Harvard‑Westlake School

学习资源/Learning Resources 初中/Middle Schooler
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:school: Harvard‑Westlake School – Overview

:round_pushpin: Basic Information

  • Location: Two campuses in Los Angeles, CA – Middle School (grades 7–9) in Holmby Hills, and Upper School (grades 10–12) in Studio City
  • Founded: Merger of Harvard School (1900) and Westlake School (1904) in 1991
  • Grades: 7–12
  • Enrollment: ~1,600 students
  • Student–Faculty Ratio: Approximately 8:1
  • Average Class Size: 13–16 students
  • Diversity: Over 57% of students identify as people of color

:money_bag: Tuition & Financial Aid (2024–25)

  • Tuition: ~$49,700
  • Estimated Total Cost with Fees: ~$52,000–$54,000 (includes books, meals, activities)
  • Financial Aid:
    • ~20% of students receive financial aid
    • Average award covers ~70–75% of tuition
    • Annual aid budget is around $14 million

:graduation_cap: Academics & College Preparation

  • 300+ courses offered, including honors and AP
  • Block scheduling with 75-minute classes
  • Over 75% of faculty have advanced degrees
  • High standardized test scores (average SAT ~1450+, ACT ~32+)
  • Excellent college matriculation record: students go on to attend Ivies, Stanford, MIT, etc.
  • Strong support system with dedicated deans for academic and college advising

:artist_palette: Extracurriculars

  • Over 100 student-led clubs and organizations
  • 50+ arts courses in music, theater, film, and visual arts
  • ~200 athletic teams across 22 sports
  • Extensive community service and leadership opportunities

:white_check_mark: Pros of Harvard‑Westlake

  1. Top-Tier Academics – Highly rigorous curriculum and excellent college prep
  2. Distinguished Faculty – Experienced educators with advanced credentials
  3. Strong Student Support – Personalized advising and guidance through Deans Program
  4. Wide Range of Opportunities – From arts and sports to STEM and entrepreneurship
  5. Diverse & Inclusive Culture – Large, multicultural student body with active affinity groups
  6. College Outcomes – High acceptance rates at top U.S. universities

:warning: Cons of Harvard‑Westlake

  1. Intense Environment – Competitive academic and social atmosphere can be stressful
  2. High Cost – Tuition may be prohibitive for some families, even with aid
  3. Selective Admissions – Very competitive entry process
  4. Commuting Challenges – LA traffic and bus logistics can be tough for some families
  5. Pressure to Perform – Students may feel overwhelmed balancing academics and extracurriculars

:memo: Summary

Harvard‑Westlake School stands out as one of the most prestigious and competitive private schools in California and the U.S. It offers a world-class education with excellent faculty, deep academic rigor, and unmatched extracurricular opportunities. However, its fast-paced environment and high expectations require maturity, resilience, and a strong support system at home.