Choosing an elementary school in Los Angeles can feel like stepping into an entirely different language. Terms like progressive, traditional, experiential, whole child, project-based, or developmentally appropriate get thrown around constantly — often without much explanation. Add in waitlists, interviews, legacy families, and tuition that rivals college, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide is designed to simplify the landscape. Below, you’ll find a curated overview of independent elementary schools across Los Angeles, including key details and the themes families consistently mention — both positive and critical. The goal isn’t to rank schools. It’s to help you understand fit.
Because in LA, “the best school” rarely means the same thing for every child.
Understanding the Different Elementary School Philosophies
If you’ve toured even one school in LA, you’ve probably heard words like progressive, traditional, experiential, whole child, or project-based. They can sound interchangeable…but they’re not.
Here’s what they actually mean in practice.
Traditional Schools
Traditional schools prioritize structure and academic fundamentals from an early age.
What you’ll typically see:
Teacher-led instruction
Strong focus on reading, writing, and math
Regular homework
Clear grading and expectations
Best for: Kids who thrive with routine and structure, and families who prioritize early academic rigor.
Trade-off: Can feel more pressure-driven or less flexible for creative learners.
Progressive Schools
Progressive schools emphasize learning by doing and strong social-emotional development.
What you’ll typically see:
Project-based, hands-on learning
Less emphasis on worksheets and grades in early years
Collaboration and classroom discussion
Focus on emotional literacy
Best for: Curious, creative kids who learn through exploration.
Trade-off: Academics may feel less traditional or less visible to some parents.
Whole-Child / Balanced Schools
These schools blend structure with progressive methods.
What you’ll typically see:
Strong academics and strong SEL
Public speaking and leadership emphasis
Balance of rigor and creativity
Best for: Kids who need both nurture and structure.
Trade-off: Less clearly defined than schools firmly in one philosophy.
Faith-Based Schools
These schools integrate religious identity into daily learning and community culture.
What you’ll typically see:
Religious studies and values education
Close-knit family communities
Best for: Families who want faith woven into the school experience.
Trade-off: Not ideal for families seeking a secular environment.
Specialized Schools
Designed for specific learning profiles (gifted, learning differences, bilingual immersion).
Best for: When your child has clearly defined needs that align with the school’s focus.
Trade-off: Less flexibility outside that specialization.
Now that you have a sense of how different educational philosophies show up in real classrooms, the next step is seeing how those ideas translate into specific schools across Los Angeles. Most independent schools don’t fit neatly into just one category. Many blend elements of progressive and traditional approaches in their own unique way. As you read through the list below, pay attention not just to reputation or selectivity, but to tone, structure, and culture. The right fit is less about prestige and more about how your child feels walking through the doors each morning.
Berkeley Hall School
Berkeley Hall is a Bel Air independent school serving junior kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s known for its polished campus, structured academics, and strong emphasis on character development and public speaking from an early age. Families often describe it as traditional, confident, and academically focused.
Location: Bel Air (Los Angeles)
Website: https://www.berkeleyhall.org
Grades: Junior Kindergarten – 8th
Educational Approach: Traditional with strong character education emphasis
Slogan: “A Foundation for Lifelong Learning”
People Love: The emphasis on character education and public speaking confidence.
Considerations: The parent community can feel competitive, and tuition is on the higher end.
Brawerman Elementary School
Brawerman is a Jewish day school with campuses in West LA and Santa Monica. It combines strong academics with Jewish studies and community-centered programming. Families often appreciate the balance between intellectual rigor and values-based education.
Location: West LA & Santa Monica
Website: https://www.brawerman.org
Grades: TK–6
Educational Approach: Traditional academics within a Jewish values framework
Slogan: “Igniting Passion for Learning”
People Love: The strong academics blended with Jewish values and close community.
Considerations: Some families mention a heavier homework load in elementary grades.
