Set on 520 acres surrounded by the verdant landscape of Upper Ojai, Besant Hill School of Happy Valley is a co-ed college preparatory boarding school serving students from ninth through twelfth grades. The school’s campus includes a working garden and farm.
100 students from across the country pursue a rigorous college prep curriculum aimed at teaching students not what to learn, but how to learn. Boarding students live in modern residences that feature comfortable lounge areas and a student center. On weekends, pupils can take advantage of a full program of recreational activities in Southern California.
Besant Hill’s mission is to develop each student’s intellectual and artistic abilities, and the school’s 25 educators are committed to engaging and inspiring students. Advanced Placement courses are offered beginning in the tenth grade while courses in visual and digital arts, music and theater are taught by professional artists. The school’s athletic program is open to all students, focused on developing skills and teamwork.
Besant Hill School Of Happy Valley
Private High School
|
Grade 9-12
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd,
Ojai, CA
71
Students
A+
School Details
Head of School
Portia Johnson
Student Teacher Ratio
5:1
Average SAT Score
1180
Average ACT Score
26
Average GPA
3.57
Graduation Rate
100%
Annual Tuition
$36,300
Boarding Program
Offers Boarding
Niche Grade
A+
A
A+
A+
A+
B
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.57
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
5:1
Teachers
15
Full Time Teachers
15
Part Time Teachers
0
Teachers in First or Second Year
30%
College Prep
Average SAT
1180
Math
610
Verbal
570
Average ACT
26
Math
25
English
27
Reading
27
Science
25
Number of AP Courses
10
AP Pass Rate
68%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Four-Year Matriculation Rate
99%
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very High
Boys Athletic Participation
Very High
GreatSchools Rating Details
Student Diversity
Female
51.1%
Male
48.9%
White
45.7%
Asian
42.6%
Hispanic
7.4%
Black
4.3%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Larry Krogh, an agent with experience near this school.
School Rankings
#12
Best Boarding HS in California
#26
Best HS for the Arts in California
#38
Most Diverse Private HS in California
Specialty School Programs
AP Programs Offered
Athletics Program
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Berkeley
13 Students
University of Southern California
13 Students
University of California - Los Angeles
11 Students
New York University
11 Students
University of California - Santa Barbara
10 Students
University of California - San Diego
8 Students
San Diego State University
7 Students
University of California - Santa Cruz
7 Students
Boston University
6 Students
Loyola Marymount University
6 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business
11 Students
Psychology
7 Students
Computer Science
7 Students
Biology
4 Students
Finance
4 Students
Drama and Theatre Production
4 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
3 Students
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
3 Students
Creative Writing
3 Students
Clinical Psychology
3 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
2/23/2025
Im a proud Besant alumn who feels dearly about the bubble of joy from my past. Will be sending my kids here in due time.
12/11/2024
I'm the mother of a newly accepted student. Throughout the application process, my child had a wonderful experience, and we deeply appreciate how caring and supportive all the teachers and staff were towards the students.
9/28/2023
I had an amazing experience at Besant. All the teachers are extremely accepting and open to helping when it is needed. I went through a rough patch in senior year and I got so much help from teachers to get through what I was experiencing. Another thing I really miss about Besant is the dining hall. The food at Besant is heaven compared to what I'm eating now. It was amazing to begin with though, so there is really no competition.
GreatSchools Reviews
6/23/2024
Consider this your warning to not send your child to Besant Hill School. They prey off of families in challenging situations with their children. Your child will be introduced to many negative and dangerous behaviors yet your child will be blamed. The school has NO mental health support on campus wh...
6/20/2017
My impression is that this school is great. It is not for every child though and this is where it becomes difficult. As a parent, I see that the teachers and administrators are really fantastic. However, our son did not feel that way about them because he could not get beyond his own issues and the...
8/23/2016
Besant Hill Boarding School Is Located In An Affluent & Ambitious Community. The School Cultivates A Culture Of Intellectual Students To Develop, Excel, Protect, & Enrich Them The Best They Can Through Academic Achievement, Athletic & Performing Arts. I'm impressed with the history of this school &...
2/23/2014
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley is the most unique private school in the country. I cannot think of a better place to prepare young men and women to go on and take on the world. BHS is a community that accepts people from any race, origin, background or sexual orientation, and treats them all as...
Agents Specializing Near This School
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Larry Krogh
Larry Krogh
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Responds QuicklyThe Beverly Hills Estates
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Michelle Graci
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1 Near This School
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Additional Schools in the Area
Besant Hill School Of Happy Valley is a private school for students in grades 9-12 located at 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd in Ojai, CA. Annual tuition is $36,300. The school has a total enrollment of 71 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. Besant Hill School Of Happy Valley has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A+. The average GPA is 3.57, the graduation rate is 100%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1180 and an ACT score of 26. Discover additional schools in the area, like Mother Of Divine Grace, Ojai Valley School, Summit School, and more. Learn more about what Ojai has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Besant Hill School Of Happy Valley.