Set between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Palisades is the epitome of California living. It features natural beauty, a near-perfect climate, and a luxurious lifestyle that ranks alongside L.A. County's glossiest, most affluent neighborhoods, such as Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Santa Monica.
Though amenities such as stunning cliffside panoramas, direct access to high-end boutique shopping and dining, and an extraordinary list of outdoor activities from surfing to hiking ensure Pacific Palisades' place among Southern California's premier communities, the neighborhood's local schools are what truly set it apart.
From public to private to institutions of higher learning, Pacific Palisades is an unparalleled setting for those wanting to be near excellent educational opportunities. So whether it's young minds you want to mold, secondary students taking the next step in the learning process, or you want to reap the ROI of a beautiful home near desirable schools, here are eight top-notch schools and educational opportunities in Pacific Palisades.
Canyon Charter School
421 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica
Charter; grades 1 through 5
The Palisades Charter Complex is one of the more impressive aspects of living in the Palisades community. Consisting of five elementary schools and one middle school, which feeds into Palisades Charter High School, the independent system is ideal for those wanting to provide their children with a consistent, exemplary education from 1st through 12th grade.
Though it carries a Santa Monica address, Canyon Charter School is located within the larger Palisades community just south of The Alphabets neighborhood. Canyon Charter School is a model for community-centric education. It focuses on developing well-rounded individuals academically and socially through its unique commitment to incorporating the school's coastal environment into the broader learning experience.
Charter; grades 1 through 5
The Palisades Charter Complex is one of the more impressive aspects of living in the Palisades community. Consisting of five elementary schools and one middle school, which feeds into Palisades Charter High School, the independent system is ideal for those wanting to provide their children with a consistent, exemplary education from 1st through 12th grade.
Though it carries a Santa Monica address, Canyon Charter School is located within the larger Palisades community just south of The Alphabets neighborhood. Canyon Charter School is a model for community-centric education. It focuses on developing well-rounded individuals academically and socially through its unique commitment to incorporating the school's coastal environment into the broader learning experience.
Marquez Charter Elementary School
16821 Marquez Avenue, Pacific Palisades
Charter; grades K through 5
Featuring an exceptional curriculum with an array of extracurricular activities that includes robotics in grades 3 through 5, community service initiatives, and opportunities for older students to help enrich those in lower grades, the Marquez Charter Elementary School takes a nurturing and holistic approach to education. The elementary school, located near the Palisades Castellammare neighborhood, also stands out for its dedication to academic excellence and parent involvement, making it a top choice among Pacific Palisades residents.
Charter; grades K through 5
Featuring an exceptional curriculum with an array of extracurricular activities that includes robotics in grades 3 through 5, community service initiatives, and opportunities for older students to help enrich those in lower grades, the Marquez Charter Elementary School takes a nurturing and holistic approach to education. The elementary school, located near the Palisades Castellammare neighborhood, also stands out for its dedication to academic excellence and parent involvement, making it a top choice among Pacific Palisades residents.
Palisades Elementary Charter School
800 Vía de la Paz Avenue, Pacific Palisades
Charter; grades 1 through 5
Centrally located immediately south of the Palisades Village, the Palisades Elementary Charter School integrates modern teaching techniques with traditional subjects with the goal of creating lifelong learners. The faculty's passion for education and the collaboration with parents and the Palisades community create a thriving academic environment that reinforces the school's core beliefs, including fostering high expectations, encouraging innovation, valuing every voice, and instilling a love of learning in every student.
Charter; grades 1 through 5
Centrally located immediately south of the Palisades Village, the Palisades Elementary Charter School integrates modern teaching techniques with traditional subjects with the goal of creating lifelong learners. The faculty's passion for education and the collaboration with parents and the Palisades community create a thriving academic environment that reinforces the school's core beliefs, including fostering high expectations, encouraging innovation, valuing every voice, and instilling a love of learning in every student.
Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center
1450 Allenford Avenue, Los Angeles
Charter; grades 6 through 8
Situated on the border between Pacific Palisades' Riviera neighborhood and Brentwood, Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center is the only middle school in the Palisades Charter Complex and plays a key role for students as they make the all-important transition from grade school to their teen years. Established with a focal point on critical thinking, the Paul Revere school heavily emphasizes mathematics, science, and technology. However, a lengthy list of electives and preparation encouraging social engagement and peer interaction ensures that students are well prepared for future challenges of their chosen pursuits.
Charter; grades 6 through 8
Situated on the border between Pacific Palisades' Riviera neighborhood and Brentwood, Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center is the only middle school in the Palisades Charter Complex and plays a key role for students as they make the all-important transition from grade school to their teen years. Established with a focal point on critical thinking, the Paul Revere school heavily emphasizes mathematics, science, and technology. However, a lengthy list of electives and preparation encouraging social engagement and peer interaction ensures that students are well prepared for future challenges of their chosen pursuits.
