global citizenship.

Boarding life provides a close-knit community where students form lifelong friendships. The school encourages students to explore their passions while developing leadership and communication skills.

Fees: Approximately $67,000 per year.

9. Dunn School

Dunn School, located in Los Olivos near Los Angeles, offers a boarding program focused on holistic development. The school blends strong academics with character education, athletics, and the arts.

Students at Dunn benefit from innovative teaching methods, leadership programs, and opportunities for hands-on learning. The curriculum prepares students for competitive colleges and universities.

Boarding students enjoy a supportive and inclusive community where independence and responsibility are encouraged. With safe and well-equipped dormitories, Dunn ensures students feel at home while excelling academically and socially.

Fees: Around $70,000 per year, including boarding.

10. EF Academy Pasadena

EF Academy in Pasadena, near Los Angeles, offers a truly international boarding school experience. With students from over 60 countries, EF Academy emphasizes global perspectives, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.

The curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is recognized worldwide for its rigor and emphasis on critical thinking. EF Academy also provides strong support for English language learners, making it an excellent choice for international families.

Boarding life is dynamic and multicultural, with a wide range of activities, excursions, and leadership opportunities. Students develop independence and global awareness while preparing for top universities around the world.

Fees: Approximately $58,000–$65,000 per year, depending on grade level.

Conclusion

Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are home to some of the best boarding schools in the United States. From rigorous academics to world-class arts programs, these schools provide students with opportunities to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. While tuition and boarding fees can be significant, families view them as valuable investments in their children’s future success.

If you’re considering a boarding school in Los Angeles, take time to research each institution, visit campuses when possible, and evaluate how each school’s philosophy aligns with your child’s needs. With the right choice, a Los Angeles boarding school can open doors to lifelong learning, leadership, and global opportunities.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Los Angeles And Fees (2025)