The Thacher School, a coeducational boarding high school perched at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains in Ojai, California, is anything but typical. Here, students encounter a combination they won’t find anywhere else: challenging academics, character-building challenges, and a healthy, authentic peer culture that supports them every step of the way. The close knit community at Thacher succeeds in shaping resilient, compassionate, and ambitious kids and prepares them to take on the challenges of today’s world. We invite you to dive in and see for yourself what makes Thacher a unique boarding experience.
Unique Characteristics
Capitalizing on Thacher’s location at the edge of a national forest, the School’s signature Horse and Outdoor Programs help students pursue adventure and fun in the company of friends while they also develop their abilities, independence, and leadership skills.
A new creativity and technology facility anchors a flexible academic program that emphasizes advanced and applied hands-on interdisciplinary learning experiences. For example, Thacher astronomy students collaborate with university astrophysicists using a research-grade observatory; biology students work closely with the staff at a nearby chelonian conservation center to better understand and protect endangered turtles; and humanities and arts classes tackle pressing social issues with primary research, innovative presentations, and educated activism.