Los Angeles, California, United States Day · Coed Ages 12–18Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles' most selective independent school — Harvard School (1900) and Westlake School for Girls (1904) merged in 1991, ~1,600 students grades 7-12 on two LA campuses, day only.
AI Fit Summary
Why this school may fit your child: Harvard-Westlake School pairs a American / AP academic track with a urban campus and a 1:8 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Stanford / Ivy League pathways.
- Strong fit for Stanford / Ivy League pathway
- 1:8 ratio supports individualized attention
- American · AP curriculum aligns with university aspirations
- Strong day-school pastoral team
Academic overview
Harvard-Westlake was formed in 1991 by the merger of Harvard School (founded 1900) and the Westlake School for Girls (founded 1904). About 1,600 students across grades 7-12, fully co-educational and day only. The school operates two campuses in Los Angeles: the Middle School in Holmby Hills (Coldwater Canyon area) and the Upper School in Studio City. Harvard-Westlake is consistently ranked the top private school in Los Angeles and among the most selective US day schools, with significant matriculation to Stanford, the Ivy League, and the University of California top tier. The curriculum is the American high school diploma with extensive Advanced Placement courses (the school typically offers 35+ AP courses). Class size of 16 with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.
Curriculum & subjects
University pathways
Placement score is BestPeopleDo's internal estimate of the school's recent university outcomes (0–100), based on publicly available data and advisor knowledge. Detailed per-cohort offer counts are confirmed during the advisor call.
Fees & scholarships
Estimate the all-in cost
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Location
Harvard-Westlake School sits in Los Angeles, California, United States — an urban campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.
Admissions process
- 1Inquiry & profile reviewWe share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
- 2Application & documentsSchool-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
- 3AssessmentOnline interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
- 4Offer & enrollmentOffer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.
Important dates
FAQ
Is Harvard-Westlake School a good fit for international families?
Yes. Harvard-Westlake School actively supports families relocating internationally with visa guidance, language transitions, and pastoral care designed for mobile households.
What does the typical application timeline look like?
Most families start 12–18 months before intended intake. Early application is strongly recommended for boarding.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are reviewed annually.
What's the average class size?
Approximately 16 students per class with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio.
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