The Whitney Guide

Calmont School

Calmont School is located in Topanga Canyon on 20 bucolic acres, a very impressive piece of land. When you first enter the campus, you may think that you've stumbled upon a Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer adventure park with a western accent; don't worry, you're in the right place. This may be because the grounds are also used as a summer camp for kids, "Cali Camp," although the camp and the school are totally separate, unrelated organizations.

The School has tennis courts, a swimming pool, athletic field, new basketball and handball courts, an amphitheater, and a running stream - all nestled under a canopy of huge, old oak trees. The buildings, while fairly modern, are nothing to write home about. This rustic arrangement of buildings and grounds is not meticulously manicured like many of the other schools in this price range, but this is a welcome relief to parents preferring a more relaxed atmosphere for their children.

For complete review, up-to-date tuition, registration, and application dates, purchase the private school guide.