Chatsworth Hills Academy

Over a decade ago, while touring every private school in the North Valley, I turned the corner at Rinaldi and found an oasis. Settled on 16 acres of pristine and preserved land, the CHA campus feels like a year-round summer camp that you would find in the mountains, so far away from the urban world of LA. My wife and I fell in love with the school, not only for it’s natural feel, but for it’s outstanding program… and to this day, school has far exceeded our expectations.

It has been eleven years, three kids and lifetime of memories. At CHA, we found not only a top-tier program and the best faculty in the Valley (hands down), we also became part of a close-knit and supportive community of like-minded parents who only want the best for our children.

With small class sizes and a caring faculty, no child is overlooked or left behind. Every student benefits from individualized attention, whether they need a little extra help to catch-up, or greater challenges when they get ahead. The faculty communicates and grows with the student. Every teacher, regardless of grade, knows every child, resulting in the student firmly supported from pre-school, through lower school and on to middle school. The Advisory Program in Middle School helps the student structure and organize life (in prep for high school), while supporting the emotional development of adolescence. The Middle School also provides plenty of opportunity for expression, whether it’s music, sports, drama or mock trial (which was an incredible unit). When you see your son argue a court case in front of a real judge in a real downtown courtroom, you realize how the entire school curriculum (beginning with that same little boy sharing a book in kindergarten) brought you to that moment. Everyone is encouraged, and has the opportunity, to try everything and anything. The result is a wealth of experience - and an increased confidence - that supports the student in the big wide world of high school.

I currently have a 3rd grader and a 7th grader. My oldest is now at Notre Dame HS, where he is an athlete (swim), an artist (band) and an academic (maxima cum laude). I credit the incredible faculty at CHA for instilling in him the confidence and ability to soar wherever life takes him. The CHA program reinforces core values of respect, integrity, friendship and citizenship. It is not only my son - his peers are all responsible young adults, and while they each matriculated to top schools like Viewpoint, Buckley, Campbell Hall, Chaminade, Crespi and Louisville, they still stick together. I like to say that at CHA, we make good humans!

Amazing school located on 16+ acres. The campus is tucked away and offers a peaceful, camp-like setting. My two children have attended CHA for the last three years and absolutely love it! The teachers are outstanding and genuinely care about their students. CHA provides all of the specialist programs that can get cut from public schools - PE, Music, Art, Spanish, Computer lab etc. The academic program is top notch and class sizes are small. CHA focuses on character development and nurturing each child so they graduate from CHA confident, well-rounded and ready to start high school. CHA also has a wonderful community of families. It is a small school so the kids know each other and most of the parents know each other as well. If you are considering private school you must take a tour of CHA and see for yourself!

All 3 of my children LOVE Chatsworth Hills Academy and with good reason. Chatsworth Hills Academy (preschool - 8th Grade) is a truly special place. Academically it's outstanding, with small class sizes and creative teachers who ensure each child gets the individual attention and extra enrichment and/or support they need. For example, my daughter is an avid reacher and in 4th grade her teacher designed a special literature program just for her! The teachers do an amazing job of bringing the subjects to life. 5th grade Colonial Day is an experience not to be missed!

Outside of the academic program, what makes CHA really shine is its incredible atmosphere -- the strong sense of community and the stunningly scenic campus. Faculty and students genuinely care about one another and parents are encouraged, but not pressured, to get involved. People are warm, down-to-each and do what they can to make each child shine. In the 2 years we've been part of the school, my children, my husband and I have made deep and lasting friendships.

A large part of CHA's charm comes from its secluded, nature-studded campus. Forget asphalt and fences, CHA is 16 acres of trees, creeks and natural terrain. An old Chumash Indian site, the school even has cave drawings! Students hike, chase lizards and enjoy a hands-on approach to science and nature.

It's a wonderful feeling to know that when I drop my kids off at school every morning they are going to a beautiful place where they will be supported in every way. It's also fantastic not having to fight about going -- all 3 truly want to be there! I highly recommend CHA to everyone.