Searching for a Private Elementary School in Los Angeles? Start in the San Fernando Valley.
Los Angeles has no shortage of private elementary schools, which makes the search exhausting more than it makes it easy. Long waitlists, high tuition, and campuses that feel more like an admissions gauntlet than a place for a 6-year-old to feel excited about learning. Valley School takes a different approach: we're a private elementary school in the San Fernando Valley, based in Van Nuys, with open seats right now for TK through 5th grade — and academic results that hold their own against any school in the city.
Our elementary students consistently rank in the top 10% nationwide and perform up to two years above grade level compared to similar schools. That's not a headline we chase; it's the outcome of small classes, specialist instruction, and a curriculum that builds skills sequentially from letter recognition in TK to essay writing and pre-algebra readiness by 5th grade.
What Makes This the Right Private Elementary School for Your Child
Academics Built to Last: Reading, writing, and math build grade over grade — not review-and-repeat — so students arrive at middle school genuinely ready, not just promoted.
A Truly Well-Rounded Day: Spanish, technology, art, music, and daily physical education are woven into every week, not offered as an occasional add-on.
Teachers Who Know Your Child: Small elementary classes mean teachers catch a struggling reader or a bored high-achiever early — before it becomes a bigger problem.
One Campus Through 8th Grade: Elementary is the entry point, not the whole story. Students can continue seamlessly into our Middle School program without another admissions search.
A Look at the Elementary Curriculum
TK–Kindergarten: Letter recognition, phonics, number sense, handwriting basics, and introduction to Spanish and computers.
1st–2nd Grade: Phonics-based reading system, the full writing process, multiplication readiness, and science modules across four core topics.
3rd–4th Grade: Fractions, geometric figures, book reports, cursive writing, and a full year of California and U.S. history.
5th Grade: Reading to learn (not just learning to read), multi-step math reasoning, research projects, and lab-based science.For the complete grade-by-grade breakdown, see the full Elementary Curriculum Guide.
Internal Links Used on This Page
Campus — classroom, field, and gym tour
Admissions FAQ — application steps and tour scheduling
Financial Assistance — awarded annually to qualifying families
Athletics — included in tuition starting in 4th grade
Middle School Curriculum Guide — continuity beyond elementary
Serving Los Angeles and Van Nuys Families Alike
As a private elementary school in Van Nuys, we sit at the center of the San Fernando Valley, an easy drive for families across greater Los Angeles who want strong academics without the downtown or Westside commute.
Communities served: Van Nuys, Los Angeles, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hollywood, Reseda, Woodland Hills.
Enrolling Now for TK–5
Unlike many Los Angeles private schools with years-long waitlists, Valley School has open seats across our elementary grades right now. There's no application fee, admission decisions weigh your child's readiness and record (not just test scores), and tours — in person or virtual — are available by appointment with our Head of School. If you've been putting off the search because "private elementary school" sounded out of reach, it's worth a conversation before you rule it out.Schedule a Visit to Valley SchoolSee our elementary classrooms in action and find out why Los Angeles families are choosing Valley School for TK through 5th grade.