Sierra Canyon School is a private school in Chatsworth, California, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Its independent, coeducational, nonsectarian program gives families a school pathway from early childhood to college preparation. Younger children attend the Lower Campus, while Middle and Upper School students share the Upper Campus. For parents comparing private schools in Chatsworth, the distinction matters: each stage has its own academic focus and daily experience. Sierra Canyon combines classroom learning with creative and physical activities, allowing families to consider both academic expectations and the opportunities available beyond regular lessons. School information
The academic journey changes as children grow. In the Lower School, teachers use small-group instruction and differentiated reading and mathematics activities. Middle School introduces subject-based learning alongside support for students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Upper School emphasizes independent thinking, collaboration, and college preparation. Meanwhile, visual and performing arts give students opportunities to create, rehearse, and present their work. Families researching Sierra Canyon School admissions can therefore look beyond the entry grade alone. The curriculum provides useful context for understanding how a child’s interests, responsibilities, and learning experiences may develop through later school years. Lower School, Middle School, Upper School
Practical details also deserve attention when comparing schools. Sierra Canyon School tuition varies by grade, and families should distinguish annual tuition from additional charges. The school also publishes information about financial aid, transportation, and extended care. This directory brings those details together with academic programs and Sierra Canyon School reviews to support a more informed comparison. Tuition figures below apply to 2026–2027; application dates refer to entry in 2027–2028. Keeping those years separate helps parents plan the correct budget and application timeline while exploring whether the school fits their child’s needs and their household’s routine. Tuition and financial aid, Application timeline
Basic Information
Sierra Canyon’s educational identity centers on college preparation and personal development. Its published values include excellence, integrity, community, independence, and perspective. These principles describe an approach that encourages students to develop their abilities while recognizing their responsibilities to others. The school’s history began with a day camp in 1972, followed by the opening of its elementary school in 1978. Its Upper School opened in 2005, extending the educational pathway into high school. Today, families considering this independent school in Chatsworth can compare its mission with the kind of learning environment they want for their children. Mission, values, and history
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| School name | Sierra Canyon School |
| School type | Private, independent, coeducational, college preparatory school |
| Religious affiliation | Nonsectarian |
| Grade range | Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 12 |
| Lower School | Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 6 |
| Middle School | Grades 7–8 |
| Upper School | Grades 9–12 |
| School established | 1978 |
| Tagline | “Learning Forward” |
| Motto | “Excellentia propter se” — “Excellence is its own reward” |
The school publishes its classification and tagline on its official website and its motto in the Head of School welcome.
Contact & Location Details
Sierra Canyon School uses two campus addresses in Chatsworth. Families visiting the Lower School should use the Independence Avenue location. Visits involving Middle or Upper School take place at the Rinaldi Street campus. Selecting the correct campus is especially useful when arranging an admissions appointment or planning a school commute. The school publishes a central telephone number alongside dedicated financial aid and transportation contacts. It also provides interactive campus tours, allowing prospective families to explore the setting before an in-person visit. These resources offer a practical starting point when researching Sierra Canyon School’s location and campus arrangements. Campus information
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lower School address | 11052 Independence Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311 |
| Middle & Upper School address | 20801 Rinaldi Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 |
| Main telephone | (818) 882-8121 |
| Official website | Sierra Canyon School |
| Financial aid email | FA@sierracanyonschool.org |
| Transportation email | transportation@sierracanyonschool.org |
| Transportation telephone | (818) 882-8121, extension 1162 |
| Interactive campus maps | Explore the Lower and Upper campuses |
Contact information appears on the school’s financial aid and transportation pages.
