Malibu isn’t just famous for its stunning coastline—it’s also home to top-tier schools offering excellent academic standards, small class sizes, and progressive programs. Whether you're seeking traditional public schooling, faith-based education, or specialty private institutions, Malibu provides a rich tapestry of choices.
📚 Public Schools
Webster & Malibu Elementary Schools (K–5)
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Webster Elementary earns strong A‑grades (GreatSchools: 9/10) with ~214 students, 18:1 student-teacher ratio, and ~82% reading proficiency allthingsmalibu.com+1niche.com+1homes.com+1greatschools.org+1.
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Malibu Elementary also celebrates an A-grading with ~207 students and balanced proficiency levels en.wikipedia.org.
Malibu Middle School (6–8)
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Holds an A-grade and ~15:1 student-teacher ratio, with ~78% reading proficiency—delivering solid preparation for high school .
Malibu High School (9–12)
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The town’s lone public high school serves ~412 students; it's A-rated (Niche, GreatSchools), schools above-average in statewide academic metrics usnews.com+9homes.com+9usnews.com+9.
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Offers AP courses, gifted programs, and a robust special education department .
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Recognized for strong academic outcomes and high graduation rates (96% vs CA average 84%) niche.com+5schooldigger.com+5homes.com+5.
✝️ Private & Alternative Schools
Our Lady of Malibu School (PK–8)
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A faith-based private school with ~115 students; it boasts an A+ on Niche and reviews averaging 4.7/5 homes.com+1niche.com+1.
Point Dume School (1–8)
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A specialized private school, serving ~21 students, 100% acceptance, recommended for those needing tailored learning approaches and small cohorts privateschoolreview.com.
Sycamore School (K–8)
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A boutique private school (~42 students, 5:1 ratio) praised on Yelp and Homes.com reviews for its close-knit environment .
MUSE Global School (PK–12, Malibu Canyon)
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Founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, it’s the first vegan K–12 institution in the U.S., with ~178 students and a 6:1 ratio en.wikipedia.org.
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Focused on sustainability, passion-based, student-driven learning .
🏫 Nearby Higher-End & Specialty Schools
These schools, while outside Malibu proper (mostly Calabasas/Santa Monica), are popular choices for Malibu residents looking for rigorous academics:
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Crossroads School (Santa Monica, K–12) – Niche A+, ~7:1 ratio, ~1,200 students privateschoolreview.com+11niche.com+11niche.com+11niche.com.
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Viewpoint School (Calabasas, PK–12) – A+, ~7:1 ratio, ~1,100 students niche.com+5niche.com+5niche.com+5.
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MUSE Global (Calabasas campus) – mentioned above niche.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3niche.com+3.
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Fusion Academy (LA) – Personalized one-on-one learning, ideal for neurodiverse learners .
📝 Choosing the Right Fit
| School | Who It’s Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | Families seeking well-rounded, academically solid public education | High proficiency rates, strong AP/gifted programs |
| Our Lady of Malibu | Parents looking for faith-based, small-class PK–8 | Strong community feel with A+ ratings |
| Point Dume | Learners with special needs or requiring personalized attention | Tiny class size, high flexibility |
| Sycamore School | Families wanting intimate private schooling | Boutique environment with low student ratio |
| MUSE | Eco-conscious families seeking holistic, student-led learning | Vegan ethos, sustainability focus |
| Crossroads/Viewpoint | Families wanting elite academics with strong arts/sports | Rigorous curriculum, wide extracurriculars |
✅ Final Thoughts
Malibu offers a diverse range of top-tier educational opportunities. Public schools here are academically outstanding, while private and specialty schools provide alternatives tailored to different values, learning styles, and class formats. To choose the best fit:
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Visit campuses – see the culture and energy in person.
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Identify priorities – academics, class size, faith, special needs, or sustainability.
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Review metrics – academic ratings, student-teacher ratios, graduation rates, and parent feedback.
With so many excellent options in and around Malibu, families can find a school that aligns perfectly with their child's needs and aspirations.
Would you like help comparing a few of these schools side-by-side, or more information on admissions timelines and tuition?
