Besant Hill School Photo #9 - Besant Hill is home to a rare vernal pool-one of just 10% remaining in California. This seasonal oasis supports unique plants and wildlife, offering students a living lab for exploration and discovery.

Besant Hill School

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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.
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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 - 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.
Besant Hill School Photo #3 - 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 #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 - 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 - 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 #7 - 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 #8 - The Besant Hill curriculum similarly reflects our intention to create individualized and learner-centered classroom experiences. Blending opportunities for access to unlimited Advanced Placement (AP) courses, contemporarily relevant elective courses across all disciplines, and expansive offerings in the arts, our students are able to, each year, craft a schedule that suits their passions and interests.
Besant Hill School Photo #9 - 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 #10 - Besant Hill is home to a rare vernal pool-one of just 10% remaining in California. This seasonal oasis supports unique plants and wildlife, offering students a living lab for exploration and discovery.
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 Facts (2025)

School News

  • Rolling Admissions - 07/15/2025
    Now enrolling! Apply by August 15 for a chance at a $15,000 scholarship. Day, 5-day, and 7-day boarding options available.

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
Year Founded
1946
Colors
Green, Navy Blue
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 1, 2026
Campus Size
520

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
18 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
EconomicsEnglish
Environmental ScienceGovernment
Human GeographyPhysics
SpanishStatistics
U.S. History
Average SAT score
1410
(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
$32,300 Day $50,620 Domestic Boarding (5-Day) $70,865 Domestic Boarding (7-Day) $52,535 International Boarding (5-Day) $73,550 International Boarding (5-Day)
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Tracy How
Application URL
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 ClubGardening
GolfRadio
Student GovernmentVolunteer


Arts and Music Programs:
DanceMedia Team
MusicTheater
Visual Art


Recreational Athletic Programs:
CrossfitOutdoor Education
SwimmingWeightlifting
Yoga

School Notes

  • School Motto: Aún Aprendo – “I am still learning.”
  • School Mascot: Eagles
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Besant Hill School cost?
Besant Hill School's tuition is approximately $70,865 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: Highest average SAT score, 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 Facts (2025)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Ojai, CA is $23,922 for elementary schools and $34,197 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Ojai, CA is 62% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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