Academic & Curriculum
Sierra Canyon’s curriculum develops from foundational learning into increasingly independent academic work. Lower School instruction includes differentiated reading and mathematics within a liberal arts framework. Middle School students study core academic subjects alongside fine arts, physical education, and human development. At the Upper School level, students explore their interests through academic work, creative projects, and college preparation. The arts pathway also progresses with age: younger students build fundamental skills, while older students can develop work for college or art-school applications. This progression gives parents comparing Chatsworth private schools specific areas to examine beyond a general description of academic rigor. Lower School curriculum, Visual arts curriculum
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Academic approach | College preparatory education with differentiated instruction in Lower School |
| Lower School reading and mathematics | Instruction adjusted to students’ learning needs |
| Lower School specialist subjects | Music, art, computer science, library, Spanish, and physical education |
| Middle School core subjects | English, history, mathematics, science, and world languages |
| Additional Middle School subjects | Fine arts, physical education, and human development |
| Advanced visual arts | Portfolio development and Advanced Placement Studio Art pathway |
| College counseling | Individual counseling begins in Grade 10 and continues through Grade 12 |
Subject information is published in the admission FAQs and Middle School curriculum. The school also outlines its college counseling program.
Programs & Timing
School hours differ across Sierra Canyon’s grade levels, making the daily schedule an important part of family planning. Pre-Kindergarten finishes earlier than Kindergarten through Grade 6, while Middle and Upper School share another timetable. Lower School families also have access to complimentary care before and after lessons. Separately, enrichment classes provide opportunities to explore interests such as music, mathematics, robotics, and architecture. The school offers these activities for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 during fall and spring semesters. Summer programming adds academic opportunities, day camp, and sports camps to the wider range of experiences available through Sierra Canyon. Extended care and enrichment, Summer programs
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten hours | 8:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. |
| Kindergarten–Grade 6 hours | 8:45 a.m.–3:10 p.m. |
| Grades 7–12 hours | 8:30 a.m.–2:55 p.m. |
| Lower School before-school care | Available from 7:00 a.m.; complimentary |
| Lower School after-school care | Available until 6:00 p.m.; complimentary |
| Enrichment eligibility | Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 6 |
| Enrichment schedule | Before- and after-school offerings, Monday–Friday, during fall and spring semesters |
| Summer program categories | Academic programs, summer day camp, and sports camps |
Daily hours are listed in the school’s admission FAQs.
Fees & Admissions
Sierra Canyon School fees include annual tuition and additional charges identified in its financial policies. Families should review the full cost structure, particularly the enrollment deposit, one-time new-student fee, and grade-specific expenses. Payment arrangements also matter because installment plans carry service charges. Need-based financial aid is available for eligible Kindergarten through Grade 12 families, with a separate application through Clarity. For admission, requirements vary by grade and include recommendations, school records, and assessments or interviews. The school has published its 2027–2028 application cycle, while the tuition schedule below covers 2026–2027. These are separate planning periods. Financial policies, Admission requirements
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten tuition, 2026–2027 | $29,150 annually |
| Kindergarten–Grade 6 tuition, 2026–2027 | $41,800 annually |
| Grades 7–8 tuition, 2026–2027 | $48,600 annually |
| Grades 9–12 tuition, 2026–2027 | $48,600 annually |
| New-student fee, 2026–2027 | One-time charge of $2,000 |
| Enrollment deposit, 2026–2027 | $5,000; nonrefundable |
| Yearbook fee, 2026–2027 | $90 |
| Middle & Upper School activity and supplies fee, 2026–2027 | $500 |
| Payment options | Full payment, two payments, four payments, or ten monthly installments through Blackbaud Tuition Management |
| Installment service charges | Two payments: 5.5%; four payments: 8.5%; monthly plan: 10% |
| Financial aid eligibility | Demonstrated financial need; Kindergarten–Grade 12 |
| Financial aid application | Separate Clarity application; annual reapplication required |
| 2027–2028 application status | Applications available |
| Regular application deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Supplemental documents deadline | January 8, 2027 |
