Harvard-Westlake School Market Research Report

Background

Harvard-Westlake School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school serving grades 7 through 12 in Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991 through the merger of Harvard School for Boys (established in 1900) and Westlake School for Girls (founded in 1904), the institution is dedicated to providing a rigorous academic curriculum that fosters intellectual, emotional, and physical development. The school's mission emphasizes educational excellence, integrity, and a commitment to community service.

Key Strategic Focus

Harvard-Westlake focuses on delivering a comprehensive college preparatory education that balances academics, arts, and athletics. The school offers a diverse curriculum with 29 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including 18 interscholastic sports. This holistic approach aims to prepare students for higher education and responsible citizenship.

Financials and Funding

For the fiscal year ending June 2022, Harvard-Westlake reported total revenue of approximately $135 million, with expenses totaling $97.1 million. The school's endowment stood at $180.7 million, reflecting its strong financial health. In October 2024, the school announced plans to issue nearly $90 million in municipal bonds to fund the development of a new athletic campus in Studio City, Los Angeles. This project, primarily funded by donations, aims to alleviate space constraints and enhance athletic facilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Harvard-Westlake integrates advanced technologies into its educational framework, utilizing platforms such as DNN for content management and VMware for virtualization. The school's commitment to technological advancement supports a dynamic learning environment and efficient administrative operations.

Leadership Team

Richard B. Commons: President, overseeing the school's strategic direction and operations.

Laura D. Ross: Head of School, responsible for academic leadership and curriculum development.

David Weil: Chief Financial Officer, managing the school's financial planning and resources.

Edward Hu: Head of External Relations, focusing on community engagement and development initiatives.

James De Matte: Chief of Construction, overseeing campus development projects.

These leaders collectively contribute to maintaining Harvard-Westlake's reputation for excellence in education.

Leadership Changes

In August 2024, Melissa Hearlihy, the head coach of the girls' basketball team and the second-most winning coach in California state history for girls' basketball, retired after 39 years of coaching. Her departure marks a significant transition in the school's athletic leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The private secondary education sector in Los Angeles is highly competitive, with institutions striving to offer superior academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college placement records. Harvard-Westlake's consistent top rankings reflect its strong position in this market.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Flintridge Preparatory School: Located in La Cañada Flintridge, ranked No. 17 nationally.

Windward School: Based in Los Angeles, ranked No. 25 nationally.

Brentwood School: Another prominent institution in Los Angeles, offering a comprehensive college preparatory program.

Campbell Hall: Located in Studio City, providing a rigorous academic curriculum.

These schools offer similar programs and compete for high-achieving students in the region.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In May 2023, Harvard-Westlake partnered with the United States Tennis Association Southern California (USTA SoCal) to bring community tennis programming to the proposed River Park in Studio City. This collaboration aims to enhance athletic opportunities for both students and the local community.

Operational Insights

Harvard-Westlake's strategic initiatives, such as the development of the new athletic campus and partnerships like the one with USTA SoCal, demonstrate its commitment to enhancing facilities and programs. These efforts strengthen its competitive position and appeal to prospective students and families.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The planned athletic campus, funded through the $90 million bond issue, represents a significant opportunity to expand and modernize Harvard-Westlake's facilities. This development is expected to attract a broader student base and further solidify the school's reputation for excellence in academics and athletics.