Expat Education Guide: Schools in Los Angeles

Education Overview

Los Angeles scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Los Angeles operates the second-largest school district in the United States (LAUSD) with over 600,000 students. The system faces challenges with overcrowding and funding but offers extensive bilingual programs, magnet schools, and charter options. The city is known for its diverse international school offerings and strong emphasis on college preparation, with numerous high-performing schools in affluent areas like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$9,850

Monthly Costs

$9,420/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $200

Private School Application Fee $150

International School Application Fee $300

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $3,000/mo

Tuition Fees International $3,750/mo

Transportation Monthly $200/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Beverly Hills

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and charter options

Notable: Beverly Hills High School, Hawthorne School

Santa Monica

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and charter options

Notable: Santa Monica High School, Crossroads School

Manhattan Beach

Density 4/6

Types: Excellent public elementary, middle, high schools

Notable: Manhattan Beach Middle School, Mira Costa High School

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Practical Tips

Consider applying to magnet schools in LAUSD even from outside boundaries

the lottery system gives equal weight to all applicants, and transportation is provided district-wide

You might want to visit schools during pick-up time (2:30-3:30 PM)

you can observe actual parent satisfaction levels and traffic patterns that affect daily logistics

Submit private school applications by January for the following fall

This is typically when primary application deadlines close for competitive private schools in the area.

Consider community college classes for high schoolers through dual enrollment

California community colleges offer free concurrent enrollment, allowing students to earn valuable college credits.

Useful Links

Los Angeles Unified School District

Official K-12 public school district serving LA, providing enrollment information, school locations, and educational programs.

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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Premier public research university offering undergraduate, graduate programs, and international student admission services in LA.

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California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

State system overseeing community colleges, providing transfer programs, vocational training, and affordable higher education options.

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California Department of Education

State education department providing school enrollment procedures, curriculum standards, and educational resource information for families.

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Los Angeles Public Library

Public library system offering free library cards, educational programs, computer access, and community learning resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Los Angeles varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Los Angeles, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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