Set on 427 acres in the Ojai Valley, The Thatcher School is California’s oldest boarding college preparatory school for ninth through twelfth grades. Founded in 1889, the school remains committed to founder Sherman Day Thacher’s belief that the most valuable education combines vigorous academic life with rugged outdoor activities.
Thacher has one of the lowest attrition rates of any boarding school in the U.S. With an average class size of 11 students, rigorous academic classes prepare students for higher education. The school offers an optional Junior Year Abroad Program in Spain, France or China.
The school experience includes single term XBlock electives, and students and teachers work together to explore topics and projects outside of core curriculum.
At Thacher, the classroom extends to the outdoors with horseback riding, rock-climbing and day trips. Ninth grade orientation begins with a week-long wilderness experience.
Dorm life is an essential part of the Thacher experience, as senior prefects work closely with faculty to support students. Faculty doors are always open, whether helping with a challenging assignment or hosting a group dinner at their homes.
The second highest rated private boarding high school in California, Thacher is also ranked as the best private high school in Ventura County.
The Thacher School
Private High School
|
Grade 9-12
5025 Thacher Rd,
Ojai, CA
259
Students
A+
School Details
Student Teacher Ratio
4:1
Average SAT Score
1420
Average ACT Score
33
Average GPA
3.74
Graduation Rate
100%
Annual Tuition
$65,600
Boarding Program
Offers Boarding
Niche Grade
A+
A
A+
A+
A-
B-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.74
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
4:1
Teachers
68
Full Time Teachers
59
Part Time Teachers
9
Teachers in First or Second Year
15%
College Prep
Average SAT
1420
Math
710
Verbal
710
Average ACT
33
Math
31
English
33
Reading
34
Science
32
Four-Year Matriculation Rate
100%
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average
GreatSchools Rating Details
Student Diversity
Female
50.6%
Male
49.4%
White
53.2%
Asian or Pacific Islander
16.1%
Two or more races
12.2%
Black
10.2%
Hispanic
8.3%
School Rankings
#4
Best Boarding HS in California
#16
Best College Prep Private High Schools in California
#20
Best HS For Stem in California
Specialty School Programs
Athletics Program
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Los Angeles
62 Students
Stanford University
60 Students
University of California - Berkeley
59 Students
University of Southern California
53 Students
Brown University
52 Students
Dartmouth College
43 Students
Harvard University
42 Students
Yale University
41 Students
Columbia University
39 Students
Pomona College
37 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business
47 Students
Political Science and Government
40 Students
Biology
39 Students
Psychology
37 Students
Computer Science
33 Students
Economics
33 Students
Environmental Science
25 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies
22 Students
International Relations
19 Students
English
18 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
11/24/2024
In 20 years, when people look back on Thacher, they will mark the naming of Jeff Hooper as head of school as a clear turning point in the school's trajectory. There is a clear demarcation: Before Jeff Hooper and after. Under his leadership, this already great school just keeps getting better and better and it's clear that its best days are still ahead.
3/6/2024
Thacher is truly an incredible place that is defined by its community. The students, teachers, administration, and staff make the place what it is. The support of the people around me is what allows me to thrive academically, athletically, artistically, etc.
10/12/2023
If I could give 6 stars for academics, sciences, facilities, I would. Amazing place for your child. They will learn teamwork. They will learn grit. They will learn honor and fairness. There is no cutting corners here, and the kids are geniunely the nicest kids ever. When a student is elitist, racist, sexist, the Honor Code kicks in to high gear. Bad behavior and bad actors really are not given a break.
GreatSchools Reviews
4/10/2025
At first glance, Thacher presents itself as an amazing school—an idyllic campus, a tight-knit community, and a mission grounded in values like Honor, Fairness, Kindness, and Truth. It’s easy to believe in the story they tell. But once you look closer, that image begins to fall apart. Those values ar...
3/16/2021
Perfectly politically correct. Barely a shadow of its former self.
11/20/2017
Superb, unique, diverse community that is incredibly warm and welcoming. Academics are challenging, teachers are supportive. There is really nothing like it anywhere.
4/7/2016
Thacher is a very stressful school, and I worry about the kids I know that go there because they get so stressed. I think its a great oppurtunity to get to go, but there is hardly any diversity. Families that I've met there all dress matching and color coded with sweater's hanging from their shoulde...
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Additional Schools in the Area
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The Thacher School is a private school for students in grades 9-12 located at 5025 Thacher Rd in Ojai, CA. Annual tuition is $65,600. The school has a total enrollment of 259 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. The Thacher School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A+. The average GPA is 3.74, the graduation rate is 100%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1420 and an ACT score of 33. Discover additional schools in the area, like Monica Ros School, and more. Learn more about what Ojai has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near The Thacher School.