Private School Review - Established 2003

Besant Hill School

5.00 (2 reviews)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. Ojai, CA 93023
Tel: (805) 646-4343
www.besanthill.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • 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: ✓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 - 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 #3 - 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 #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 - At Besant Hill, dual enrollment lets students take college courses while in high school - deepening interests, strengthening transcripts, and building confidence. In a supportive environment where teachers knowyou well, you'll grow academically and personally. Go further, sooner.
Besant Hill School Photo #6 - Building confidence, finding their voice, and developing strong public speaking skills.
Besant Hill School Photo #7 - Sharing ideas, engaging classmates, and bringing learning to life.
Besant Hill School Photo #8 - Growing knowledge through hands-on science and learning in our greenhouses.
Besant Hill School Photo #9 - You'll study art and design alongside working artists and creative professionals, examining history and culture to find deeper meaning in your work. We'll help you build the confidence to find your own voice and the skill to express it, with in-depth portfolio guidance if you're applying to art school.
Besant Hill School Photo #10 - Creativity in action, where students explore, express, and bring ideas to life.
Besant Hill School Photo #11 - You'll build your craft through acting, ensemble performance, and stage production, with the chance to perform in main stage shows and community events. Theater at Besant Hill happens as much in performance as it does in the classroom.
Besant Hill School Photo #12 - You'll perform in concerts, student-led variety shows, assemblies, and ensembles throughout the year, building real technique and a deeper relationship with music you'll carry beyond Besant Hill.
Besant Hill School Photo #13 - 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 #14 - A welcoming space to relax, connect, and make dorm life feel like home.
Besant Hill School Photo #15 - 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 #16 - 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 #17 - In addition to team sports, our diverse range of fitness offerings are thoughtfully curated to encourage students to explore various avenues of physical activity.
Besant Hill School Photo #18 - We pride ourselves on providing a fun, fresh, and exciting dining experience. There's always something for everyone! Our in-house dining staff knows our students well and works to cater to their preferences with locally sourced delicious, homemade meals. With a full salad bar and hot meal options for every meal, there is plenty of incredible food to choose from.
Besant Hill School Photo #19 - Celebrating diverse flavors and cultures through delicious, globally inspired meals.
Besant Hill School Photo #20 - A beautiful place to learn, grow, and feel inspired every day.
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About the School

  • Besant Hill School is an intentionally small, college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9112, located on a beautiful 520-acre campus in Ojai, California, about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles.
  • With a maximum enrollment of 100 students, our size is a deliberate choice.
  • It allows us to know each student personally, provide individualized support, and create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
  • We have a global community, small classes, and a strong focus on academic growth, personal development, and preparing students for college and beyond.
  • We offer five-day and seven-day boarding, as well as day student options.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • 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: ✓Verified school update

School News

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
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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.

Grade 11 has most students with 26, more than Grade 12's 23 and far above Grade 9's 7.
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1946
School Calendar
View School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 28, 2027
Campus Size
520 acres
School Motto
Aún Aprendo – “I am still learning.”

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.: 11:1
% 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
View Matriculation Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
EconomicsEnglish
Environmental ScienceGovernment
Human GeographyPhysics
SpanishStatistics
U.S. History
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
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
$30,000
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 85%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Tracy How
Application URL
Online Application
Endowment Size
$2 million

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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.
Club or Organization:
Environmental ClubGardening
GolfRadio
Student GovernmentVolunteer


Arts and Music Programs:
DanceMedia Team
MusicTheater
Visual Art


Recreational Athletic Programs:
CrossfitOutdoor Education
SwimmingWeightlifting
Yoga


Other Activities:
Amnesty International

School Notes

  • 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 83%. 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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