Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Besant Hill School

5.00 (1 review)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road Ojai CA 93023
Tel: (805) 646-4343
www.besanthill.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 100 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,275
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $29,295
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Besant Hill School Photo #4 - 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 #5 - 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 #6 - 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.
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About the School

  • 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 (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 100 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,275
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $29,295
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Besant Hill School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 271 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Small average class sizes
Student Attention
Low student-teacher ratio

School Overview

2026 School Data
Besant Hill School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
Pre-prof. Arts / College-prep
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1946
1906
Campus Size
520 acres
130 acres
School Calendar
View School Calendar
School Motto
Aún Aprendo – 'I am still learning.'

Student Body

Enrollment
100 students
319 students
% Students of Color
13%
27%
% International Students
15%
21%
% Students Boarding
85%
65%
Average SAT Score
1050
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Respectful and Appropriate
Casual
Average Class Size
8 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
73%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Accreditations
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS-CA)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)
# of AP Courses Offered
12
18
Courses
Advanced Environmental StudiesAdvanced Studio Art
Algebra II HonorsAP Biology
AP Calculus ABAP Economics
AP EnglishAP Environmental Science
AP GovernmentAP Human Geography
AP PhysicsAP Spanish
AP StatisticsAP US History
Honors English

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$2 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$64,275
(Tuition includes room and board fees)
$71,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$29,295
$40,400
Tuition international students
$71,400
$58,650
% Students on Financial Aid
20%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
(Apply at solutionsbysss.com)
$25,000

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Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
Acceptance Rate
50%
64%
Director of Admissions
Tracy How
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
13
17
Sports
BasketballCross Country Running
DanceGolf
KayakingMountain Biking
Rock ClimbingSnowboarding
SoccerSurf Team
SwimmingTennis
Volleyball
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Mascot
Coyote

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
27
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Cooking ClubEnvironmental Sustainability
Film Club


Arts and Music Programs:
ActingArt Club
Ceramics ClubChoir
Dance ActivityDance Club
Digital ArtLanguage Enhancement
Playwriting ClubPrefects (Senior Student Leaders)
SAGE- Students Affirming Gender EqualitySTEM
StudioTheater
Voice


Recreational Athletic Programs:
CrossfitOutdoor Education
Peer Writing CenterSandy Hook Promise
SurfingSwimming
WeightWeight Lifting
Yoga

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
99%
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Lewis & Clark College
4
San Diego State University
4
Sarah Lawrence College
4
University of California, San Diego
4
University of California, Santa Cruz
4
University of Washington
4
Emerson College
3
New York University
3
University of California, Berkeley
3
University of Redlands
3
View Matriculation Data

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.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Portia Johnson, Head of School, Class of 2000 -
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 $64,275 for boarding students and $29,295 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Besant Hill School?
The acceptance rate of Besant Hill School is 50%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Besant Hill School?
Besant Hill School famous alumni include: Portia Johnson, Head of School, Class of 2000.
What sports does Besant Hill School offer?
Besant Hill School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country Running, Dance, Golf, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Besant Hill School's ranking?
Besant Hill School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes and Low student-teacher ratio.
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).

Student & Alumni Reviews

Review
Description

Class of 2013
5.00
CU Boulder
The sense of community at Besant hill is truly unique. I almost never felt homesick because I always felt at home. My teachers became my best friends, and my best friends became my brothers and. . .
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 100 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,275
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $29,295
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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