Southwestern Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 70 students
Yearly Tuition: $47,700
Acceptance rate: 50%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Southwestern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Students By Grade

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Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Southwestern Academy
6	3
7	9
8	3
9	8
10	20
11	10
12	17

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild Learning Differences

Year Founded

1924

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

70 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

61%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

17 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

8 students

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

slacks, button up shirts, tennis shoes, dresses, skirts, blouses

Number of AP Courses

6 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

State or regional independent school association
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Other school association(s)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$47,700

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Cost is for US boarding students; aid is available for outstanding applicants. International boarding student tuition and fees $50,500

% on Financial Aid

20%

Acceptance Rate

50%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Elena Lopez

Admissions Associate

Daisy Barrios

Sports

Total Sports Offered

7 sports

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

9 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

DramaPhotography

Student Government

Club or Organization:

AmbassadorsChess Club

Interact ClubInternational Club

Southwestern Arts Association (SAS)Southwestern Environmental Associates

School Notes

Founded in 1924 when San Marino was covered in orange groves, Southwestern Academy has become a school rich in culture and diversity.
For 99 years, we have supported the educational needs of both domestic and international students in grades 6-12.
Our close-knit community of faculty and staff make every student feel like part of our family.
Southwestern Academy has a picturesque campus with boarding and day classes in San Marino, California.
Our unique campus provides a peaceful, safe, and beautiful space for students to thrive.
Our small class settings allow students to receive the attention they require while maximizing their abilities to develop. Academic programs on both campuses include college preparatory courses, ELL classes (for English Language Learners), and post graduate curricula.
Extracurricular activities include soccer, tennis, volleyball, music, visual/media arts, basketball, and baseball along with several clubs suited for a variety of interests.

Southwestern Academy seeks students who:

Are serious about preparing for college
Want small class sizes and individual attention from their teachers
Are willing to be challenged to think independently and who want to take an active role in their own education
Want to be part of a small and close-knit campus community with students from around the world
Are willing to serve others and are generous with their time and talents
Are excited about outdoor learning and outdoor activities

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tom and Dick Smothers - Entertainers
- Pete McCloskey - Congressman
- Riki Ellison - Pro football; political action head
- George Ruhlen - Medal of Honor winner
- Nikola Stajszczak - Polish Model

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southwestern Academy cost?

Southwestern Academy's tuition is approximately $47,700 for private students.

What schools are Southwestern Academy often compared to?

Southwestern Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Verde Valley School by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Southwestern Academy?

The acceptance rate of Southwestern Academy is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Southwestern Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from Southwestern Academy?

Southwestern Academy famous alumni include: Tom and Dick Smothers, Pete McCloskey, Riki Ellison, George Ruhlen and Nikola Stajszczak.

Does Southwestern Academy offer a summer program?

Yes, Southwestern Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Southwestern Academy offer?

Southwestern Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.

What is Southwestern Academy's ranking?

Southwestern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Southwestern Academy?

The application deadline for Southwestern Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 4/5/2024

I attended from 8th through 12th grade at the Beaver Creek Campus. The campus was beautiful, and I learned so much about different cultures and made friends with people I still hold dear 30+ years later.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Jennifer Noss

5 8/28/2020

I had the blessing of attending SWA Beaver Creek. It has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life. It was an excellent opportunity to grow personally and professionally as a student.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Fco

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Los Angeles County, CA is $18,294 for elementary schools and $23,987 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Los Angeles County, CA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).