Brentwood School
Brentwood School is a well-known K–12 independent school with a Lower School campus in Brentwood. It blends strong academics with extensive extracurricular offerings and high-level facilities. It’s often viewed as academically serious with significant secondary and college placement strength.
Location: Brentwood (Los Angeles)
Website: https://www.brentwoodschool.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Balanced, leans traditional in academics
Slogan: “Inspiring Every Student to Think, Learn, and Lead”
People Love: The facilities, resources, and strong college preparation.
Considerations: Admissions are highly competitive, and the culture can feel intense.
Calvary Christian School (Pacific Palisades)
Calvary Christian is a faith-based school serving preschool through 8th grade in Pacific Palisades. Its program integrates academic instruction with Christian teachings and values. Families often describe it as close-knit and community-oriented.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Website: https://www.ccspalisades.org
Grades: Preschool–8th
Educational Approach: Traditional, faith-based
Slogan: “Academic Excellence with a Biblical Foundation”
People Love: The strong moral framework and tight-knit community.
Considerations: The religious focus and overall diversity may not align with every family.
Campbell Hall
Campbell Hall is an Episcopal K–12 school in Studio City known for its arts programs and balanced academic model. The Lower School emphasizes community and character alongside strong academics. Many families appreciate its combination of tradition and warmth.
Location: Studio City
Website: https://www.campbellhall.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Balanced, Episcopal foundation
Slogan: “We Are Campbell Hall”
People Love: The warm Episcopal identity and strong arts programming.
Considerations: With a larger student body, it can feel less intimate than smaller K–6 schools.
Carlthorp School
Carlthorp is a Santa Monica K–6 school known for its structured, traditional academic program. The environment emphasizes discipline, fundamentals, and preparation for competitive secondary schools. Families often describe it as academically strong and well-organized.
Location: Santa Monica
Website: https://www.carlthorp.org
Grades: K–6
Educational Approach: Traditional
Slogan: “Building a Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning”
People Love: The strong academic foundation and structured environment.
Considerations: The traditional structure may not suit children who thrive in more flexible settings.
Center for Early Education (CEE)
CEE is a West Hollywood school serving junior kindergarten through 6th grade. It’s widely recognized for its progressive philosophy and thoughtful attention to child development. The school places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and classroom community.
Location: West Hollywood
Website: https://www.ceeschool.org
Grades: Junior Kindergarten–6
Educational Approach: Progressive, developmentally focused
Slogan: “Childhood Is a Journey”
People Love: The thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approach and emphasis on SEL.
Considerations: Admissions are highly competitive, and academics may feel less structured to some families.
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Crossroads is a Santa Monica K–12 progressive school known for its strong arts culture and creative student body. The Lower School emphasizes inquiry, collaboration, and expression. It has a reputation for attracting artistic and entrepreneurial families.
Location: Santa Monica
Website: https://www.xrds.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Progressive
Slogan: “Where Learning Happens”
People Love: The creative culture and strong arts emphasis.
Considerations: Some families find the upper grades socially intense.
Curtis School
Curtis is a Bel Air K–6 school known for its small size and nurturing culture. While academically traditional, it is often described as warm and supportive. It has a strong track record of middle school placement.
Location: Bel Air
Website: https://www.curtisschool.org
Grades: K–6
Educational Approach: Traditional with nurturing culture
Slogan: “The Curtis Experience”
People Love: The small class sizes and supportive faculty.
Considerations: The traditional model may not appeal to families seeking a more progressive approach.
Echo Horizon School
Echo Horizon is a Culver City preschool through 6th grade school known for its progressive, innovation-forward approach. The curriculum emphasizes inclusion, technology integration, and experiential learning. Families often describe the community as modern, welcoming, and forward-thinking.
Location: Culver City
Website: https://www.echohorizon.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Educational Approach: Progressive, innovation-focused
Slogan: “Where Curiosity Leads the Way”
People Love: The inclusive culture and forward-thinking curriculum.
Considerations: Rapid growth in recent years has raised questions for some families.
