2024 Best High Schools in Ventura County

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: I really like the Thacher school and the experience it's given me. It's pretty small so you know everybody and a lot of community knowledge, which sometimes is good and bad. However, because of its small class size, you get to interact with amazing people and know them really well. Everyone is from all over the world so you get to open your horizons and find out about the world as a whole and different cultures.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 251

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  36 reviews

Parent: I have two children at the Besant Hill School as boarding students. When we searched schools, we looked for the environment in which individual students receive individual support and care. The school's teacher to student ratio of 1:3 is exceptional and our children enjoys the benefits of it in many respects! We are truly grateful that the faculty supports my children to be themselves and find their academic, artistic and leadership passions and potentials. My sons found the love of math at the Besant Hill School's creative math class. They are encouraged to find creative solutions and artistic passion through the interesting projects in studio art and ceramics classes. Through diverse sports and local community projects, they are trained to be a mature and reliable members of the community. Music concert during the family weekend showed that the school supports every level of players. The beautiful campus and weather in the nature of Ojai is a big plus too!... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 71

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  66 reviews

Junior: I like the community and academics the most about Villanova Preparatory School. The teachers and student alike are kind and supportive, more than other highschools can attest to. The Villanova community is a safe space for people when they need to talk or need assistance. Every single student at the school at least has one friend or person that they can go to if they were struggling whether it be academics, athletically, etc. Since the school is a boarding school, it provides day and resident students the opportunity to experience new cultures and ideas. The advanced curriculum allows students to grow in their knowledge of the subject but also gain and strengthen skills that are needed not only in college but in life. Something I believe need to be adapted or change about Villanova is the facilities. Oftentimes when a person needs to use the restroom they have found that the entire bathroom is out of order or a few stalls due to flooding or other issues, making the experience subpar.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: I would not be the woman I am today without being a La Reina girl first. La Reina is a small, intimate high school that fosters young women to have the most amazing values. A La Reina girl has a high moral code of ethics and a big heart that is full of respect and love for others along with herself. It is truly a special place that I will admit is hard to appreciate as teenage girl when you're there; I felt then that it would've been more exciting to have a better social life with boys but looking back, I am happy that I got to grow as a teenage girl sheltered away from that atmosphere. In addition, I really attribute my writing skills to the amazing English teachers I had throughout my middle and high school years; they made me love the classics- especially Shakespeare! Also, not to mention the cafeteria food is top-notch, we had a chef! If I end-up raising a family around the Thousand Oaks area, I will without a doubt send my daughters to La Reina, as my alumni mother did with me.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I am a graduate of the school as well as a current parent. I cannot speak highly enough of the OVS educational experience. They truly provide a top-notch education while simultaneously educating the whole student. Graduates are well-rounded and mature. They have all of the skills necessary to be successful in life. I was a day student but was always begging my parents to drop me off on the weekends to participate in the residential life programs. The weekend trips were phenomenal. You see all of the major California staples like Disneyland, Universal Studios etc. but there is also time for the beach, parks, hikes, bike rides, exploring the local markets. The education was top notch. I went on to attend a major Southern California University and I found myself more than prepared. The camping, the horses, the robotics, the drama program, art, woodshop, music...these are all integral parts of the education and OVS gets that. My kids love it as much as I did. We are an OVS family!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 321

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oak Park Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  370 reviews

Alum: Oak Park High School was great! It definitely helped prepare me for the basics of college. Many of my teachers were excellent and very kind and supportive. Some were very strict graders, which I've found doesn't happen as often in college. There are definitely many kids from all different backgrounds and experiences at the school, and it was great to meet so many people.... Read 370 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,427

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  529 reviews

Senior: I've never had a bad teacher in my time here. The best teachers are truly extraordinary while the worst teachers are just...fine. In my experience, the teachers care about their job and their students. I've felt challenged academically (in a good way) and the majority of my academic needs have been met. Take this with a grain of salt because I've interacted with a maximum of...200 out of the 2000+ students here, but WHS has a pretty welcoming environment. Been able to meet some cool people, both through classes and clubs. In terms of the negatives: (1) False fire alarms go off FAR too frequently. (2) The bathrooms suck, but that's to be expected of any public high school.... Read 529 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,166

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  294 reviews

Senior: Foothill Tech is an academically advanced school. It contains many school committed kids while also holding a diverse campus of students. The school itself is small as well as the population, but that helps create a friendly and family-like environment. Foothill Tech is definitely a great school for those academically adcanced but it also has sports, clubs, and is filled with students with other interests. Overall, it really is a great school!... Read 294 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 990

