It is our goal to recruit intellectually curious, outgoing students who want to participate in all aspects of Ojai Valley School`s academic and extracurricular programs.
We strive to enroll students from all backgrounds whose talents, skills and interests will enrich the OVS community.
Through the development of a strong college prep curriculum and with emphasis on study skills, confidence and leadership, students earn placement at select colleges and universities worldwide.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 3-12
- Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
- Enrollment: 323 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $70,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $34,000
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Ojai Valley School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 278 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
3-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Dyslexia, ADHD
n/a
Year Founded
1911
1907
Campus Size
195 acres
125 acres
School Motto
Integer Vitae
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Student Body
Enrollment
323 students
320 students
% Students of Color
9%
27%
% International Students
11%
20%
% Students Boarding
27%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
43%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$2.9 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$70,500
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$62,000
$49,400
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$18,209
($18,209 average boarding; $10,541 average day)
($18,209 average boarding; $10,541 average day)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
64%
64%
Director of Admissions
Tracy Wilson
Associate Director of Admissions
Misty Hall
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
18
Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics C, Electricity/Magnetism, AP Physics C, Mechanics, AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Psychology, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art: 2D, AP Studio Art: 3D, AP Studio Art: Drawing, AP United States History, AP World History, Honors Calculus, Honors English 10, Spanish III Honors
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Computer Club, Journalism, Leadership, Robotics Team, Woodshop, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Garage Band, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ropes Course, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Yoga
Computer Club, Journalism, Leadership, Robotics Team, Woodshop, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Garage Band, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ropes Course, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2020 - 2024
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
UC Santa Cruz
7
UCLA
7
UC Davis
6
New York University
4
UC Irvine
4
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
3
Stanford University
3
UC Berkeley
3
UC San Diego
3
University of Washington
3
School Notes
-
Founded in 1911, Ojai Valley School is recognized for its challenging academics and unique programs:
- High School (9-12 grades) and Junior Boarding (3-8 grades)
- 100% college placement
- Interscholastic sports
- Outdoor education (trips to Yosemite, Channel Islands, Escalante, Lost Coast, Zion, and Joshua Tree)
- Equestrian program
- Community service
- Fine and performing arts
- International ESL and summer programs A spectacular location 40 miles southeast of Santa Barbara and at the foot of the Los Padres National Forest ensures weekend access to beaches, lakes and mountains.
- LD types supported: Dyslexia, ADHD
- Ojai Valley School accreditations: ACA, WAIC, WASC, CAIS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Barbara B. Smith (L35) - Ethnomusicologist, Professor Emeritus of Music, University of Hawaii
- Robert Erburu (L46) - Former Chairman of the Board and CEO, Times Mirror
- Michael Mondavi (L58) - Founder, Folio Wine Partners
- Jeffrey Hyland (L63) - President, Hilton & Hyland, architectural historian and author
- John Slavik (L66, U69) - Owner, Pinnacle Holdings, Inc.
- Keith Carradine (U67) - Actor, composer, musician
- David Lazarus (L74, U78) - American business and consumer columnist for the Los Angeles Times
- Bruce Sommers (L79) - President of Sincbox Media
- Mari Holden (L84, U88) - 2000 Olympic silver medalist, cycling
- Tiana Coudray (L02,U06) - 2010 winner, USEA Gold Cup Series CIC3* division, Galway Downs International Horse Trials
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ojai Valley School cost?
Ojai Valley School's tuition is approximately $70,500 for boarding students and $34,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Ojai Valley School?
The acceptance rate of Ojai Valley School is 64%, which is equal to the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Ojai Valley School?
Ojai Valley School famous alumni include: Barbara B. Smith (L35), Robert Erburu (L46), Michael Mondavi (L58), Jeffrey Hyland (L63), John Slavik (L66, U69), Keith Carradine (U67), David Lazarus (L74, U78), Bruce Sommers (L79), Mari Holden (L84, U88) and Tiana Coudray (L02,U06).
What sports does Ojai Valley School offer?
Ojai Valley School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Riding, Soccer, Surf Team, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Ojai Valley School offer a summer program?
Yes, Ojai Valley School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Ojai Valley School's ranking?
Ojai Valley School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Ojai Valley School?
The application deadline for Ojai Valley School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Our two children have been attending OVS as day students since pre-K. Our son is in the 4th grade, our daughter in the 1st. My husband attended school there once upon a time. . .
I started boarding at Ojai Valley School (OVS) since fifth grade in Elementary School and this experience had been the best time of my life largely due to the supportive environment of the faculty members. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Ojai Valley School also viewed these schools: Dunn School, The Thacher School, Cate School, Stevenson School and Besant Hill School.
The nearest boarding school to Ojai Valley School is Besant Hill School (0.9 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
249 students 49.9 miles P.O. Box 98, 2555 W. Highway 154
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(800) 287-9197
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(800) 287-9197
49.9
9-12
6-12
6-12
249
255 students 4.5 miles 5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
4.5
9-12
255
300 students 12.8 miles 1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
12.8
9-12
300
510 students 211.5 miles 3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
211.5
9-12
PK-12
PK-12
510
100 students 0.9 miles 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
0.9
9-12, PG
100
Recent Articles
5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
Uncover the benefits of boys' schools, including tailored teaching methods, reduced social pressures, and opportunities for personal growth. Learn how these institutions foster an environment where boys can excel academically, explore diverse interests, and develop into well-rounded young men without gender stereotypes.
Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide
From casting a wide net when identifying schools, to narrowing your list, scheduling campus visits, preparing for admissions tests, and successfully managing your applications and financial aid, this comprehensive resource empowers families to make informed choices, stay organized, and find the best fit for their child’s needs. Discover actionable tips and expert advice to turn a daunting process into an exciting journey toward educational success.
Choosing a School: DO's and DON'TS
This article offers a practical, experience-based guide for families navigating the process of choosing a boarding school. With a focus on both essential steps and common pitfalls, it covers the importance of school visits, budgeting for unexpected expenses, involving your child in the decision, and striking the right balance between support and independence. Readers will find actionable advice and real-world considerations to help ensure the best possible fit for their child's educational journey.
