You bought your Granada Hills home partly for GHCHS access. You applied during the spring deadline. Lottery results came back in May. Your kid wasn't admitted. Now what? Approximately 15-30% of zoned applicants face this scenario every year. The good news: SFV has more strong public high school alternatives than most regions. The bad news: each requires its own application timeline, and the best alternatives need application before you even know your GHCHS lottery outcome. Below: the 5 best Plan B options ranked by quality + accessibility.
Option 1: North Hollywood Math/Science Magnet HS
| Location | 5231 Colfax Ave, North Hollywood (about 30 minutes from Granada Hills) |
| Type | LAUSD Magnet — application-based admission |
| Academic focus | STEM (math, science, engineering) |
| Niche grade | A+ |
| UC system acceptance rate | ~85%+ |
Best for: STEM-leaning students. Considered one of LAUSD's premier magnet schools. Application process takes time — apply in fall of 8th grade for 9th grade admission. Lottery + sibling priority + academic criteria. Highly competitive.
Option 2: Chatsworth Charter HS
| Location | 10027 Lurline Ave, Chatsworth (15-20 minutes from Granada Hills) |
| Type | LAUSD Charter — open enrollment |
| Niche grade | A |
| Notable programs | Comprehensive AP catalog, AVID, athletics |
Best for: families wanting a comprehensive high school similar to GHCHS but slightly less competitive. Open enrollment means easier admission than magnets. Reasonable commute from Granada Hills. Strong academic preparation but not at the same elite tier as GHCHS or NHMS.
Option 3: Northridge Academy Magnet HS
| Location | 9601 Zelzah Ave, Northridge (10-15 minutes from Granada Hills) |
| Type | LAUSD Magnet — application-based |
| Academic focus | Performing arts + academics |
| Niche grade | A- |
Best for: students with performing arts interests (theater, music, dance) plus solid academics. Good fit for creative-oriented kids. Application process similar to other LAUSD magnets.
Option 4: Reseda Academy Magnet HS
| Location | 18230 Kittridge St, Reseda (15-20 minutes from Granada Hills) |
| Type | LAUSD Magnet — application-based |
| Academic focus | Engineering + STEM |
| Niche grade | A- |
Best for: STEM-leaning students who don't get into NHMS. Smaller school feel than larger magnets. Strong robotics and engineering programs.
Option 5: Private School Alternatives
| School | Location | Tuition (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard-Westlake | Studio City | $46,000+ |
| Notre Dame HS | Sherman Oaks | $26,000 |
| Oakwood | North Hollywood | $48,000+ |
| Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES) | Tarzana — actually a magnet, not private | Free with admission |
| Marlborough (girls) | Hancock Park | $50,000+ |
Best for: families with the financial capacity AND a specific need (small class size, religious affiliation, particular philosophy). Private school is a legitimate Plan B for affordable families; for $50K+/year tuition over 4 years, you've spent the equivalent of a meaningful college tuition.
Option 6: Move to Simi Valley for SVUSD
The often-overlooked Plan B: sell your Granada Hills home, buy in Simi Valley, attend Santa Susana HS by attendance area (no lottery, no application). Santa Susana is a multi-time California Distinguished School with comparable academic quality to GHCHS and certainty of attendance.
The math: $1.05M Granada Hills home + 6% selling cost = $987K net. Buy $850K-$925K Simi Valley equivalent home. Pocket $50K-$135K + future $2,100/year property tax savings + insurance savings. Trade-off: 25-30 minutes longer commute + change of district.
For families primarily motivated by school certainty (not lottery uncertainty), this option deserves consideration BEFORE buying in Granada Hills.
Strategic Approach
Best practice: apply to GHCHS PLUS apply to NHMS PLUS apply to Northridge Academy + Reseda Academy in parallel during 8th grade. By spring of 8th grade, you'll have visibility into all options. This avoids the "GHCHS rejection in May, scrambling for alternatives" panic that many families experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple LAUSD magnets at once?
Yes — LAUSD's UnifiedEnrollment system lets you apply to multiple magnet/charter schools simultaneously. Standard practice is 3-5 applications across your top choices.
How early do I need to apply?
Most LAUSD magnets and charters require application by the November-February timeframe of 8th grade for 9th grade entry. Don't wait for GHCHS lottery results — apply in parallel.
Is North Hollywood Math/Science really better than GHCHS?
By academic measures (STEM rigor, test scores) — comparable or slightly stronger. By community + alumni network — GHCHS is broader. Different fits for different students.
Can my child commute to North Hollywood Math/Science from Granada Hills?
Yes — about 30-minute drive each way. Many families do this. Some take Metro or carpool. Consider transportation logistics before applying.
Is private school worth it as Plan B?
If you have $50K-$200K to spend over 4 years AND your child has specific need that magnet schools don't address (small class size, religious affiliation, particular pedagogy), yes. Otherwise, the LAUSD magnet alternatives are competitive academically without the cost.
Should I apply to private as backup even if I prefer public?
Many families do — apply to private, then decline if magnet/lottery succeeds. Most private schools require deposits to hold spot; verify deposit-refundability if you might decline.
Will moving to Simi Valley really save money on schools?
If you'd considered private school as Plan B ($30K-$50K/year × 4 years = $120K-$200K), then yes — moving to Simi Valley for free Santa Susana HS attendance is significantly cheaper than private. Plus you get $200K+ in home equity arbitrage.
Work with Brian
Whether you're researching the market or ready to make a move, Brian Cooper has 20+ years of Los Angeles and Ventura County real estate experience, an 18-day average days-on-market, and a 101% sale-to-list ratio. Contact Brian or call (805) 723-2498.
