2022 Best schools offering AP courses in Ventura County

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  25 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 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 87

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• 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•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  62 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 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 190

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  506 reviews

Senior: Westlake High School provided everything I wanted from my high school experience. Classes were challenging to a certain degree which helped push my intellectual curiosity, though still manageable with other extracurriculars. Speaking of extracurriculars, opportunities were abundant. For clubs, I was heavily invested in my school's Young Investors Society (a financial literacy club), leading it as President in my last two years. I have also been President of the Physics and Robotics Club for the last two years. I am a four year Chamber Orchestra musician, playing the viola at college-level performances. My best experience was being a part of the basketball program for four years, and playing two years on Varsity. Here I met some of my best friends while satisfying my competitive drive. However, in my eyes, school unity should be promoted more. Much of the school seems separated, especially at large events. Nothing is really done to help students meet new people.... Read 506 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,198

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  23 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 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 296

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Oak Park Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  344 reviews

Freshman: Oak Park High School is one of the best schools high schools in general. They have an amazing speech and debate team that I am apart of and many other academic clubs that are to die for! The teachers and administration is amazing and is shown to want the best for their students, by challenging them and motivating them to do their very best. I truly recommend this school!... Read 344 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,420

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Simi Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  403 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed my experience at Santa Susana High School. The teachers and staff are wonderful! They really want to prepare you for the future and what it's like in an actual workplace. At Santa Susana, I majored in both Vocal Music and Graphics & Publications. In my experience, those two programs were excellent! I was given amazing opportunities and activities in those classes. For example, in Choir, I performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, and also had the opportunity to sing alongside Billy Ray Cyrus to honor Borderline victim Sgt. Ron Helus at his funeral, which was shown on live television. Then, in AP Photography, we had a Downtown LA field trip where we got to visit and take photos of famous architectural buildings all over Los Angeles.... Read 403 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 996

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.72 out of 5  32 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 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  287 reviews

Senior: Great small classes, and less students so you are able to make more personal experiences with teachers. Definitly not a regular high school experience, lack of many big sports teams and dances so most "high school experiences" will be at other schools. Knowing everyone in your grade can be great for classwork and study groups, overall very nice staff at the school as well!... Read 287 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,013

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  542 reviews

Alum: I hear mix reviews about NPHS, but I absolutely adored this school. I moved right before my ninth grade year and I had no friends going into high school. I quickly made friends through the amazing Girls' Basketball team. The teachers are overall really good and seem to care about their students. The theatre program is also astonishing! I felt that the programs I did and the people I was around were super supportive. Everyone pushed me to do better, but to take care of myself. I would not have the work ethic or communication skills I have now if it weren't for NPHS.... Read 542 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,338

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  543 reviews

Junior: Overall, Thousand Oaks High School has a very positive learning environment and plenty of school spirit. There is always help available and plenty of leadership opportunities open to all students. Most of the teachers at Thousand Oaks High School care deeply about their students' success and are available during lunch hours or after school to answer any questions. I definitely recommend Thousand Oaks High School!... Read 543 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,019

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Oxnard Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: Rancho is lovely, I've made life long friends whether with other students or even my teachers. We're a very close community of people and it's not hard to get along with everyone. Our academics are amazing, our teachers are open to questions and make sure students have time to come and talk to them. Our clubs are fantastic and most students are engaged in this part of campus. We don't have big sports on campus, which is honestly fine, but we do have inter murals sport events here and there and it's always fun to see! Our music and arts program is amazing and our heads of staff and students who lead those programs are doing an amazing job! We have many resources on campus regarding college, you won't regret asking questions! Our diversity is fine, we have a prominently white population of students, but for our campus our LGBT+ community population is high! SAGA is amazing, especially our movie nights and dance parties! Hope this was helpful!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A

• Students 829

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Moorpark Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  488 reviews

Junior: As a current student at Moorpark High School, I am able to personally experience everything offered. The arts program is incredible and directed by inspiring instructors. However, some of the other departments fall short in terms of teacher communication and support offered. The cleanliness of the campus can also vary greatly. The strongest aspects of the school are definitely the French program, Music Program, as well as the athletics. The teachers and coaches are dedicated and supportive.... Read 488 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,832

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Simi Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  249 reviews