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Moorpark Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  96 reviews

Alum: As of May 18, 2023, I graduated from The High School at Moorpark College. I was a part of the first freshmen class because as of a few years ago, the program was only open to juniors and seniors who wanted to enroll at Moorpark College as high school students. My experience at this high school has been nothing short of life changing. This high school does a great job of creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community. However, apart from that, it offered wonderful opportunities for advancement in education. College classes are built into a high school schedule and the school ensures that students have the recourses necessary to succeed in both a college and high school setting; Thus, I was able to graduate high school and college simultaneously. On May 18th I graduated from high school, and on the 19th, I graduated from Moorpark College with an Associate's degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. This program has allowed me to be very successful! I would not change a thing!... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  553 reviews

Senior: Newbury Park High School in Thousand Oaks offers a mix of positive and negative aspects that shape the overall experience. On the bright side, the school boasts a vibrant and diverse student community, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity. The committed and passionate teachers go the extra mile to provide quality education and support, preparing students for their future endeavors. However, the school's large size can sometimes make it challenging for students like me to form close connections and navigate the bustling hallways. Additionally, the heavy focus on standardized testing can create undue pressure and hinder holistic learning. Overall, Newbury Park High School combines strengths and weaknesses, shaping a dynamic educational environment.... Read 553 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,287

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: I can't express enough how grateful I am for the incredible experience my daughter has had at Oak Grove School. From the moment she first stepped onto the campus, it felt like we had found a second home for her education journey. One of the standout features of Oak Grove is the nurturing environment they've created. It's not just a school; it's a community that genuinely cares about the well-being and growth of each child. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging, making every student feel seen and heard. We feel so blessed to be at Oak Grove School!... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: I attended Weil during my freshman year of high school, and it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. The friends you make will last you forever.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 64

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Simi Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  417 reviews

Freshman: Santa Su is very welcoming! It’s a small school with no sports, which could be a problem. However, its liberal, performing, and visual arts program is unbeatable. The teachers are kind and informative. They’re very supportive. Not to mention some amazing counselors to help guide your journey. Santa Su also has one of the largest selection of electives I, personally, have seen. Your opportunities are not endless. Again, I feel as though the only flaw is the fact that this school does not have sports teams. The reason I excuse it, though, is because Santa Su specializes in the arts. Santa Su also has incredible science and pre-med programs, as well as multiple classes specializing in broadcasting and producing. Overall, Santa Su is a great school.... Read 417 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,076

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Oxnard Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  65 reviews

Junior: Rancho Campana is a good school with many kind teachers and many kind students. Even though the school is known for having no fights and being very peaceful, sometimes I feel sad that I am missing out on the everyday Highschool experience. In no way would I want to transfer though. I wish that there were sports at Rancho Campana and that we had a larger student ratio, the small ratio makes it harder to meet new friends because everyone already has their small friend groups. But overall putting aside social interaction, Rancho is a great school!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A

• Students 828

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  555 reviews

Senior: At Thousand Oaks High school, inclusion is the main advantage my school has. We have one of the most school spirited schools in the state, and we were even voted top 20 student sections in SoCal this past year. This substantially benefitted my high school experience as the joint energy of school spirit made me feel connected to my school. Football games would be full, basketball games the entire student section showed up dressed in themes, and our loud energy was so unique. As a member of my schools Associated Student Government (ASB), we contributed a generous amount of support for our schools spirit. We made encouraging posters, bought and distributed spirited items like bandanas, and we constantly promoted attendance of these events throughout the school. The only downside to my experience at Thousand Oaks High School is that some spirit activities weren't allowed by staff, or were frowned upon. Otherwise, I wouldn't change anything, I love my school and will be a Lancer forever!... Read 555 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,884

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Oxnard Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Junior: My favorite part of the school has to be the faculty. They are really friendly and easy to get along with. If you have too much on your plate they understand that and even try to help you find a solution. I appreciate the school's goal of helping students get a good education by assisting them in earning college credits and an Associates Degree while on track for their High School Diploma. The classes here really help you be creative and get ahead in your goals!... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Oak Park Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  14 reviews

Junior: OPIS is an amazing school. The courses are challenging, interactive and focus on real-world issues. The teachers are very kind and compassionate. They offer to help students not only with schoolwork, but also with issues they may be facing at home. Students are held to a high educational and behavioral standard at OPIS. I love how flexible the courses are and how much room there is for making the courses fit your needs. At oak Park Independent School students are encouraged to grow, learn, and become the most authentic versions of themselves.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 34:1

