Ojai Valley School - Review #1

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, 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!

The school has really shown resilience following the devastating Thomas Fire (which burned part of the Upper Campus) and pandemic. After the fire, volunteers from both campuses helped to replant and redesign the landscape. We also came together for fundraising efforts. During the pandemic, the teachers quickly formed a plan to connect with and support students remotely. Our school is offering more than any other school I know of by way of Google Meet, email, video compilations, links, apps, reading books, workbooks, worksheets, and a continuation of classes in all disciplines, even including PE, equestrian, and the fine arts classes. The flexibility of staff is remarkable. We appreciate the time, energy, and heart that is going into distance learning.

Connect with families, ask about what to expect, befriend someone who has been attending awhile, go to All School, attend Family Weekends, join the Parent Club

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 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. I've never seen children so excited about the semi-annual book fair! 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 grow 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 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 wider community can enjoy. 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, send correspondence, decorate the school for seasonal holidays, and support faculty with events and projects.

I was a dorm parent for two summer camps. This was before I had kids. I enjoyed the camaraderie between students, sense of personal responsibility for keeping one's room tidy, and citizenship with chores in order to keep the common spaces sanitary.

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.

The Ojai valley is an artsy community with frequent festivals and functions held in the centrally located park. There are other parks and playgrounds on the periphery of town as well. The downtown Ojai area is quaint and interesting--with its art galleries, local shops, non-chain restaurants, ice cream shops, pizza parlor, and health-food stores. Smaller offshoots of Ojai proper include the areas of Mira Monte, Meiners Oaks, Oak View, Casitas Springs, and Upper Ojai. The valley has a variety of hiking trails and a meadow maintained by the local land conservancy.

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.