Ojai Valley School

My children have been attending OVS as day students since Pre-K. My son is in the 4th grade, our daughter in the 1st. My husband attended school there once upon a time, too (late elementary - high school graduation). I have taught academics during seven summer camps as well. We love and appreciate the OVS experience because of the small classes, outdoor ed opportunities, multi-cultural inclusivity, fine arts, thoughtful teachers/admin, friendly staff, parent club involvement, interesting productions, challenging academics, aftercare/club childcare coverage, and amazing lunches! I like that my kids learned to read early on. They learned the sounds first, then progressed to reading simple books and eventually chapter books, all while learning sight words, spelling words, and vocabulary as decoding, fluency, and comprehension developed. Both of my kids love reading. PE challenges students on the field and in the pool. They practice a variety of skills via dance, stretching, games, swimming, cardio, and sometimes even parkour offerings. Outdoor ed provides additional opportunities to develop skills by way of class hikes and semi-annual camping trips. I like that students get up on stage early on—to showcase things they've learned, to sing and perform for an audience. This develops courage, talent, and public speaking/comfort at a young age. The school has two assemblies a week, highlighting academic and individual achievements. Parents are welcome to attend. Plus, there is a middle-school and an elementary play every year, and those taking additional music lessons have recitals. The school hosts a holiday show called Campus Lighting. It is super cute, and cultural diversity is displayed. Our favorite function has been High Tea where students practice manners, etiquette, and more. All the above require rehearsal and refinement - goals to live up to on stage. I like seeing student council members speak over the mic. They are great models for younger students. Their organization with events and school-wide programs is exemplary. The Parent Club is also a neat way to give back to the school. We plan a teacher-appreciation week, fundraisers, help foster community, volunteer at the book fair, and support faculty with events and projects. I like that the school offers a variety of healthy and colorful options during meals. The food is fresh, homemade, nutritional, and thoughtfully prepared in order to accommodate diverse diets. I like how students of different ages can interact during after-care and recess, including themed clubs held after school. The activities are well supervised, so that students can play and learn together. The school also has a "reading buddies" program where older students read to and befriend younger learners. This builds confidence and companionship. I like that OVS is my kids' home away from home. I can trust that they are safe and comfortable there, uniquely challenged and developing as time goes on. They are stretching themselves academically, athletically, musically, creatively, linguistically, artistically, and social-emotionally. I also like that parents are welcome-invited and involved. Check out the summer camp program in addition to the academic year's offering. Summer camp is well rounded with academics and activities indoor and out. My son has taken photography, robotics, archery, swimming, and cooking classes, for example. He has also met students from all over the world. Plus, the thematic competitions/games and enthusiasm from staff is infectious. I was a dorm parent for two summer camps. This was before I had kids. I enjoyed the camaraderie between students, a sense of personal responsibility for keeping one's room tidy, and citizenship with chores in order to keep the common spaces sanitary. In my experience as a parent and summer camp teacher, the international students and camp counselors have been an inspiration to the school-wide community at large.

Hello I am student at RJ frank I am very interested on going to villanova preparatory school. So I was wondering is there a way I can go to villanova preparatory school for free, I really hope there is a chance for me. I was an avid student too and this year I am in art. TThink you very much.

Ojai Valley School is an amazing place. The emphasis on personal character development combined with academics, outdoor education, and social responsibility in a global world are just a few reasons why I am grateful my children attend this school. We have been an OVS family for the past 7 years and I can honestly say, this is the best school for my children in every way...from the administration to the teachers to the maintenance and food staff, it is so apparent how much they care about the students and families that make up the "family" that is OVS.

I owe a lot to Ojai Valley School, without this school I do not know here my son would be today. He entered as an unmotivated and unhappy 10th grader. He graduated ready to take on the world. He won awards in academic excellence and sports while attending OVS. Teacher, mentor and coach Fred Alavrez had a profound effect on my son, becoming like a surrogate father to him. He was more than a teacher, he gave him guidance and strength in all aspects of life. The entire faculty and staff truly care and support the students. I highly recommend Ojai Valley School.