Lycée International de Los Angeles (LILA)
LILA is a bilingual international school with multiple campuses serving preschool through 12th grade. It follows a French-based curriculum while integrating American educational standards. Families drawn to global education and language immersion often find it a unique and rigorous option.
Location: Multiple campuses
Website: https://www.lilaschool.com
Grades: Preschool–12
Educational Approach: Traditional European model with bilingual immersion
Slogan: “International Education. Local Community.”
People Love: The authentic bilingual immersion experience.
Considerations: The academic rigor can feel demanding for some children.
Mirman School
Mirman is a Bel Air school specifically designed for highly gifted students in grades 2–8. Its accelerated curriculum moves at a faster pace and is tailored to advanced learners. It is often described as intellectually stimulating and mission-driven.
Location: Bel Air
Website: https://www.mirman.org
Grades: 2–8
Educational Approach: Accelerated, specialized for highly gifted learners
Slogan: “For Highly Gifted Minds”
People Love: The advanced curriculum tailored to highly gifted students.
Considerations: The model is intentionally specialized and may not fit twice-exceptional learners needing broader supports.
New Roads School
New Roads is a Santa Monica K–12 school known for its progressive philosophy and social awareness. The school emphasizes diversity, equity, and experiential learning across grade levels. Families often describe it as thoughtful, values-driven, and community-oriented.
Location: Santa Monica
Website: https://www.newroads.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Progressive, socially conscious
Slogan: “An Independent School for the 21st Century”
People Love: The diverse, socially aware community.
Considerations: Facilities may feel less polished compared to some legacy institutions.
Park Century School
Park Century is a Culver City school serving students with language-based learning differences. Its specialized program focuses on supporting dyslexia and related learning profiles with targeted instruction. Families often describe it as transformative for students who need structured academic support.
Location: Culver City
Website: https://www.parkcenturyschool.org
Grades: 1–8
Educational Approach: Specialized for language-based learning differences
Slogan: “Empowering Students with Learning Differences”
People Love: The exceptional support for students with dyslexia and related learning differences.
Considerations: The program is highly specialized and not designed as a traditional academic track.
Seven Arrows Elementary
Seven Arrows is a Pacific Palisades preschool through 6th grade school known for its balanced approach and strong social-emotional curriculum. It blends structure with creativity and emphasizes kindness and community. Families often describe it as warm, grounded, and relationship-focused.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Website: https://www.sevenarrows.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Educational Approach: Balanced, leans progressive with strong SEL
Slogan: “A School for Inspired Learning”
People Love: The warm culture and strong social-emotional curriculum.
Considerations: The campus footprint is smaller than some larger K–8 or K–12 schools.
PS1 Pluralistic School
PS1 is a Santa Monica preschool through 6th grade school rooted in progressive education. Its model emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and child-centered exploration. It’s often described as joyful, community-oriented, and academically thoughtful without being rigid.
Location: Santa Monica
Website: https://www.psone.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Educational Approach: Progressive
Slogan: “Where Children Love to Learn”
People Love: The joyful, creative, child-centered learning environment.
Considerations: The academic structure is less traditional in early grades.
The Buckley School
The Buckley School is a Sherman Oaks K–12 institution known for its “4-Fold Plan” emphasizing academics, arts, athletics, and moral education. The Lower School provides strong fundamentals within a balanced framework. Families often describe it as structured yet well-rounded.
Location: Sherman Oaks
Website: https://www.buckley.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Balanced, leans traditional in upper grades
Slogan: “The 4-Fold Plan of Education”
People Love: The strong balance of academics, arts, athletics, and character education.
Considerations: The workload becomes rigorous in upper school.
John Thomas Dye School (JTD)
John Thomas Dye is a Bel Air K–6 school known for its traditional academic structure and strong secondary school placement. It places emphasis on discipline, leadership, and foundational skills. Families often view it as academically serious and outcomes-focused.
