From Hollywood to beautiful beaches, there are numerous reasons why Los Angeles is the largest city on the West Coast. Anyone who visits Los Angeles can see why so many people choose to visit or live in the City of Angels. In addition to the numerous attractions, there are plenty of schools in the city. The largest schools in Los Angeles are massive compared to schools in smaller towns.
Whether you’re interested to find out what the schools in Los Angeles are like or are looking for a school for your child, keep reading to find out about the largest universities and public schools in the area.
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University of Southern California
3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089
The University of Southern California is a private research university with 49,318 students. As one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Southern California has 23 academic schools and units.
Founded in the late 1800s, this university has grown significantly over the years and now has over 4,000 faculty members. Undergraduate tuition is around $63,000 and each year, students receive over $700 million in financial aid. The goal of the University of Southern California is to build knowledge that impacts lives and prepares students to change the world.
Notable University of Southern California Alumni
Zac Efron – American Actor known for High School Musical
Neil Armstrong – First man to walk on the moon
John Wayne – Problematic American Actor known for Western Movies
Tom Selleck – American Actor known for Magnum PI
University of California Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
The University of California Los Angeles, or UCLA, has a student population of 46,116 students. UCLA has ranked in the top 5 best public colleges in the United States. It has also ranked as the top public college in California. Diversity is an essential part of the culture at UCLA. Overall, there are 118 countries represented in the student population.
The mission of UCLA is the creation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge for the betterment of society, both globally and as a part of the local Los Angeles community. They place significant value on respect for others, open access to information, and freedom from intolerance.
Notable University of California Los Angeles Alumni
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Former Governor of California and Actor
Marilyn Monroe – Former Actor and Model
Nicolas Cage – American Actor known for Countless Movies
Jim Morrison – Frontman to The Doors rock band
California State University Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032
California State University Los Angeles, or Cal State LA, is a public university in Los Angeles with a student population of 27,513. The mission of Cal State LA is to transform the lives of students and create thriving communities in the city of Los Angeles.
Cal State LA places a significant emphasis on the importance of diversity. In fact, this university is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving, Minority-Serving, and Asian American and Native American Pacific-Islander-Serving Institution. Additionally, they offer over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs for students.
Notable California State University Los Angeles Alumni
Helen Hunt – American actress and director
Billie Jean King – American former world No. 1 tennis player
Robert Vaughn – American Actor known for his role in Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Barry Gordon – Longest serving president of the Screenwriters Guild (1988 to 1995)
Granada Hills Charter
10535 Zelzah Ave, Granada Hills, CA 91344
Granada Hills Charter is a charter school in the Los Angeles area that serves over 4,600 students in K-12th grade. The mission of this charter school is to create student-centered environments where students can learn practical skills and develop curiosity.
Granada Hills Charter has grown significantly since its opening in 1960. In 2021, it was named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. They expanded Granada Hills from a high school to a K-12 school to provide students with continuity from elementary school to graduation. In addition to their rigorous academic programs, they have an active student body and numerous extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
El Camino Real Charter High School is a charter high school serving 3,661 students in the Los Angeles area. Founded in 1969, this independent charter school originally served only 10-12th grade students and became an Independent Conversion Charter School in 2011. They also later added an alternative education program.
The mission of El Camino Real Charter High School is to create an inclusive learning environment for students to prepare them for their future. Students at El Camino are expected to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, hard-working graduates, and socially responsible citizens.
Birmingham Community Charter High School
17000 Haynes St, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Birmingham Community Charter High School is a co-educational high school in the Los Angeles Area. This charter school has a student population of 3,159 and provides an academically challenging and personalized learning environment for each student.
As part of their program, Birmingham Community Charter offers a school for accelerated studies, career pathways, counseling, visual and performing arts, and athletics. They have a diverse community that includes students from 28 different zip codes.
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Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
13330 Vaughn Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center has 3,094 students in PreK-12th grade. As an urban public school in the Los Angeles area, they have served many low-income students for over 25 years. Their goal is to ensure all students are college ready, digitally literate, and globally competent.
In addition to their mission of providing students with an exceptional education, they also aim to teach students 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, effective use of technology, and the ability to use a multitude of digital tools in the context of college or a career.
Palisades Charter High School
15777 Bowdoin St, Los Angeles, CA 90272
Palisades Charter High School is an independent charter school in the Los Angeles area with 3,087 students. This school was one of the first schools in Los Angeles to receive independent charter school status and Palisades Charter High is recognized as a California Gold Ribbon School and California Distinguished High School.
Students at Palisades Charter High School can take a wide range of Advanced Placement Courses and there are two optional periods a day when students can take additional electives or AP courses. In addition to academics, students can participate in numerous sports, art programs, and extracurricular activities.
Cleveland Charter High School
8140 Vanalden Ave, Reseda, CA 91335
Cleveland Charter High School is a public high school in the Los Angeles area with a student population of 2,935. This charter school was founded as a way to nurture responsible citizens within the community and to promote student achievement.
The culture and curriculum at Cleveland Charter High School focus on 21st-century learner outcomes and skills to prepare students for college, career, and beyond. There is a wide range of clubs and activities for students to be a part of such as yearbook, drama, music, and the Cleveland Dance Academy.
San Pedro Senior High School
1001 W 15th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
San Pedro Senior High School is a public school with 2,736 students. This Los Angeles high school brings together communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity to help students realize their full potential. Their vision is to create a learning community that prepares students for college and their careers.
San Pedro High School students prepare for their future through various academic programs including CTE, Police Academy Magnet, School for Advanced Studies, and San Pedro Gifted STEAM Magnet. There are also various activities that allow students to learn new skills and connect with other students and staff.
North Hollywood Senior High School
5231 Colfax Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
North Hollywood Senior High School is a public high school in Los Angeles with 2,639 students. This high school offers 24 AP courses and has a 96% graduation rate. As a magnet school, any student in the Los Angeles Unified School District can apply to enroll.
As far as student activities, North Hollywood Senior High School offers 31 athletic teams, 7 music groups, and 61 clubs. The mission of North Hollywood Senior High School is to create responsible, well-rounded citizens who are prepared for college, technical school, or a career.
Finding a School in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most well-known cities in the world, and it’s no wonder why. With its many tourist attractions, beaches, and beautiful weather, Los Angeles is a great place to visit and an even better place to live.
If you’ve ever wondered about the largest schools in Los Angeles or are looking for a new school for your child or college-bound senior, consider one of these local schools.
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