Tuition is $54,900. Acceptance rate is 20 percent. Just looking at these two numbers gives an idea of the standing of Harvard-Westlake in Studio City. These were the first figures encountered by a family exploring private schools in LA.

This family had no major complaints about their assigned public school district. However, as their child aimed for top-tier colleges, they began to question whether the public school system would be sufficient. So, they started to gather information on private schools.

Recent admissions results from Harvard-Westlake show that 50 percent of graduates go on to the top 25 colleges. In the same cohort, 9 students were accepted to Stanford and 8 to Harvard. The acceptance rate for the top 50 colleges is 21.45 percent, while it is 29.41 percent for the top 25. The combined acceptance rate for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT is 18.69 percent.

What these numbers indicate is simple. Gaining admission is a narrow path, and once admitted, the college preparation process is intricately woven into the entire school system. Financial aid operates based on need, and there are no merit-based scholarships.

The issue is not just tuition. As families flock to reduce commuting distances, the demand for housing in Studio City and Encino rises. According to Zillow, the average home value in Studio City is $1,498,415. Redfin reports that the median sale price is projected to be $1.81 million over the three months leading up to July 2026.

Encino is not much different. Zillow's average home value is $1,426,823, while Redfin shows a median of $1.7 million over three months until May 2026, marking a 6.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

When adding tuition to the housing budget, the financial burden doubles. As a result, many families choosing private schools often settle in slightly more affordable nearby areas, even if it means increasing their commuting distance.

However, a benefit of private schools is that they do not adhere to residential school district regulations. This means there is no need to insist on living in an expensive neighborhood just to get into a prestigious public school district. Nonetheless, it is essential to confirm commuting times and shuttle availability directly with the school before admission.

For families newly settling in LA, it is also advisable to understand California's property tax assessment method. Taxes are based on the purchase price, so the tax burden may feel relatively heavier for homes purchased recently. Since specific regulations can vary by county, it is necessary to check.

From an investment perspective, areas near private schools tend to have steady demand, resulting in shorter rental vacancy periods. However, due to the high purchase prices, rental yields may often be lower compared to other areas. It is important to consider both yield and capital appreciation.

Mortgage rates also significantly impact budgets. Depending on the interest rate, monthly payments can vary greatly even for the same sale price, so it is wise to compare pre-approval conditions from several lenders before making an offer.

For families moving from other states, it is crucial not to directly apply the property tax and insurance rates from their previous residence. California has a purchase price-based tax structure, which differs from other states.

Families who have just immigrated from Korea may find the American real estate transaction process unfamiliar. Understanding that there is no jeonse system and that both sales and rentals go through an escrow process will make the subsequent steps much smoother.

Choosing a school affects commuting radius, budget, property taxes, and mortgage conditions all at once. Therefore, families considering private schools should develop the habit of comparing school data and housing market data side by side.

Ultimately, the choice between private schools and public school districts requires comparing tuition, commuting distance, and housing budget all in one table to find the answer. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with school and real estate professionals before making any decisions.