Location: Bel Air
Website: https://www.jtdschool.org
Grades: K–6
Educational Approach: Traditional
Slogan: “An Investment in Excellence”
People Love: The strong academics and secondary school placement.
Considerations: The culture can feel competitive among families.
The Oaks School
The Oaks is a Hollywood K–6 school known for its progressive philosophy and strong arts integration. It emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and project-based learning. Families often describe it as imaginative and community-oriented.
Location: Hollywood
Website: https://www.theoaksschool.org
Grades: K–6
Educational Approach: Progressive
Slogan: “A Creative Community of Learners”
People Love: The arts integration and emphasis on creativity.
Considerations: Fewer athletic offerings compared to larger K–12 schools.
The Willows Community School
The Willows is a Culver City K–8 school known for its balanced academic model and strong social-emotional curriculum. It blends structure with progressive practices and emphasizes inclusion. Families often describe it as warm and developmentally thoughtful.
Location: Culver City
Website: https://www.thewillows.org
Grades: K–8
Educational Approach: Balanced, leans progressive
Slogan: “Where Children Grow”
People Love: The inclusive culture and strong social-emotional learning.
Considerations: Tuition increases have been noted by some families.
Turning Point School
Turning Point is a Culver City preschool through 8th grade school focused on educating the whole child. It combines academics with strong character education and community emphasis. Families often describe it as balanced and relationship-driven.
Location: Culver City
Website: https://www.turningpointschool.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Educational Approach: Balanced
Slogan: “Educating the Whole Child”
People Love: The thoughtful blend of academics and SEL.
Considerations: The campus is more compact than some neighboring schools.
Village School
Village School is a Pacific Palisades K–6 school known for its small size and traditional structure. It emphasizes close teacher relationships and foundational academics. Families often describe it as intimate and community-oriented.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Website: https://www.villageschool.org
Grades: K–6
Educational Approach: Traditional
Slogan: “Nurturing Children’s Love of Learning”
People Love: The close-knit, community feel.
Considerations: The structure is more traditional in approach.
Westland School
Westland is a West LA preschool through 6th grade progressive school rooted in experiential learning. It emphasizes collaboration, inquiry, and community engagement. Families often describe it as creative and hands-on.
Location: Los Angeles (West LA)
Website: https://www.westlandschool.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Educational Approach: Progressive
Slogan: “Where Children Thrive”
People Love: The experiential, hands-on learning model.
Considerations: Academic pacing may feel less traditional.
Wildwood School
Wildwood is a West LA K–12 progressive school known for student-centered learning and creative culture. The Lower School emphasizes inquiry and expression within a collaborative framework. It has a reputation for attracting independent thinkers.
Location: Los Angeles (West LA)
Website: https://www.wildwood.org
Grades: K–12
Educational Approach: Progressive
Slogan: “Discover Your Wild”
People Love: The creative, student-centered environment.
Considerations: Upper grades can feel socially complex for some students.
Westside Waldorf School
Westside Waldorf is a Pacific Palisades preschool through 8th grade school rooted in Waldorf philosophy. It emphasizes imagination, storytelling, movement, and arts-based learning in early years. Families drawn to slower-paced, developmentally sequenced education often find it appealing.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Website: https://www.westsidewaldorf.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Educational Approach: Waldorf (experiential, arts-based, developmental)
Slogan: “Educating Head, Heart & Hands”
People Love: The rich arts curriculum and imaginative early years.
Considerations: Technology and formal academics are introduced later than in traditional models.
Wise School
Wise School is a West LA preschool through 8th grade Jewish day school. It blends strong academics with Jewish studies and values-based education. Families often describe it as community-driven and character-focused.
Location: West LA
Website: https://www.wiseschool.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Educational Approach: Traditional, Jewish faith-based
Slogan: “Challenging Minds. Nurturing Souls.”
People Love: The strong Jewish community and character education.
Considerations: The religious component may not align with all families.