Direct AnswerTarzana's one verified in-neighborhood private school is Woodcrest School, a PK-8 day school. Families also draw on nearby private schools in Encino and Woodland Hills (Los Encinos, Crespi Carmelite, Westmark, Louisville, St. Mel). The Buckley School - sometimes wrongly linked to Tarzana - is in Sherman Oaks. There is no school called 'Buckley Valley,' and Welby Way is a public West Hills charter, not a private school.
Private-school proximity drives a lot of Valley home searches. Here is the accurate picture for Tarzana - including a few corrections to commonly repeated misinformation.
The verified Tarzana private school
Woodcrest School is a private PK-8 day school located in Tarzana - the one genuinely in-neighborhood private option I can confirm.
Nearby private schools (Encino & Woodland Hills)
- The Buckley School (Sherman Oaks) - private K-12 college-prep; serves Valley families broadly, but it is a Sherman Oaks school, not a Tarzana one.
- Los Encinos School (Encino) - independent K-6.
- Crespi Carmelite High School (Encino) - private boys, 9-12.
- Westmark School (Encino) - private, grades 3-12.
- Louisville High School (Woodland Hills) - private girls, 9-12.
- St. Mel School (Woodland Hills) - Catholic K-8.
Setting the record straight: The Buckley School is in Sherman Oaks, not Tarzana. There is no school called "Buckley Valley." And "Welby Way" is a public LAUSD charter elementary in West Hills - not a private feeder. If a listing claims otherwise, verify before relying on it.
How to use this when buying
Private schools admit by application, not by home address - so "near" a school is about commute and community, not a guaranteed seat. If a specific school is central to your decision, confirm enrollment and timelines with the school directly before you write an offer. For public-school boundaries instead, use the LAUSD School Finder.
See also: Tarzana real estate · Tarzana 91356 ZIP guide · Encino.
