When discussing top private schools in Los Angeles, Harvard-Westlake School is almost always mentioned.

Just hearing the name gives the impression that it must be a school that emphasizes rigorous studying, but looking at the college admission results, it's clear why it has such a reputation.

The school has a long history. Originally, Harvard School was an all-boys school and Westlake School was an all-girls school, which operated separately until they merged in 1991 to form what is now Harvard-Westlake. It currently operates as a coeducational institution and is regarded as one of the most influential private schools in LA.

The campus is located in the Coldwater Canyon area near Studio City and Bel Air, with separate campuses for middle school and high school.

The surrounding neighborhood has a strong affluent atmosphere, so just the drive to school gives the feeling that "this is definitely a top-tier area in LA."

The student population is around 1,600, from kindergarten through 12th grade, making it relatively large among elite private schools.

Of course, the most noticeable aspect is the tuition. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition is $54,900, and new students must also pay an additional $2,500 registration fee.

The tuition is almost on par with annual college tuition in the U.S.

This leads many Korean parents to ponder, "If my child is good at studying, wouldn't it be worth a shot?"

With tuition exceeding $50,000 a year and various activity fees, it can be quite burdensome even for many middle-class families in the U.S.

As a result, many Korean families are interested in financial aid.

In fact, schools like Harvard-Westlake aim to maintain diversity by offering scholarships to academically talented students, as having only wealthy students can create a lack of diversity. There are indeed students who receive financial aid, so it's not entirely impossible.

However, there are many practical concerns. When friends are often the children of filmmakers, lawyers, and businesspeople, the differences in lifestyle can feel quite significant.

Parents have mentioned that the overall environment, including birthday party culture, travel stories, and the atmosphere of arriving in cars, is quite different. Especially, Korean parents worry, "Will my child feel intimidated?"

On the other hand, some parents argue that "such an environment can provide good stimulation for the child." There is a perspective that experiencing the upper-class network in American society early on can be beneficial in the long run. Ultimately, the child's personality is important. Some students thrive in competitive environments while others may feel pressured.

There are indeed Korean families that send their children there. However, most of them tend to have excellent academic records and special strengths in areas like arts, sports, or leadership.

Is it easy to get into an expensive private school? Not at all. The competition for admission to schools like Harvard-Westlake is quite fierce.

The reason is the college admission results. Harvard-Westlake sends many students to top universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford every year.

Particularly, the school is known for consistently producing graduates who go on to Ivy League and prestigious private universities, making it a symbolic name for parents who value college admissions.

Additionally, true to LA, there is a connection to the entertainment industry. Many students are the children of filmmakers, actors, lawyers, and famous businesspeople.

Looking at the list of alumni, it includes Hollywood figures like Jake Gyllenhaal and Elizabeth Olsen.

Perhaps because of this, the school atmosphere emphasizes not just academics but also arts, debate, and leadership activities.

The curriculum is also known for being rigorous. The level of AP classes is high, and there are many advanced programs. Competition among students is said to be quite intense.

Outwardly, the school emphasizes "creativity and balanced education," but among parents, there are discussions about the stress of college admissions. The educational fervor among LA's upper-class parents is so strong that students often feel pressure.

Sports and arts programs are robust. Facilities for sports like basketball, swimming, and tennis are impressive, and the theater, film, and music programs are well-known.

Given the characteristics of the LA area, the abundance of opportunities in the arts is also considered a plus. There are a significant number of Korean students, and overall, the school has a high percentage of Asian students.

Financial aid programs are also available. According to school data, over 20% of students are reported to receive financial aid.

However, in reality, the income and asset assessments are quite thorough, so preparation is necessary. Given the high tuition, many middle-class families find it quite burdensome without financial aid.

LA has many good public and private schools. However, Harvard-Westlake stands out as a school with a strong reputation as a "nationally recognized prestigious institution."

It is not just a school that gathers high-achieving students, but rather a representative example that showcases both the educational culture of LA's upper class and the American elite education system.