Besant Hill School Photo #9 - Besant Hill Schoo has a vernal pool, a seasonal pool of water that provides a habitat for distinctive plants and animals. It is one of only 10% left in California.

Besant Hill School

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Besant Hill School Photo #1 - Besant Hill School is located in the Ojai Valley, on 500 acres of private land with beautiful vistas in every direction. Facilities include four dormitories, outdoor sports facilities including a new aquatic center, indoor theater, atelier, and classrooms nestled along winding paths and oak trees. We also have an eight acre organic farm.
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Besant Hill School Photo #1 - Besant Hill School is located in the Ojai Valley, on 500 acres of private land with beautiful vistas in every direction. Facilities include four dormitories, outdoor sports facilities including a new aquatic center, indoor theater, atelier, and classrooms nestled along winding paths and oak trees. We also have an eight acre organic farm.
Besant Hill School Photo #2 - Students arrive for Registration Day to begin the new school year!
Besant Hill School Photo #3 - Socratic teaching and emphasis on experiential learning create a stimulating environment where students learn how to think, not what to think.
Besant Hill School Photo #4 - Students on a science class field trip to a local beach is part of our Aun Aprendo Experience. Aun Aprendo, our school motto that means "I am still learning," is the basis of the opportunities provided to students for learning outside of the classroom.
Besant Hill School Photo #5 - Art class in our beautiful atelier. Visual arts courses include film, photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, printing, and more. Students benefit from field trips to local art galleries and museums in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Besant Hill School Photo #6 - Our performance hall, the Zalk Theater, hosts school plays, musicals and concerts. It is also where we gather three times a week for our tradition of all school assemblies.
Besant Hill School Photo #7 - A typical lunchtime meal includes organic, seasonal produce provided by an on-campus farm which also allows for unique student learning opportunities and special collaboration between Besant Hill's executive chef and farmer.
Besant Hill School Photo #8 - Athletics and physical activity are integral parts of student life at Besant Hill School. We strive to provide meaningful athletic activities that will instill a passion for lifelong health and wellness in our students.
Besant Hill School Photo #9 - The Doornink Grove student and faculty housing overlooks an eight-acre farm and are a short walk from classrooms.
Besant Hill School Photo #10 - Besant Hill Schoo has a vernal pool, a seasonal pool of water that provides a habitat for distinctive plants and animals. It is one of only 10% left in California.
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 Stats (2024-25)

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All
Year Founded
1946

Student Body

Total Students
72 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Besant Hill School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus, Economics, English, Environmental Science, Government, Human Geography, Physics, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History
Average SAT score
1050
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$30,760 Day $71,400 International Boarding $67,490 Domestic Boarding
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$11,000
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Tracy How
Endowment Size
$2 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Amnesty International

Club or Organization:
Environmental Club, Gardening, Golf, Radio, Student Government, Volunteer

Arts and Music Programs:
Dance, Media Team, Music, Theater, Visual Art

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Crossfit, Outdoor Education, Swimming, Weightlifting, Yoga

School Notes

  • As a community, our goal is to cultivate what is excellent in each student. Besant Hill School provides a small intimate learning environment where students are able to fully explore and express both their intellectual and creative abilities. With small classes, positive student/teacher relationships, and a quiet, rural location, we provide a safe and peaceful atmosphere for learning, study, contemplation, and self-expression. The mission of Besant Hill School is the development of each individual's intellectual and artistic abilities. Through awakening the spirit of inquiry, we encourage each student to pursue integrity and excellence. Our non-competitive community builds honesty, respect, compassion and responsibility. Our goal is to develop a lifelong habit of learning as embodied in our school's motto "Aun Aprendo", I am still learning.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Besant Hill School cost?
Besant Hill School's tuition is approximately $67,490 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 85%. 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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Quick Stats (2024-25)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Ojai, CA is $21,045 for elementary schools and $35,321 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Ojai, CA is 58% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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