• Newbury Park, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: Newbury Park Adventist Academy is a welcoming and diverse school. As an incoming senior, I was immediately shown the ropes through fellow classmates and staff as I began to feel more at home there. Although academics could be improved to provide more higher level courses, classes can be challenging and fun. the school provides a great environment for learning, growing with God, and fun activities. There are a lot of opportunities musically and sports wise in addition to class and school traditions, sports events, great fundraisers, social functions, and more! In addition, the school is conveniently located so that the students are able to buy food off campus at the adjacent foodcourt during lunch.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  75 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Santa Clara high school has been great. I loved how we all came as one and we build such a great community with each other. I loved the enviornment and how we were able to express ourselves on our own unique way possible. I really enjoyed working with others for my extracurricular activities and see all the amazing and outstanding ideas each person had. Overall, to keep it short and simple we are all one big family that is welcoming to whomever.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A

• Students 250

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Moorpark Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  492 reviews

Junior: Positive aspects often include engaging teachers who inspire and support students, memorable experiences such as prom and graduation, and the chance to join clubs, sports teams, or perform in school productions. High school can also be a place where lifelong friendships are formed, and where students learn valuable lessons about independence, responsibility, and resilience. Some students may feel overwhelmed by the academic workload or experience difficulty finding a balance between school, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Social pressures, cliques, and bullying can also be present, making it important to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment. To improve the high school experience, students often suggest a few changes. These include having more opportunities for student involvement in decision-making processes, such as curriculum development and school policies. Additionally, students may appreciate increased access to mental health resources and support.... Read 492 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,827

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  70 reviews

Junior: I really like how the school provides a unique learning path just for me. I am able to take college classes, which boosts my GPA and helps me prepare for what college is like. The entire staff is very friendly and they really care about all ECHS students. Even the events are fun, which are smaller than other schools, but it allows students to make friends at a more introverted school.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Simi Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  383 reviews

Alum: Simi Valley High School, home of the Pioneers, is a great school. I met most of my best friends there. The teachers there are all nice and are very knowledgeable about the subjects they are teaching. The high school offers dual enrollment classes from the local community college (Moorpark College). They have a variety of different clubs to join including robotics and theatre. The school also has great sports teams including football, golf, baseball, and track and field. There are two other high schools in the area, but Simi High is by far the best school. Go, Pioneers!... Read 383 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,967

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  353 reviews

Junior: Ventura High School has a wonderful music department as well as some pretty good teachers. The difference between honors/AP level classes and regular classes is extremely different. It seems that some of the teachers are either there to just sit there and get paid, or they are coaches who are assigned random classes that they need to be considered to be a coach. That's not to say there isn't some incredibly smart and helpful teachers but they are lacking. The security at the school is understandable but frustrating for the students, not only do they have to get passes to go to the bathroom right next door to their classroom, they don't allow students to go to the parking lot during break. And they are about to tighten the security due to recent events and threats directed to Ventura. While I understand they are trying to keep the students safe, they miss the mark and end up punishing good students for the faults of others.... Read 353 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,165

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  54 reviews

Niche User: Hi, I am the Mom of 2 HCS Alumni. Both of our sons had an excellent experience at HCS ... both enrolled in Middle School and completed High School. Both had great academic experiences and were well-prepared for University and life. :) Both had great sport experiences at HCS and played sports at the college level, one of our sons played soccer for 4 years at the University. They were also involved in student leadership as well as on the Music Worship Team. The boys were both well prepared as they left HCS. We are SO grateful! I was also a very involved parent ... which was welcomed at every level. God blessed us so much during our years at HCS. We couldn't be more grateful! It was a wise choice for our family for sure! Kathleen Brooks... Read 54 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 412

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Oxnard Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  635 reviews

Junior: While things at Cam High aren't perfect, we are a family. The community at Camarillo High School is welcoming and kind! All of the staff there are more than willing to help students reach their goals, even the ones that go beyond campus! The student body is full of kind, smart and fun kids! The sports at Cam are super fun as well! The food offered there is yummy, the student section is WILD, and the sports teams always play their best! I have never been to a boring football or basketball game at ACHS! Overall, this school is a wonderful place to spend 4 years and I am proud to be a Scorp!... Read 635 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,977

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1