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草榴社区 School Review - Established 2003

Besant Hill School

5.00 (2 reviews)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. Ojai, CA 93023
Tel: (805) 646-4343

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: 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: 鉁Verified school update
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.
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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: 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: 鉁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!

School Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Lowest average acceptance rates
Extra-curric.
Most extracurriculars offered
School History
Oldest founding date

School Facts

School Type
School with Special Program Emphasis
Religious Affiliation
Nonsectarian
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade

Distribution of Students By Grade

GradeBesant Hill School
97
1016
1126
1223
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1946
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 28, 2027
Campus Size
520 acres
School Motto
A煤n Aprendo 鈥 鈥淚 am still learning.鈥

Student Body

Total Students
72 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
8 students
Average SAT score
1240
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
EconomicsEnglish
Environmental ScienceGovernment
Human GeographyPhysics
SpanishStatistics
U.S. History
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS-CA)

Tuition & Financial Aid

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
Colors
Green, Navy Blue
School Mascot
Coyotes

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

  • 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.
  • 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 80%. 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  
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
5  
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

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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).

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