Overview:

• Besant Hill School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades 6-12.
• Founded in 1924 by Annie Besant, a prominent Indian social reformer and educationist.
• Located in Ojai, California, a small town in Ventura County, known for its natural beauty and artistic community.
• Besant Hill School has a long history of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship.
• Notable achievements include:
  • Consistently ranked among the top private schools in California.
  • Recognized for its innovative academic programs, including the Besant Hill Scholars Program and the Global Studies Program.
  • Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental education, with a dedicated Sustainability Coordinator and a student-led Green Team.
  • Graduates have gone on to attend top universities and colleges, including Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

Student Life:

• Besant Hill School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including:
  • Sports teams in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track and field.
  • Clubs and organizations such as the Student Government, Model United Nations, Debate Team, and Environmental Club.
  • Arts programs in music, theater, and visual arts.
• The school also provides a variety of student support services, including:
  • College counseling and guidance.
  • Academic support and tutoring.
  • Counseling and mental health services.
  • Health services.
• Campus facilities include:
  • A state-of-the-art library with over 20,000 volumes and access to online resources.
  • A science center with dedicated labs for biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • A performing arts center with a theater, music room, and dance studio.
  • Athletic fields and courts for various sports.

Academics:

• Besant Hill School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• The school has a strong faculty with advanced degrees and a commitment to teaching excellence.
• Teaching methodologies include:
  • Inquiry-based learning.
  • Project-based learning.
  • Cooperative learning.
  • Differentiated instruction.
• Academic support services include:
  • Tutoring and academic coaching.
  • Study skills workshops.
  • College counseling and guidance.
• Unique academic programs and initiatives include:
  • The Besant Hill Scholars Program: A four-year honors program for academically gifted students.
  • The Global Studies Program: A program that offers students the opportunity to study abroad and learn about different cultures.
  • The Sustainability Program: A program that teaches students about environmental science and sustainability.

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Besant Hill School is known for its:
  • Strong academic reputation and rigorous college preparatory curriculum.
  • Commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship.
  • Diverse and inclusive community.
  • Beautiful campus in a small town setting.
  • Supportive and nurturing environment.
• Notable alumni include:
  • Van Jones: CNN commentator and environmental activist.
  • Julia Butterfly Hill: Environmental activist known for her tree-sitting protest.
  • Moby: Musician and animal rights activist.

Services:

• Besant Hill School provides a variety of services to support students, including:
  • Counseling and mental health services.
  • Health services.
  • Housing for boarding students.
  • Library resources and technology support.
  • Career development services.