| New-applicant financial aid deadline | January 8, 2027 |
| Standardized testing, Grades 6–11 | School-administered results accepted; ISEE or SSAT may be submitted |
| Testing deadline | February 1, 2027 |
| Admission decisions | March 12, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. |
The amounts above come from the 2026–2027 Lower School fee schedule and Middle & Upper School fee schedule. Dates and testing requirements follow the official application instructions.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Sierra Canyon’s campus arrangement gives different age groups distinct spaces for school life. Middle School students have a dedicated quad within the Upper Campus, while sharing the wider setting with high school students. On the Lower Campus, Founders Hall houses Grades 5 and 6. Families can use the school’s interactive maps and 360-degree views to explore campus spaces before visiting. Transportation is another practical feature: the school publishes a bus service covering parts of Greater Los Angeles. Its current transportation information describes vehicle equipment, driver certification, and annual charges, helping families assess the commute alongside the learning environment. Middle School campus, Campus tours, Bus service
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campus arrangement | Lower Campus and Upper Campus |
| Founders Hall | Houses Lower School students in Grades 5–6 |
| Middle School outdoor space | Dedicated quad on the Upper Campus |
| Virtual facilities tour | Interactive maps and 360-degree campus views |
| Bus service coverage | Westside, San Fernando Valley, and Santa Clarita Valley |
| Published shuttle locations | 12 |
| Bus equipment | Seatbelts and air conditioning |
| Bus drivers | Certified drivers, according to the school |
| Round-trip transportation, 2026–2027 | $4,950 |
| One-way transportation, 2026–2027 | $2,850 |
Founders Hall is identified on the tuition page, and transportation details appear in the 2026–2027 service information.
Staff & Management
Sierra Canyon’s current leadership pages identify administrators responsible for the school and its divisions. Head of School Stephanie Rubin describes an educational approach that combines individual growth with academic challenge. Divisional leaders provide additional points of reference for families exploring the Lower, Middle, and Upper School experience. Governance includes a Board of Trustees, chaired by Matthew Heyn. Beyond administration, the arts department states that its teachers are practicing artists who involve students in the creative process. These published roles help parents understand how leadership, subject expertise, and divisional oversight contribute to the school’s educational structure. Head of School welcome, School leadership, Arts faculty approach
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Head of School | Stephanie Rubin |
| Lower School Director | Kristine Theodoratos |
| Director of Grades 7–9 | Lindsay Koss |
| Upper School Director | Dr. Ryan Staude |
| Board of Trustees Chairman | Matthew Heyn |
| Founding Trustee | Howard Wang |
| Arts faculty | Practicing artists, as stated by the school |
Divisional names and titles are published on the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School pages.
Events, Activities & Extracurriculars
Learning beyond regular lessons takes several forms at Sierra Canyon. Peak Week gives Middle and Upper School students a choice of local, domestic, and international experiences each year. The published examples range from creative workshops to travel and outdoor activities. Arts events provide another way for students to share their work. The Spring Arts Festival spans a month and includes visual and performing arts across divisions. Meanwhile, the performing arts program includes concerts, plays, and dance presentations. Together, these opportunities give families concrete examples of how students can explore interests, collaborate with classmates, and take part in school events. Peak Week, Spring Arts Festival
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Signature experiential program | Annual Peak Week for Middle and Upper School |
| Peak Week formats | Local, domestic, and international experiences |
| Published past Peak Week examples | 3-D printing, Los Angeles art exploration, cooking, hiking and mindfulness, and an East Coast college tour |
| Visual arts | Foundational study, advanced creative work, and portfolio development |
| Performing arts | Music, dance, theater, concerts, and plays |
| Spring Arts Festival | Month-long showcase involving students across divisions |
| Annual dance event | “One Night Only,” featuring Middle and Upper School dance students |
| Sports listed by the school | Basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, swimming, cross country, golf, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, and others |
Arts details appear in the visual arts and performing arts descriptions. Sports are listed in the school’s official athletics navigation.
