Best of the Beach Schools 2024
Private High School
Bishop Montgomery High School
Bishop Montgomery High School is dedicated to providing a high-quality, faith-based education for students of all backgrounds.
“Our demographic makeup is not a giant population of any one group,” Tiffanie Tolsma, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, said. “We draw from over 45 different schools within a 13-mile radius.”
According to Tolsma, they’re California’s third most diverse high school.
With an enrollment of 900, they offer 60 clubs and 19 Honors and AP classes.
“We have all the things you would want in a high school experience, but we’re small enough so that kids don’t get lost here,” said Tolsma.
For students at Bishop Montgomery, the community is what really makes their school stand out.
“I think that Bishop Montgomery High School was voted Best of the Beach because we are truly a united community that embodies the spirit of everything that not only a high school, but a Catholic high school, should be,” senior Angel Llamas said. “BMHS is a place where everyone can find their own niche and be able to thrive in preparation for their future.”
Bishop Montgomery
5430 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance
(310) 540-2021
Peninsula Heritage’s seven-to-one student-teacher ratio allows the faculty to meet every student’s individual needs. Photo courtesy of Peninsula Heritage
Private Elementary School
Peninsula Heritage School
Peninsula Heritage School offers a robust, academic-focused program for kids from kindergarten through eighth grade.
“This independent school helps each child develop their special talents and full sense of self as an individual with innate, unlimited abilities,” Joan E. Behrens, Director of Advancement, wrote in an email. “Believing that it is vital to be able to relate to others different from oneself, we strive to have a diverse and inclusive student body.”
With a student-to-teacher ratio of seven to one, Behrens believes they “are able to address the individual needs of each child and help them achieve a balance of academic excellence, physical aptitude, and a strong character.”
Programs include music, performing arts, laboratory science, coding, Spanish classes, fine arts, and physical education
“They meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of each child individually,” Lauren Schlesinger, a parent of two children who attend the school said. “I highly recommend the school – it’s been like a second home to my children.”
Peninsula Heritage School
26944 Rolling Hills Rd.
Rolling Hills Estates
(310) 541-4795
Manhattan Academy offers a Montessori-based curriculum, which includes art, dance, and Spanish, as well as swimming, gardening and cooking. Photo courtesy of Manhattan Academy
Private Pre School
Manhattan Academy
Manhattan Academy, a South Bay institution since 1975, is no stranger to the Best of the Beach award for Best Private Preschool.
“I think we were voted Best of the Beach because we offer a very unique program,” Shannon Robley, the school’s director, said. “Our school is very hands-on with small teacher-to-student ratios, and our teachers genuinely love what they do. I think that shines through with our work with the children.”
The private preschool is based in Manhattan Beach and enrolls students from six weeks to fifth grade. Its teachings are based on the Montessori method, and the staff works with each child individually to meet each child where they are socially, emotionally, and academically.
“Having that as our mission just really makes us unique in the way we work with children,” Robley said. “We show genuine love and respect and it’s peaceful and kind and calm all the time.”
They offer a top-of-the-line educational experience and extracurriculars such as swimming, gardening, cooking, art and dance classes, Spanish language classes, and other cultural enrichment opportunities.
“Every single adult who works there is so kind, they really love the kids,” parent Rachel Andrews said. “They are so intentional with everything. All lessons and events are really well planned, and they really emphasize independence and learning.”
Manhattan Academy
1740 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 374-1804