Read more details about Ojai Valley School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
I started boarding at Ojai Valley School (OVS) since fifth grade in Elementary School and this experience had been the best time of my life largely due to the supportive environment of the faculty members and extraordinary outdoor program. The unfailing guidance of the teachers and dorm parents and required education in the outdoors such as backpacking, car camping, kayaking, equestrian, and cross-country skiing provided me the warmth and assurance of the direction I was heading for my education and life.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best part of my boarding experience at OVS is building life-long relationship with the most inspiring and caring people in my life, my dorm parents. Since I began my boarding experience at an age of 10, they guided me to the right path of my life as if they were my "parents". Without their supports, I would not be where I stand at this moment.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would not room with more than one another roommate when you first start at any boarding school because it takes years of experience to live with a crowd. And, as for an advice, I highly recommend the student to "organize" their belongings. This practice of organization will always be helpful wherever you go.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
It is the people that make the place. And, it was the intimate community of the students and faculty that made my years at OVS unforgettable.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Breakfast Waffles on Wednesday are recommended!
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
My favorite aspect of the OVS academics was the support of the faculty. Not only the teachers but also the dorm parents cared about my progress in class assignments and participation. This well-rounded support allowed me to complete the rigorous academic curriculum that challenged me incessantly.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Although there are high expectations for the athletics program at OVS, the lessons learned from the participation in this field were tremendous. At OVS, the students must be involved in the athletic program each semester. Indeed, I always enjoyed the team members and the coaches of my sports teams and they were the reasons why I liked my athletics program at my school.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
The opportunities in Visual Arts, Music, and Theater programs are highly recommended at OVS. For many years, dedicated teachers held countless performances that offered every student to present their musical skills. And, I also benefited tremendously from these activities directed by these experienced and talented teachers.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
The extracurricular activities at OVS vary in a wide spectrum. Indeed, OVS holds a welcoming and encouraging ambiance created by the student and faculty ceaselessly presenting extracurricular opportunities to the school. And, I particularly enjoyed environmental clubs activities and Student Council meetings because of my interest in the environment and leadership and the organizational members whom passionately tried to make changes on campus.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
My dorm life at OVS was incredible. The atmosphere was full of warmth and the residents and dorm parents cared about one another. I had always appreciated the advice and guidance of my fellow residents and dorm parents. Indeed, I made life long relationship with them.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Well-being is a primary concern at OVS. Gina, who is a fabulous cook, has mouth-watering recipes that are not only healthy but also delicious. I personally loved the Waffles on Wednesdays for breakfast.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Ojai is my favorite city in the world. It is a peaceful, friendly, and beautiful town. My favorite part of this town would be the Ojai Pink Moment where the shadow of gorgeous pink falls on Topa Topa Mountains.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
OVS invited the students to involve in the social activities at my school as much as they could. Since OVS is comprised of small population, participating in these activities was not difficult. My favorite part was waiting for the Weekend Committee to post the weekend activities each week. And, these activities vary from going to Disney Land and playing volleyball on the beach in Santa Barbara.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:00 AM
Wake up
7:30 AM
Crew jobs done
8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:15 AM
Meetings
8:30 AM
Classes begin
10:30 AM
Break
12:15 AM
Lunch
3:45 PM
Sports
6:30 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM
Study Hall
Weekend
9:00 AM
Wake up
10:00 AM
Brunch
12:00 AM
Weekend activities
6:30 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM
Study Hall
10:00 PM
Check in
Read more details about Ojai Valley School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Our two children have been attending OVS as day students since pre-K. Our son is in the 4th grade, our daughter in the 1st. My husband attended school there once upon a time. . .
I started boarding at Ojai Valley School (OVS) since fifth grade in Elementary School and this experience had been the best time of my life largely due to the supportive environment of the faculty members. . .
Recent Articles
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.