Reviews & Accreditations
Parents reading Sierra Canyon School reviews can find firsthand accounts on Niche. Its school profile displays feedback from parents and alumni, so the overall score should not be described as a parent-only rating. One parent review dated April 30, 2025 discusses teaching, sports, and support for an overseas family. The same reviewer also expresses a wish for more lunch choices. Such comments offer individual perspectives rather than guaranteed experiences for every child. Reading the review date, reviewer category, and full account provides more useful context than considering a star rating alone. Niche school profile and reviews
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Review platform | Niche |
| Displayed overall rating | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Published review count | 173 |
| Rating checked | September 11, 2026 |
| Reviewer categories represented | Parents and alumni |
| Parent review example | April 30, 2025: positive comments about teaching, athletics, and family support; requested more lunch options |
| Read published feedback | Sierra Canyon School reviews on Niche |
Parent Communication & Amenities
Sierra Canyon provides several resources that support family involvement and everyday planning. Its website links to the mySC login portal, while published financial schedules identify Parent Association dues. For older students, college counseling includes meetings with families and evening presentations about applications, testing, and college affordability. These sessions give parents opportunities to understand the process alongside their children. Lower School families also have access to supervised extended care and a complimentary Homework Club for eligible grades. Considering these resources together can help parents evaluate how the school fits their schedules and supports participation throughout their child’s education. College counseling for families, Extended care and Homework Club
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| School login portal | mySC |
| Parent Association dues, 2026–2027 | $180 in the published fee schedules |
| Family college counseling | Individual meetings with students and families beginning in Grade 10 |
| Parent information events | Family College Nights, testing presentations, and college-affordability sessions |
| Homework Club | Complimentary, faculty-supervised homework space for Grades 1–6; advance registration requested |
| Homework Club scope | Homework completion space; not individual tutoring |
| Lower School family amenity | Complimentary supervised care before and after school |
| Tuition payment platform | Blackbaud Tuition Management |
Parent Association dues and payment arrangements appear in the Lower School financial policies and Middle & Upper School financial policies.
Conclusion
Sierra Canyon offers families a combination of college preparation, arts participation, and experiential learning within a Pre-K–12 pathway. Its Peak Week program is one distinctive feature to explore during a school visit. When comparing private schools in Chatsworth, consider the curriculum alongside tuition and daily travel. You can also browse more California schools to build a broader shortlist.
FAQs
How much is Sierra Canyon School tuition?
For 2026–2027, annual tuition is $29,150 for Pre-Kindergarten, $41,800 for Kindergarten–Grade 6, and $48,600 for Grades 7–12. Additional fees apply. Official tuition schedule
What is the minimum age for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten?
Pre-Kindergarten applicants must be four by August 1 of their entry year. Kindergarten applicants must be five by that date. Admission age requirements
How do families apply to Sierra Canyon School?
Submit an online application, followed by grade-specific recommendations and school records. Applicants also complete the required assessment or interview. Grades 6–11 must submit standardized testing results under the school’s published testing policy. Application steps
What are Sierra Canyon School’s hours?
Pre-Kindergarten runs from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Kindergarten–Grade 6 runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Grades 7–12 run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. School hours
Does Sierra Canyon provide financial aid?
Yes. Need-based aid supports qualifying Kindergarten–Grade 12 families. Families apply separately through Clarity and must reapply annually. The school states that it does not offer merit-based scholarships. Financial aid information, Scholarship policy
Is school bus transportation available?
Yes. The school publishes 12 shuttle-stop locations across the Westside, San Fernando Valley, and Santa Clarita Valley. For 2026–2027, service costs $4,950 round-trip or $2,850 one-way. Transportation information
Does Sierra Canyon offer before- and after-school care?
Yes. Lower School families receive complimentary care before school from 7:00 a.m. and after school until 6:00 p.m. Separate enrichment activities are also offered. Extended care and enrichment
