The Buckley School is one of Los Angeles’s most prestigious private schools, renowned for its high level of academic preparation, individualized approach to learning, and celebrity alumni. Located in the upscale Sherman Oaks neighborhood, the school is a top choice for children from wealthy and influential families. Learn about the best art schools in Los Angeles. More at losangeles1.one.
School History and Philosophy
The school was founded in 1933 by Isabelle Buckley, who aimed to create an educational institution that blended academic discipline, creative development, and character education. Buckley became the first private school in Los Angeles to operate under the “K-12” system (from kindergarten through 12th grade).
The school adheres to the Four-Fold Plan of Education, emphasizing academics, the arts, athletics, and moral education. These pillars remain the foundation of the school and are continually updated to reflect current research in teaching, brain science, diversity, and the globalized world. It is a dynamic, nurturing, and learning community committed to equity and inclusivity. Innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage, and collaboration. By promoting the balanced development of mind, body, and character, The Buckley School encourages every student to find joy and meaning in life and make an impact on the world.
Academic Program
The Buckley School is known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which helps graduates gain admission to the world’s top universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and UCLA. Key educational areas include:
- STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)—with an emphasis on innovation and research projects.
- Humanities—Including literature, history, and philosophy.
- Arts and Music—Covering painting, design, and theater arts.
- Athletics—The school boasts strong basketball, soccer, and tennis teams.
- Social Responsibility—Students actively participate in charitable initiatives.
Another distinguishing feature of the school is its small class sizes, typically capped at 20 students. This allows teachers to give maximum attention to each individual. Teachers actively cultivate an environment where diverse perspectives and individual interests drive the development of essential skills. Through collaboration, intellectual risk-taking, and embracing failure as part of the learning process, the school instills the values of empathy, perseverance, and hard work. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their education and prepares them to become the architects of their own future.
The program enhances both academic and social skills with an emphasis on real-world problem-solving. Class options include both required courses and electives, helping middle school students find and develop their voice. All upper school students are required to take five academic courses each year, plus two electives per semester.
A key component of the sixth-grade curriculum is the Empathy Project—a creative writing course designed to foster empathy and positivity among students. Through a series of creative writing assignments, both comprehensive and concise, students practice the skills necessary to unlock their voices. In addition to these writing activities, the course integrates mindfulness techniques, such as guided meditation and breathing exercises, to help students develop a sense of calm.
All seventh-grade students take one semester of Life Skills. This course is designed to explore fundamental aspects of their development, including understanding learning methods, fostering emotional well-being, practicing responsible online behavior, and cultivating empathy. Through a dynamic blend of informational sessions and interactive activities, students engage in discussions covering various topics, from understanding sexual development and substance awareness to strengthening mental health. This comprehensive approach encourages open conversations.
The private school boasts a modern campus, equipped with science laboratories featuring state-of-the-art equipment, art studios for drawing, music, and theater, sports complexes with basketball courts, soccer fields, and a swimming pool, and a library with digital research resources.
Extracurricular Activities
Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in discussions across various clubs. The school runs an environmental club, a diversity club, a spelling club, a geography club, debate, and robotics.
During lunch, 6th through 8th graders can visit the exploration space for research, group challenges, arts and crafts, and creative play. Here, students design and create various items using a wide range of materials.
Outdoor education is a vital part of the school experience, with exciting multi-day trips being a regular practice. Children study wildlife in a natural environment, practice snorkeling, kayaking, and gather around bonfires. These expeditions promote empathy, teamwork, self-confidence, and a love for nature. Through these experiences, students strengthen friendships, form new bonds, and create lasting memories.
In addition to classes in theater, music, filmmaking, and dance, middle school students have the opportunity to perform in several shows and festivals throughout the year. All students participate in the annual Spring Dance Festival, which includes dance performances for both middle and upper school. Middle school musicians perform in one of three concerts in both the fall and spring. “South by South Buckley” is an annual film festival held in May, showcasing films created by the school’s students.
The Writing Lab is a workshop designed to help students improve the clarity and effectiveness of their writing. Students practice writing explanatory, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive paragraphs and learn about the editing process. The teacher works individually with each student to address their challenges and answer questions. Middle and upper school students can seek assistance with specific assignments or attend classes upon recommendation from their homeroom teacher. Students in the journalism club learn all aspects of journalism, starting with the basics of writing, photography, interviewing, and editing. Teachers also discuss how to distinguish reliable journalism from fiction and how to become more well-known. By the end of the semester, students produce an issue of the school newspaper, “The Junior Voice.” In addition to print journalism, the club also explores podcasts and social media and how to reach audiences through the multitude of ways available to journalists today.
Notable Alumni
The private school is famous for its stellar graduates, who include: socialite Paris Hilton, entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, actor Matthew Perry, actress Lily Collins, producer Ryan S. Murphy, and actor Nicholas Hoult.
The Buckley School is not just a school, but an institution that nurtures future leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Thanks to its high standards in education, discipline, and creative development, it remains one of the top educational institutions in Los Angeles.