2023 Best Private Schools in Ventura County

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  97 reviews

Parent: My daughter graduated from Thacher last year and I must say that it was a truly transformational experience for her. While studying in a rigorous academic environment, she often spoke of how there was a spirit of cooperation amongst her peers and how her teachers were accessible. She was able to participate in many activities - athletics, performing arts, clubs, etc... during her time at Thacher. While busy, she wasn't overwhelmed. That is what I heard most often from her peers at other independent schools in our home town. Thumbs up to Thacher for preparing my daughter well for life!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  63 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 63 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  96 reviews

Parent: I was so worried about the transition from elementary to middle school for our daughters, and we decided to take a tour of a few schools in the Conejo Valley. We were so impressed by La Reina, the programs they have to offer for young ladies, the academic support, and the staff that welcomed us. Admittedly, I wanted our daughters to attend a co-ed school, but we fell in love with the school when we visited that we decided to take a chance. I'm so glad we did! Our girls have really LOVED their teachers, what their learning, and the sisterhood that is fostered at the school with all the girls. I'm looking forward to watching them grow into confident, independent young woman at La Reina.... Read 96 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

Parent: Our family has been a part of the OVS community for about two years and we have been very happy with our child's experience. In addition to fostering a sense of community, the variety within OVS's curriculum is hard to match - from standard academics to extracurriculars, OVS offers a plethora of ways for kids to learn about themselves and each other. I'm not familiar with (m)any PreK-8 or Pre-K-12 schools that have music, art, tech/maker, woodworking, and sports (including equestrian) programs, and OVS has all of these! The teachers and administrators are accessible and have been impressive with their COVID response and ability to keep kids in school.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 296

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: I am a parent of two students that attended Besant Hill School. The school was able to provide a quality and challenging educational experience for both, even though they are very different types of learners. As day students, they benefitted from the boarding school environment in many ways. The structure of the academic day, and evening study hall, the weekend activities and clubs, trips domestically and internationally, and mostly the diversity of students from all over the world. Both have gone on to college (one has graduated) and were well prepared not only academically, but also for life. They are critical thinkers, they know how to advocate for themselves and stand up for what they believe, and they are not afraid to take risks. The amount of adult mentorship that they received at the school has given them guidance and confidence to go into the world and make a difference. Thank you!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 87

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: So fortunate to be at a school like OGS, and to be living in beautiful Ojai! Previously living in Venice/Santa Monica area and were ready to raise our boys in a smaller community, but still wanting to be close to friends and family in LA. We have found such an amazing community of parents, teachers, and for us and our two boys, and we all made close friends quickly. Oak Grove School really focuses on the heart and soul of what it is to become a comfortable creative and competent human. It all happens on one of the most beautiful campuses ever. Our boys love having little buddies and buddies in the high school. The students in the high school boarding program include international students to the mix of really interesting and cool high school kids. We feel reassured by what we see happening in junior high and high school that our boys are going to have a super positive experience. The boys are thriving academically, and it feels like our whole family is flourishing at Oak Grove.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: I love Weil for many things including the tennis, school, daily routine, fitness, and the people at Weil. It has helped me become a much better tennis player and become a great student who is academically and athletically ready for college. I look forward to the much more progress I will continue to be doing throughout the rest of m time with Weil.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 58

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Ventura, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: It's honestly a fantastic experience. You're in a tight-knit community, surrounded by peers who are looking to receive an education centered on the three pillars: the true, the good, and the beautiful. There are two campuses, and at the 'upper one', the grades range from 4th to 12th, so there is an expectation of maturity, and mentoring. The academics are top-notch, in my two years there I've read Faulkner, Melville, Dante, and O' Connor, to name a few, written a thesis, studied physics in a hand on approach, and lived out history on Classics Day. One of my favorite memories of last year is actually from that day, when a chosen teacher riding on a chariot made by students was pulled across the soccer field by two other teachers as a crowd of students chanted her name. The familial feel, and the uniqueness of the education is wonderful, I'd recommend it to anyone who can attend.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 156

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: As a college preparatory high school, they offer you a great high school experience. They offer a strong academic curriculum, an emphasis on the teachings of Jesus, and a wide variety of activities. Students expand their intellects, build strong moral character, and develop life-long friendships. Three evident components about the school are Faith, Family, and Tradition!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 250

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Simi Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: As a student who recently just graduated from the class of 2020, I have had an amazing experience at Grace Brethren! There's an array of great clubs you can choose from at this school, and all the teachers genuinely care for you (especially during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic). Most of the teachers teach very well, and I have made many connections with them throughout the years. A few of the teachers aren't the greatest when it comes to teaching, and during my experience with Grace Brethren, I have seen many of them leave. The school does offer a lot of AP courses and a fair amount of electives. The introduction to STEM courses was definitely a step up when it comes to the academics. I wish they pay more attention to other clubs and organizations like mock trial, art, band, etc. It just feels like they pay too much attention to the football team sometimes. Also, the bathrooms could be better! Overall, very good school, would highly recommend it.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 898

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Ventura, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  101 reviews

Alum: Saint Bonaventure is definitely a diamond in the rough; it needs polishing but gleams in what it has. Academically, some teachers & classes are predictable while others are stellar. The Honors/AP program is especially notable in its raw rigor (5’s on AP tests are not uncommon); Hiranandani, Horan, Valle, & McElvogue astound in teaching appreciation of the material. St. Bon is a football & volleyball school; the athletic department pays for these programs’ infinite coaches and facility remodels but does not budget out a tent for a CIF Finals-bound Track team. Clubs & activities are available & engaging; ASB is active & the Drama Club puts on un-stereotypically good productions. Faith is the glue for the school community, not a sticking point; faculty are worldly, & peer friendships and denominations extend to Judaism, Hinduism, and atheism. Saint Bonaventure is meat and potatoes, but its development of initiative more than prepares you for a four-year college & for a holistic life.... Read 101 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 534

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Ventura, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I have had my children in Ventura missionary school for 10 years. We first started off at their wonderful preschool and then continued on to go through their K-8th grade program. We have been pleased with all of our experiences at Ventura Missionary. My two boys have thrived within their own classrooms as I see the caring environment that the teachers create for each child. It’s wonderful to know that our money is going toward both a faith and character-building environment as well as solid academics that are preparing them for their future!... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Simi Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: One of the best Christian schools in California. Friendly staff, teachers are awesome, they really connect with the kids, and work with them. Maybe a little expensive for some, but they work with you and figure out the best plan for you.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 314

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Simi Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Camarillo, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My son has attended CCS since Kinder and is now in 7th grade. You have a sense of family yet everyone is welcomed. I love the small class rooms size and the teachers and admin are great. Only thing I wish is that there was high school grades.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 268

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Ventura, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The school is good my daughter is in second grade and the teachers have been reasonable. Administration is available and has always answered our concerns. Wish they would upgrade and add air conditioning to the classrooms.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 253

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Camarillo, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Ventura, CA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 221

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We previously attended another local private school (Hillcrest) but left because of the change in administration. Bethany has been the welcome community we have longed for! Teachers are caring and the education has been wonderful. Their commitment to following Covid protocols and local ordinances (waiting on the waiver to open) has solidified my view of this school's integrity. This is a wonderful school and I highly recommend it!... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 203

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1