The Best Private Schools in Ojai, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ojai. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oaks School
Independent
The Oaks School is a highly respected independent progressive school serving grades K-8 in the heart of Ojai. Founded on principles of experiential learning and child-centered education, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and creative expression. The campus features outdoor classrooms, art studios, and science labs integrated with the natural Ojai landscape. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive outdoor education programs that leverage Ojai's unique environment. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and innovative curriculum that balances academic rigor with social-emotional development.
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Oak Grove School
Krishnamurti Foundation
Oak Grove School is a prestigious independent school founded on the educational philosophy of J. Krishnamurti, offering programs from preschool through high school. Set on a beautiful 150-acre campus in the Ojai Valley, the school emphasizes self-knowledge, academic excellence, and environmental awareness. The college preparatory curriculum includes advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs, and unique offerings in sustainability and outdoor education. Facilities include science laboratories, art studios, athletic fields, and extensive natural areas for outdoor learning. The school is known for its strong sense of community, experienced faculty, and commitment to developing thoughtful, engaged citizens.
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Villanova Preparatory School
Augustinian Order
Villanova Preparatory School is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school serving day and boarding students in grades 9-12. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in Ventura County, Villanova offers a rigorous academic program complemented by strong spiritual formation and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 120-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and boarding residences. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive college counseling, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top universities. Parents and students praise the school's supportive community, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded education that balances academic challenge with character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ojai, California
What are the primary private school options available in Ojai, California, and what age groups do they serve?
Ojai offers a distinctive cluster of private schools, each with its own philosophy. The Oaks School is a K-8 institution emphasizing experiential, project-based learning. Oak Grove School, founded by Jiddu Krishnamurti, serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a focus on self-awareness and holistic education. Villanova Preparatory School is a Catholic, Augustinian college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12. This range provides continuous private education from early childhood through high school graduation within the Ojai Valley.
How does the tuition for private schools in Ojai, CA, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Ojai's private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the average for California independent schools, reflecting the area's smaller scale. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $35,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. All three major schools—The Oaks, Oak Grove, and Villanova Prep—offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. California residents should also investigate the state's new "Education Savings Account" proposals, though eligibility for private school use is currently limited.
What unique educational philosophies or special programs define the private schools in Ojai?
Ojai's private schools are renowned for their distinctive educational approaches deeply connected to the valley's environment and culture. Oak Grove School is internationally known for its Krishnamurti-inspired inquiry-based learning, emphasizing non-competitive observation and relationship with nature. The Oaks School integrates extensive outdoor education and place-based learning, utilizing the Los Padres National Forest and local farms as classrooms. Villanova Prep offers a structured college-prep curriculum with a values-based component and utilizes its boarding program to bring a global perspective. This combination of progressive, holistic, and traditional college-prep models is unique to the Ojai community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ojai, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Ojai private schools generally follows a fall/winter timeline for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting applications by January/February, and completing student visits/assessments. While these schools are selective, their size and philosophy mean they seek mission-appropriate families rather than just high scores. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. For Villanova Prep's boarding program, international applications have an earlier deadline. Given Ojai's small community, it's advisable to apply to more than one local option if flexibility exists.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between Ojai's public school district and its private schools?
The Ojai Unified School District (OUSD) provides a solid public education with smaller class sizes than many California districts. The key differences lie in specialization, resources, and approach. Private schools in Ojai offer alternative pedagogies (e.g., Oak Grove's philosophy), often have smaller student-to-teacher ratios, and provide more consistent programming across grades without being subject to state budget fluctuations. They also typically offer more extensive arts, outdoor, and language immersion programs. However, OUSD provides a tuition-free option with strong community ties and specific award-winning programs. The choice often hinges on a family's alignment with a specific educational philosophy and their budget for tuition.
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