Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and LA's tech, film and business industries, which means that there is no shortage of affluent expatriate families living in the city. Unsurprisingly, this has led to the establishment of some well-regarded international schools to cater to this population. And it's not just expat kids who attend these schools either; families who want to foster an international outlook, encourage second language learning, or pursue international qualifications also send their children to such schools. There are a few different types of international schools to choose from and a range of certifications students can leave with, so if you are unfamiliar with how they operate, this article will help you understand your options if you are considering moving your family to LA.
The school landscape in Los Angeles
Before you choose your international school in LA, you need to understand the general schooling landscape in America. In the US, there are three main types of schools: public, charter, and private.
First off, public schools are government-funded and operated. Such schools are free and usually serve students based on geographic zones, meaning you usually must live near the school your kids are going to attend. Public schools follow curriculum standards set by the government.
Charter schools can be a little confusing, but essentially, they are publicly funded but independently operated. These schools are also free to attend, but they have more flexibility in terms of the curriculum they follow. Some offer international curricula or specific pedagogical styles.
The third type, private schools, are funded through tuition and private sources, and they are free to set their own admission standards and curricula. Many international schools are private, and some are charter schools.
In LA, the most well-known international school was founded decades ago in order to cater to the French expatriate community. The Lycée Français de Los Angeles opened in 1964 and is still going strong, offering the French Baccalauréat as well as IB (more on these qualifications later!). The Goethe International Charter School is another well-respected school. It focuses on German language, academics and culture but as a public charter school, it also serves a much wider community of families interested in bilingual education and an international outlook, not just German expatriates. These are two of the most well-known options in the city, but LA is actually home to more than 30 international schools, representing over a dozen languages and education systems. These schools tend to cluster in affluent areas, such as West Los Angeles, Pasadena, and the San Fernando Valley, where international families from the arts, tech, business, and academic worlds are more likely to reside.
What can an international school in LA offer?
Language immersion is a key attraction of international schools, and they are an excellent way to become truly bilingual or multilingual. International schools can also help to foster a global perspective and create well-rounded learners. Another bonus of international schooling is that it often results in very tight-knit communities, built around shared cultural expression and values. These schools are also known for their academic rigor, and many schools focus on strong pedagogical practices, research, and creativity. Preparation for further study is also something international schools can offer, with international schooling looked on favourably by university admissions.
Types of international curricula in Los Angeles
Depending on the age of your child, choosing an international school means you are also choosing a curriculum model and the qualification that your child is going to receive, which can affect university entrance as well. Needless to say, it's a big decision. There is a lot of variety across the international schools in LA. Some follow specific national models while others use international frameworks such as the IB or Cambridge system. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a school offers before applying.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
This globally recognized educational program was originally founded in Switzerland to help create transferable education standards for the children of diplomats and international workers. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is generally what people are talking about when they refer to gaining the IB. The diploma pertains to the final two years of high school and is essentially equivalent to A-levels (UK), the French Baccalauréat, or US Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
British curriculum (GCSE, A-Levels)
This is less common in LA than the IB, but these qualifications are offered by schools like the International Grammar School. In the UK, the GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are exams taken at around fifteen years old in subjects like English, Maths, and Science. A Levels (Advanced Levels) are usually studied in your final years of school from age 16 to 18. They are the main pathway to get into university in the UK and are widely accepted by universities around the world.
National curricula
This refers to schools that follow the academic standards and cultural practices of their home countries, so you essentially graduate with the same qualifications you would if you had remained in your country of origin. Examples include Lycée Français de Los Angeles (French) and the Japanese Institute of Los Angeles (Japanese).
American schools with an international focus
Some U.S.-based private schools offer a US high school diploma, but with strong global emphasis, language immersion, and international university placement support. While not technically an international school in the true sense of the name, they may provide a great compromise.
Notable international schools in Los Angeles
The International School of Los Angeles, also known as Lycée International de Los Angeles, operates a few different schools across the city. This school offers the French Baccalauréat and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and provides bilingual French-English education from preschool through high school.
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles is based in West Los Angeles and the Pacific Palisades. It delivers a full French curriculum and prepares students for both the French Baccalauréat and, at certain levels, the IB. It is accredited by the French Ministry of Education as well as US bodies.
Goethe International Charter School is a public charter school in West Los Angeles. It has a tuition-free model and delivers a German-oriented education and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
In Pasadena, the International School of Los Angeles Pasadena Campus focuses on the French National Curriculum and the IB Diploma.
The Japanese Institute of Sawtelle (Los Angeles) is based in West LA's Sawtelle neighborhood. It offers Japanese curriculum instruction for grades K–12, with courses in Japanese language and culture.
The Chinese American International School of Los Angeles, located in Monterey Park, provides education in Mandarin and English and combines elements of both Chinese and U.S. curricula
Finally, New West Charter School is based in West Los Angeles and operates as a public charter school. It provides the IB curriculum at the secondary level, along with AP courses and the US high school diploma.
Be aware that this is not an exhaustive list and that there are around 30 international schools operating in LA.
Admissions and entry requirements in LA international schools
Admissions procedures vary by school, but most require a basic application form, documentation including past academic records, passport copies, and language proficiency scores (especially for older students).
Many schools will require interviews or assessments. For younger children, these tend to be informal, but older children may be required to sit academic tests.
Tuition and financial aid in Los Angeles
Annual tuition can range from $10,000 to over $35,000, depending on the school and grade level. Some international schools can be free, like the charter model Goethe International Charter School, but it is more likely they will be private schools with a fee model. However, students may be able to acquire scholarships or bursaries based on financial need or academic merit.
Good to know:
Popular schools, especially those with IB or French programs, may have long waitlists, so it is a good idea to start the application process well in advance. Schools are used to fielding questions from prospective students and will be able to provide guidance over email or phone.
Useful links:
International Baccalaureate Organization
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
LA Private Schools Guide – Niche
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