Palisades Charter High School
15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades
Charter; grades 9 through 12
Among the best charter schools of any grade level in Los Angeles, California, and the U.S., Palisades Charter High School provides students with a fully-formed preparatory education, preparing them for life at the next level and beyond. The high school, beautifully situated near the heart of the community along Temescal Canyon Road, engages students in a challenging and engaging curriculum with unique offerings such as marine biology, a new media academy, and a technology magnet program. The school's unparalleled college preparatory courses and variety of extracurricular activities are matched only by its esteemed list of alumni, which includes J.J. Abrams, Susanna Hoffs, and Forest Whitaker.
Charter; grades 9 through 12
Among the best charter schools of any grade level in Los Angeles, California, and the U.S., Palisades Charter High School provides students with a fully-formed preparatory education, preparing them for life at the next level and beyond. The high school, beautifully situated near the heart of the community along Temescal Canyon Road, engages students in a challenging and engaging curriculum with unique offerings such as marine biology, a new media academy, and a technology magnet program. The school's unparalleled college preparatory courses and variety of extracurricular activities are matched only by its esteemed list of alumni, which includes J.J. Abrams, Susanna Hoffs, and Forest Whitaker.
Seven Arrows Elementary School
15240 La Cruz Drive, Pacific Palisades
Private; kindergarten, grades 1 through 6
A genuinely unique educational experience, Seven Arrows is an exceptional kindergarten through 6th-grade institution tucked into the heart of the Pacific Palisades community, distinguished by its compact, one-class-per-grade model that balances social-emotional growth with rigorous academics. Founded in 1999, the school thrives on a philosophy driven by cutting-edge brain research and modern pedagogical practices, enabling an ever-evolving, responsive education for each child. In fact, every student benefits from a tailored educational plan that aligns with their individual pace and growth areas. This focused approach has led to Seven Arrows alums making significant impacts in competitive middle schools, as well as in their local and global communities. They enter college as well-rounded leaders, innovators, and ceaselessly curious individuals.
Private; kindergarten, grades 1 through 6
A genuinely unique educational experience, Seven Arrows is an exceptional kindergarten through 6th-grade institution tucked into the heart of the Pacific Palisades community, distinguished by its compact, one-class-per-grade model that balances social-emotional growth with rigorous academics. Founded in 1999, the school thrives on a philosophy driven by cutting-edge brain research and modern pedagogical practices, enabling an ever-evolving, responsive education for each child. In fact, every student benefits from a tailored educational plan that aligns with their individual pace and growth areas. This focused approach has led to Seven Arrows alums making significant impacts in competitive middle schools, as well as in their local and global communities. They enter college as well-rounded leaders, innovators, and ceaselessly curious individuals.
Village School
780 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades
Private; pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1 through 6
Private; pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1 through 6
Adjacent to The Alphabets neighborhoods, just south of Palisades Village, The Village School is a warm and supportive educational environment that prioritizes holistic development. In a truly collaborative effort between teachers and parents, students are enriched academically and given the tools to develop into engaged global citizens. The curriculum transcends basic academics, encouraging critical thought, artistic flair, and deep introspection. Students are viewed as continual explorers, molded to be persistent problem solvers and empathetic thinkers. Two campuses spanning 47,000 square feet feature state-of-the-art facilities. The Swarthmore Avenue side is academically focused, housing recently upgraded, technologically advanced classrooms, while the La Cruz Drive section is dedicated to athletics and arts, complete with a gym, theater, and various studios. Overall, the Village School offers its students a balanced, immersive, and innovative education.
Westside Waldorf School
McComb Campus, 17310 West Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades
Private; pre-school, kindergarten, grades 1 through 5
Spread across two campuses — an early childhood center in Santa Monica and the McComb Campus in Pacific Palisades — Westside Waldorf School is an educational sanctuary for the community's youngest learners. The school employs Waldorf teachings to cultivate well-rounded individuals by offering early development programs for nursery and pre-school ages and challenging yet fun educational opportunities for those in kindergarten through 5th grade. Students here benefit from a balanced "head, heart, and hands" approach, fostering both intellectual and emotional growth. The school aspires to be a long-term community for families.
Private; pre-school, kindergarten, grades 1 through 5
Spread across two campuses — an early childhood center in Santa Monica and the McComb Campus in Pacific Palisades — Westside Waldorf School is an educational sanctuary for the community's youngest learners. The school employs Waldorf teachings to cultivate well-rounded individuals by offering early development programs for nursery and pre-school ages and challenging yet fun educational opportunities for those in kindergarten through 5th grade. Students here benefit from a balanced "head, heart, and hands" approach, fostering both intellectual and emotional growth. The school aspires to be a long-term community for families.
Discover more about the Pacific Palisades
Interested in discovering even more about Pacific Palisades schools? Or perhaps you're drawn by the breathtaking scenery, The Alphabets lifestyle, or the countless number of things to do and see in and around this vaunted coastal community. Contact the O'Connor Estates team today to begin your Pacific Palisades real estate journey and uncover your perfect home in one of Southern California's most celebrated and sought-after luxury real estate markets. Our agents specialize in Pacific Palisades luxury homes and can help you find—and buy—the home of your dreams.