Senior: Royal High School has many different activities that everyone can find something to become involved. There are clubs for different interests such as community service, human rights, ethnicity, and academics. There are also many activities in arts. I personally am in the band program and there are many different options of classes for your level and your interest in music. There are also many sports programs with many making it into the CIF championships. The academics are great as well with there being the offering of CP, Honors, AP, and IB classes. Overall, there are a many amazing teachers that will you give a great academic experience. Of course the school isn't perfect, but it has a lot of great things to offer.... Read 249 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,165

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  67 reviews

Junior: ECHS is a good option for people who are independent and want the chance to take college classes whilst still in HS. I attended ECHS for my Freshman and Sophomore year, but I'll be leaving for my Junior year because of conflicts I've had with some of my peers. If you're academic-focused, ECHS is perfect for you, but if you want a really good social life, it's probably better to look for another school.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• 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 minus

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Ojai Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  67 reviews

Alum: I loved my senior year at Nordhoff, it was fast and so rewarding in everyday!Many people see this school as small and there is nothing to do and that's wrong! Having a small school has many benefits including having a better connection with professors and being able to get faster responses! The teachers at Nordhoff want to see the students succeed in everyway and so does the community! Being a ranger is a forever feeling. There is a saying ranger born, ranger breed, I will be a ranger until I am dead. The community loves the schools football games and is a whole community bonding moment. Many people graduate from Nordhoff and head off to ivy league schools, out of state universities and even CC or trade schools. The amount of students who leave Nordhoff do end up continuing there studies elsewhere and will strive to represent there community as well as themselves. Nordhoff teaches you core values that will make the student excel! We believe citizen first before student! I love it!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 755

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  338 reviews

Senior: Some teachers are really great! The female teachers at VHS have all been excellent. The music department is nationally ranked and the drama department is incredible. The campus is open with no surrounding gates, so the safety is not ideal, but the security is pretty good.... Read 338 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,124

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Oxnard Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  605 reviews

Senior: ACHS has changed my life. Being a senior here, I have experienced it all. Freshman year was a blast as I felt extremely welcomed from all of the students and staff members, ASB truly made sure that I was apart of the Scorpion family as soon as I stepped foot on campus. However, all schools had a big obstacle to overcome during, but my school did the most to make sure I would succeed. Teachers would consistently check up on me about topics in class and my life outside of school. They really do care about every single student they have. Now in my last year, my counselor, the College and Career Center, and teachers are all helping me prep for my future in college because I know that they want me to succeed. Lastly, PLEASE PUT AC IN ALL THE CLASSROOMS!... Read 605 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,128

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Simi Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  374 reviews

Senior: Good teachers! They really care about their students. However, the activities are not great. Some of this is due to the pandemic but some are just boring. It sucks that the bathrooms are either full of kids vaping or locked. Athletics are great and lots of AP classes.... Read 374 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,052

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Simi Valley, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 898

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Oxnard, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  73 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 73 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 250

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  46 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 46 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Ventura Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  316 reviews

Alum: I personally loved my time at Buena High School. I know it can be a controversial school, some people love it and others hate it, but I really enjoyed my time there. I had some great teachers, and really loved learning about certain topics. Of course I had some teachers that I didn't like, but every school has teachers no one likes. I really liked my time being in ASB because I was able to help plan so many fun events, specifically for the senior class. I took german for all four years and also participated in the exchange program. My teacher was amazing, and really had a passion for german which transferred to us having that same passion. The exchange brought me some of my best friends and greatest memories. I also met some of my best friends at buena, and it was always so fun hanging out in the parking lot. I did have a few issues with the volleyball program, but I was so happy they brought beach volleyball because that was one of my highlights. Overall my experience was great.... Read 316 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,858

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Camarillo, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: Architecture, Engineering & Construction (ACE) Charter High School has shown its ability to educate students in its respective career pathways as well through the courses that are expected from the state of California. The school does this by employing teachers whom have had experience working in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. Not only that but, the teachers are able to interact with students in a close relationship due to the small size of the campus. Not only that but, the hands-on curriculum allows students to experiment and experience how it would be like to work in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry. However, with a change in morale in the student body from the recent implementation of the International Baccalaureate program which was met with negative feedback by several students.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1