A Private School in Van Nuys Where Every Grade Builds on the Last

Choosing a Private School in Van Nuys Shouldn't Mean Trading Rigor for Warmth
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If you're comparing private schools in Van Nuys, you've probably noticed the tradeoff parents keep running into: schools that push academics hard but feel impersonal, or schools that feel warm and nurturing but coast academically. Valley School was built to close that gap. We're a private, WASC-accredited school serving PreK through 8th grade in Van Nuys, and our students consistently rank in the top 10% nationwide — performing up to two years above grade level compared to similar schools — without sacrificing the small-class, know-your-child-by-name feel that makes a school actually work for families.

We also serve families well beyond Van Nuys itself. Our campus draws students from across the San Fernando Valley — Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hollywood, Reseda, and beyond — because a strong private school in this part of Los Angeles is genuinely hard to find, and word travels.

What Makes This the Best Private School in Van Nuys for Your Family

Every classroom at Valley School is built around our Portrait of a Cougar — the character and academic values we hold students to from their very first year: Critical and creative thinkers, Orally competent communicators, students who Understand the importance of an active lifestyle, Goal-oriented self-directed learners, Academic achievers, and Responsible citizens. It's not a poster on a wall — it shapes how every teacher plans a lesson.

‍Small Classes, Real Attention: Middle school caps at 20 students per class with two sections per grade, so specialist teachers actually know how each student learns — not just their name.
‍Academic Results That Hold Up: Top 10% nationwide performance and up to two years above grade level isn't a marketing line — it's the standard we measure ourselves against every year.
‍One Campus, PreK Through 8th: Families enroll once and stay. No re-applying to a new school in third grade, no losing the community you've built.
‍Accredited & Recognized: Valley School holds WASC accreditation and Common Sense Media recognition — independent validation, not just our own word.

Academics: Elementary Through Middle School

‍Elementary School (TK–5): Core subjects are paired with Spanish, technology, art, music, and daily physical education. Reading, writing, and math build sequentially grade by grade, but students also get library skills, science modules, and hands-on social studies — a genuinely well-rounded foundation, not just test prep.
‍Middle School (6–8): Students rotate through four core subjects — Math, English, Science, and History — each taught by a subject specialist, not a generalist homeroom teacher. Afternoons bring electives like Spanish, creative writing, robotics, STEM, artificial intelligence, and fine arts, chosen based on each student's interests and teacher recommendations. Mandatory study hall (grades 1–8, Monday–Thursday) keeps homework from piling up after a long day.

A Letter from Our Head of School

‍"At Valley School, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our school is more than just a place of learning; it is a supportive and inclusive community where students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and embrace diverse perspectives. Together, We Are Valley."— James Haddad, Head of School

‍Beyond the Classroom

Every sports program at Valley School is included in tuition — no extra fees to worry about. Students in grades TK–8 get daily physical education, and starting in 4th grade, they can join interscholastic teams in flag football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer, coached by staff who take the time to know each athlete individually. Add in our after-school enrichment program, an active Parent Association, and weekly communication from the school and classroom liaisons, and the result is a community where parents stay genuinely connected — not just during drop-off and pickup.

Proudly Serving the San Fernando Valley

Valley School sits in Lake Balboa, right off Sherman Way, making us an easy commute for private-school families throughout Van Nuys and the greater San Fernando Valley.

Communities served: Van Nuys, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hollywood, Reseda, Woodland Hills, Panorama City.

Admissions Made Straightforward

There's no application fee to apply to Valley School. Admission is based on a thorough look at each child's developmental readiness, academic ability, and school record, along with a parent and student interview — we want to know your family, not just a transcript. In-person and virtual tours are available by appointment, often led personally by our Head of School or ECC Directors, and admissions decisions are finalized each March. Financial assistance is available and awarded annually to help make a Valley School education possible for more families.

Schedule a Visit to Valley School

Walk our campus, meet our faculty, and see why families across Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley choose Valley School for PreK through 8th grade.