Besant Hill School (Top-Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026)

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Besant Hill School

5.00 (2 reviews)

8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd.
Ojai, CA 93023

Tel: (805) 646-4343

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Besant Hill School Photo #1 - Nestled on 520 stunning acres in Ojai Valley, Besant Hill School offers breathtaking views, 3 dorms, an aquatic center, theater, studios, and classrooms tucked among oak trees. Our greenhouses and outdoor sports facilities complete the vibrant, inspiring campus.

Besant Hill School Photo #2 - Meals at Besant Hill feature fresh, organic produce from our on-campus greenhouses-where students learn hands-on and witness the magic of farm-to-table collaboration between our chef and farmers.

Besant Hill School Photo #3 - Besant Hill offers a personalized, learner-centered curriculum where students build schedules around their passions and interests. With unlimited AP opportunities, contemporary electives, expansive arts offerings, and dual enrollment courses, students can explore their interests, strengthen their transcripts, earn college credit, and build confidence - all while preparing for a successful future.

Besant Hill School Photo #4 - The Besant Hill academic experience is characterized by a thoughtful and intentional approach blending intellectual challenge with individualized instruction catered to the specific needs of each learner. Our faculty grounds their pedagogy within a Universal Design for Learning framework, leveraging our small class sizes to evaluate the needs of their students and adjust instruction and assessment accordingly.

Besant Hill School Photo #5 - Creativity thrives in our light-filled atelier, where students explore film, photography, painting, ceramics, and more. Visual arts come alive through hands-on projects and inspiring trips to top galleries and museums in L.A. and Santa Barbara.

Besant Hill School Photo #6 - Besant Hill School offers a variety of stimulating and challenging college prep courses within the Science Department. Through the use of inquiry-based projects, lab experiments, and real-world applications, our students learn how to "think like a scientist."Science classes at Besant Hill School ask students to play an investigative role as they learn about the world around them.

Besant Hill School Photo #7 - The Zalk Theater is the heart of campus life-home to student plays, concerts, and musicals. It also brings our community together three times a week for all-school assemblies, a cherished tradition at Besant Hill.

Besant Hill School Photo #8 - At Besant Hill, students experience an immersive environment where academics, extracurricular activities, and residential and social life intertwine closely. Whether you choose our day, 5-day or 7-day boarding option, you'll be part of a thoughtfully connected, inclusive community that nurtures both independence and belonging.

Besant Hill School Photo #9 - At Besant Hill, nearly all faculty live on campus as dorm parents, providing mentorship, guidance, and support beyond the classroom. On weekends, students enjoy a vibrant mix of community service, cultural excursions, outdoor adventures, sports, camping, hiking, beach trips, and exploring Ojai and Southern California - creating meaningful opportunities to build friendships, independence, and lifelong memories.

Besant Hill School Photo #10 - Athletics and physical activity play a vital role in the student experience at Besant Hill, and we are committed to providing enriching opportunities that foster a lifelong dedication to health and wellness. Our team sports are guided by value-based coaching principles, emphasizing participation, commitment, sportsmanship, and striving to do one's best.

At Besant Hill, it's about embracing and loving every aspect of who you are.You want to be cared for, allowed to grow, and free to be yourself in a culture of learning and respect.You want to be independent, creative and take risks.You want to become a lifelong learner who is adaptable to change and new learning. At Besant Hill, you'll be able to unleash your full potential.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked CA School
School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 72 students
Yearly Tuition: $79,500
Acceptance rate: 50%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School News

- 08/18/2026
Happy Valley Farm at Besant Hill School teaches sustainable farming
- 08/18/2026
Besant Hill School's graduates make life and their futures an art
- 08/18/2026
At Besant Hill, we know not every journey follows the same timeline - which is why we offer rolling admissions and accept applications for fall and spring semesters!

Top Rankings

Besant Hill School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1946

Colors

Green, Navy Blue

School Calendar

First Day of School

Thu. Aug 27, 2026

Last Day of School

Fri. May 28, 2027

Campus Size

520 acres

Student Body

Total Students

72 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

25%

State avg.: 52%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

18 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

80%

Average Class Size

8 students

Number of AP/Advanced Courses

10 courses

List of Courses Offered

AP/Advanced Courses

BiologyCalculus

EconomicsEnglish

Environmental ScienceGovernment

Human GeographyPhysics

SpanishStatistics

U.S. History

Average SAT score

1240

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$79,500

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$34,200 Day $53,570 Boarding (5-Day) $75,000 Boarding (7-Day) $4,500 (Additional Fees) *Additional fees include books, transportation for school activities, technology fees, science lab fees, and health center fees. Besant Hill School tuition and additional fees cover all school-related programming.

% on Financial Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$20,000

Acceptance Rate

50%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Tracy How

Application URL

Endowment Size

$2 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

6 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

GolfSoccer

SwimmingVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

17 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Amnesty International

Club or Organization:

Environmental ClubGardening

GolfRadio

Student GovernmentVolunteer

Arts and Music Programs:

DanceMedia Team

MusicTheater

Visual Art

Recreational Athletic Programs:

CrossfitOutdoor Education

SwimmingWeightlifting

Yoga

School Notes

School Motto: A煤n Aprendo 鈥� 鈥淚 am still learning.鈥�
School Mascot: Coyotes

Besant Hill School positions each individual to develop their intellectual and artistic abilities, to pursue integrity and excellence, and to embody the school's motto, An Aprendo "I am still learning."At Besant Hill, the shared values of inquiry, honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility guide our daily interactions.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Besant Hill School cost?

Besant Hill School's tuition is approximately $79,500 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Besant Hill School?

The acceptance rate of Besant Hill School is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Besant Hill School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

What sports does Besant Hill School offer?

Besant Hill School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Volleyball.

What is Besant Hill School's ranking?

Besant Hill School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Besant Hill School?

The application deadline for Besant Hill School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 5/17/2016

Besant Hill School has been an outstanding place for my son to attend high school. He was given a 1st class academic education, along with exposure to other cultures, arts and support in his development as a young man in today's world. He is ready to head off to college with as a confident, secure individual. Thank you to all the wonderful staff and teachers at BHS!

- Posted by Parent - terra

5 1/31/2013

The most caring environment. You can be whoever you are without being judged, and love is unconditional at Besant Hill. Support is always available. The best place in the world, and I 100% believe that

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Mark.

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked CA School
School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 72 students
Yearly Tuition: $79,500
Acceptance rate: 50%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Ojai, CA is $21,553 for elementary schools and $33,051 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Ojai, CA is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).