Where Coastal Luxury Meets World-Class Education
At Trancas Malibu, we believe your home should elevate every part of your life, including your children’s education. Nestled along one of the most iconic coastlines in the world, Trancas offers more than luxurious architecture, gated privacy, and breathtaking views. It offers access to a wide array of premier private schools that align with the values of excellence, wellness, and intentional living.
This guide outlines the top private schools in the Malibu area, from preschools to college-prep high schools, all within a short drive from your front door.
Top Private Preschools in Malibu
Early education sets the foundation for lifelong learning. Malibu offers several nurturing, community-driven preschools that align beautifully with the wellness-focused lifestyle of Trancas families.
1. Gan Malibu Infant Center & Preschool
A Reggio Emilia, inspired school rooted in exploration, nature, and community. Offers infant care through Pre-K.
Location: Central Malibu
Highlights: Ocean-view campus, creative curriculum, Jewish values
Website: ganmalibu.com
2. Malibu Methodist Nursery School
A long standing, play-based preschool that fosters curiosity, empathy, and early childhood development.
Location: Near Malibu Civic Center
Highlights: Non-denominational, nature-integrated play, experienced staff
More Info: allthingsmalibu.com
3. Under the Oaks Preschool
Child led, nature-based preschool with programs from parent-child classes through Pre-K.
Location: Malibu Canyon
Highlights: Outdoor exploration, small class sizes, seasonal rhythm
Website: undertheoakspreschool.com
4. Children’s Creative Workshop
A nonprofit preschool with a focus on arts, phonics, music, and hands-on science.
Location: Central Malibu
Highlights: Balanced academic and creative learning, community-centered
5. Saint Aidan’s Preschool
A structured, nurturing preschool with a focus on emotional awareness and early academics.
Location: Malibu
Highlights: Family involvement, early literacy, nonprofit model
6. Wagon Wheel School of Malibu
A creative and holistic preschool known for thematic and emotionally intelligent learning.
Location: Point Dume
Highlights: Story-based teaching, social-emotional focus, long-standing reputation
More Info: malibu.org listing
7. Our Lady of Malibu Pre-K Program
This Pre-K option within a larger TK–8 school offers faith-based learning with strong academics.
Location: Central Malibu
Highlights: STEM foundation, spiritual values, tight-knit community
Website: ourladyofmalibu.org
Top Private Elementary and Secondary Schools Near Trancas
Whether your children are entering kindergarten or navigating college prep, these highly respected private institutions offer personalized attention, academic excellence, and community values.
1. Malibu Canyon School (K–8)
A whole child approach to learning focused on nature, emotional growth, and academic inquiry.
Location: Malibu Canyon
Highlights: Outdoor learning, small class sizes, creative integration
2. Our Lady of Malibu School (Pre-K–8)
Traditional Catholic education emphasizing academic discipline, moral development, and service.
Location: Central Malibu
Highlights: Faith-based values, arts and STEM, low student-teacher ratio
3. The Sycamore School (Grades 6–12)
Project based and inquiry driven, this school helps students build real-world problem solving skills.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Highlights: Personalized pathways, small cohorts, experiential learning
Website: sycamore-school.org
4. New Roads School (Grades K–12)
An award winning, inclusive school focused on social justice, critical thinking, and student agency.
Location: Santa Monica
Highlights: Cutting-edge curriculum, strong arts and media programs, college counseling
Website: newroads.org
5. St. Matthew’s Parish School (Preschool–8)
A leading Episcopal school with rigorous academics and strong character development.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Highlights: Traditional values, athletics, performing arts
Website: stmatthewsschool.com
Why Families Love Living at Trancas Malibu
Trancas Malibu is more than a collection of luxury homes, it’s a sanctuary for families. Designed to blend seamlessly into the Malibu landscape, each residence offers:
- Private, gated living with ocean or mountain views
- Access to top-rated private schools within 5–30 minutes
- A wellness-forward, nature-connected lifestyle
- A true sense of community, just minutes from Malibu Country Mart, beaches, and hiking trails
Living here means you don’t have to choose between world-class education and elevated coastal living, you can have both.