Boarding and day school in Ojai for grades 9-12 with learning support. Small classes, college prep, arts, athletics
Besant Hill School is a boarding and day school in Ojai, California serving grades 9-12 with specialized support for students with learning differences and ADD/ADHD. With an average class size of just 8 students and 18 faculty members (80% with advanced degrees), the school provides individualized attention in a small, structured environment designed to help each student succeed academically and personally.
The school offers a full college-preparatory curriculum including advanced courses in sciences, mathematics, English, and social studies, alongside robust arts programs (visual arts, music, theater, dance) and recreational athletics (yoga, outdoor education, swimming). Students benefit from dedicated college counseling support to prepare for post-secondary transitions. Besant Hill also offers a post-graduate year for students who need additional time to mature academically or socially.
Tuition options range from $32,300 for day students to $70,865 for 7-day boarding, with 25% of students receiving financial aid (average grant $15,000). Rolling admissions apply, and the school maintains membership in NAIS, WASC, and CAIS. Contact the admissions director, Tracy How, at (805) 646-4343 or visit besanthill.org for more information.
At a Glance
TypeSchool with Special Program Emphasis
Grades9-12
Students72
Class Size8:1 ratio
Tuition$70,865
Fin. Aid25% receive aid
Est.1946
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
School Information
| School Type | School with Special Program Emphasis |
| Year Founded | 1946 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $70,865 |
| 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) |
| Total Students | 72 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 18 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 80 |
| Average Class Size | 8 |
| Grades Offered | 9-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Tracy How |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Acceptance Rate | 50 |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 25 |
| Average Financial Aid Grant | $15,000 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Learning Difference ProgramsADD/ADHD Support
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculusEconomicsEnglishEnvironmental ScienceGovernmentHuman GeographyPhysicsSpanishStatisticsU.S. History
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Matriculation DataView data
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Basketball · Cross Country · Golf · Soccer · Swimming · Volleyball |
| Clubs and Organizations | 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 |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) · Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) · California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| School Calendar | www.besanthill.org/online-calendar |
| Offers Post Graduate Year | Yes |
| Average SAT Score | 1410 |
| Average ACT Score | 24 |