Besant Hill School

Ojai — California

100

Total Students

Boarding

International

Students of Color

Co-Ed

Gender

4:1

Student:Faculty

About Besant Hill School

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. On your journey, we'll help unleash your full potential.

What Makes Us Unique

Beautiful and Safe Campus: Located in Ojai, California - a peaceful, scenic, and safe area ideal for focused learning. Proximity to Los Angeles gives access to cultural activities and college visits while avoiding the stress of city life. Strong Arts & Environmental Programs: Offers impressive visual and performing arts programs (music, film, theater, visual art). Curriculum incorporates sustainability and environmental stewardship, which aligns with global challenges. Emphasis on Character and Wellbeing: Besant Hill is rooted in values of personal growth, mindfulness, and community service. Great environment for students seeking more than just academics - developing as compassionate and ethical global citizens.

Campus Highlights

Athletics

4 sports

Campus

520 acres

Key Stats

Boarding85%

International40%

Students of Color25%

Founded1946

Campus Size520 acres

Nearby AirportsLAX Burbank Santa Barbara

Global Diversity

ChinaJapanSouth KoreaUnited States

Contact Information

Tracy How

Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Portia Johnson

Head of School

8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd., Ojai, CA 93023

805-646-4343

admissions@besanthill.org

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Signature Programs

Summer Programs

Academic or camp programs during July/August.

Dual Enrollment / University Credit

High school students earn real university credit.

AP Courses

Advanced Placement courses (US standard).

1-Year / Short-Term Boarding

Option to attend for just one semester or a single year.

5-Day Boarding

Students go home on the weekends.

Post-Graduate (PG) Year

A 13th year for students seeking an extra year of prep.

Rolling Admissions

Applications are reviewed as they are submitted year-round.

Farm / Agricultural Program

Hands-on learning in sustainability and farming.

Languages Offered

FrenchSpanish

Student Support & Wellness

Mental Health & Wellness

While we don't have a therapist on campus, we contract out with local therapists. They can usually meet in-person or virtually with students. In addition, our Class Connections program provides students with a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum to support their personal growth and development.The program covers a range of topics, including understanding oneself and others, healthy relationships, decision-making skills, and exploring universal human values. Students will learn practical skills, such as goal-setting, health education, and financial literacy, as well as developing key competencies such as resilience, self-confidence, and independence. Supporting students with different learning styles, social needs, and neurodivergence is something we care deeply about. Our approach focuses on understanding each student as an individual and creating supportive strategies that help them feel confident, included, and successful both academically and socially.

English Language (ESL)

Intermediate Support

Learning Differences (LD)

Targeted / Mild Support