In Los Angeles, a year at an elite private school can cost more than a full year at UCLA—and the amenities can be just as extravagant.
A California Post review found that the five most expensive private schools in the city charge more than $57,000 a year for upper-grade students. That is significantly more than the approximately $45,500 a California resident pays for a year at UCLA when tuition, housing and meals are included.
Westmark School in Encino tops the list, charging $69,928 annually for students in grades 2 through 12. The school serves students with learning differences. New families must also pay a $4,200 deposit and a one-time fee of $2,125.
Westmark describes itself as the only school in the greater Los Angeles area serving students with these specific learning needs through their senior year. Classes average about eight students, while reading groups have five or fewer.
The school’s award-winning lower-school campus is a net-zero-carbon building featuring rooftop gardens, an amphitheater, a black-box theater and “quiet corners designed to reduce cognitive overload,” the school told The Post.
Interactive displays show how much energy the solar panels save. Fifth graders create their own television program, while older students can use a film and broadcasting lab as well as a ceramics kiln.
The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks ranks second, with annual tuition of $58,788 for grades 6 through 12. According to an example provided by the school, a family of five earning $678,000 a year would not qualify for financial aid.
Buckley’s 18-acre campus sits in a canyon near the gated Mulholland Estates. Its facilities include a four-acre outdoor field and stadium, and its students come from more than 70 ZIP codes. Trustees emeriti include Guess co-founder Maurice Marciano and former Yahoo CEO Terry Semel.
The school’s notable alumni include Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Paris Jackson and Rashida Jones. When Michael Jackson’s children attended Buckley, two bodyguards reportedly waited outside their classrooms and accompanied them across campus.
Brentwood School ranks third, charging $58,207 a year for grades 6 through 12. The Hollywood Reporter has described it as the go-to school for Westside power brokers. The children of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver attended, as did the children of developer Rick Caruso.
Brentwood’s classrooms were the first net-zero-energy classrooms in Los Angeles County.
Its alumni include 1984 Olympic gold medalist and gymnast Peter Vidmar, Casey Wasserman, who leads the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, and journalist Katy Tur.
Oakwood School in North Hollywood places fourth, with tuition of $57,550 for grades 7 through 12. New families also pay a $2,500 new-student fee and a $2,000 building assessment.
Oakwood has deep Hollywood connections. Actor Robert Ryan was among its founders, and his backyard served as the school’s campus during its first three years. Alumni include Chris Pine, director Todd Haynes, Lily-Rose Depp and the children of Danny DeVito.
The school is also known for a two-week program focused on real-world challenges. One parent told The Hollywood Reporter that their son took a course devoted entirely to roller coasters.
Milken Community School rounds out the top five, charging $57,450 in tuition, along with a $2,700 annual security fee and a one-time new-student fee of $2,500.
According to the school’s brochure, Milken’s finance program has students manage an investment portfolio with guidance from professional mentors. This year, Hollywood director Jon Avnet is mentoring young screenwriters and filmmakers, while emergency medicine physician Dr. Sam Torbati is advising student science researchers.
Students take three trips to Israel—in eighth, 10th and 12th grades—which cost extra. They also produce their own film festival and morning show. Course offerings include fashion design for middle school students and a class called “Art of Comedy.”
The school said tuition includes books, overnight retreats and service-learning day trips. Laptops, required school clothing and the Israel trips are billed separately.