College Preparatory School in Ventura County, Southern California

Oak Grove School, Ventura County:
Located in Ojai, California, south of Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Oak Grove School offers innovative early childhood, elementary, junior high school programs, a college-preparatory high school, and a family-style boarding program all nourished by the educational vision of its founder, philosopher and educator J. Krishnamurti. Small classes in a natural environment are guided by experienced teachers who encourage discovery and inquiry while supporting exceptional academic, creative and personal growth. 203 day and boarding students attend Oak Grove School.

The school is fully accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Why Choose Oak Grove?
- Oak Grove School offers a challenging, integrated, inquiry-based college preparatory experience for 7th through 12th grade students.
- Oak Grove is set on a 150-acre rural campus nested in the coastal mountains, just 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
- The school offers 5-day boarding to mature 7th and 8th grade students and full boarding to high school students.
- Oak Grove seeks highly motivated, caring and compassionate students who are interested in making a diference in the world.
- Students develop a global view, a sensitivity toward the environment and investigate the nature of their own thinking.

The intent of the Oak Grove School is for students to develop the skills necessary to function in society, and at the same time to develop a foundation for inquiry into perennial questions of human life. Consistent with the views of its founder, the school does not subscribe to any creed or ideology. Rather, it assists students in the open-minded investigation of enduring human issues.

Educational Approach:
From preschool through high school, Oak Grove School aspires to educate children and young adults who will be prepared to meet the moral, intellectual and physical challenges of the future, will recognize that learning never ends, and will contribute thoughtfully to their families, communities and world.

Oak Grove nourishes the spirit of inquiry at all grade levels, and this naturally translates into innovative and exciting opportunities for learning. Education is experienced in its broadest context, where both teacher and student are free to investigate, question, respond to ideas, and talk together in friendly conversation about the material they are learning.

- Day Program
- Boarding Program for 7th, 8th Grade and High School Students
- Early Childhood Program
- Toddler Program
- Preschool Program
- Kindergarten Program
- Elementary School Program
- Junior School Program
- High School Program

Boarding Life:
Oak Grove’s residential program offers a small, family-like environment that can quickly become a home away from home. Students live at Besant House, a facility that houses up to 20 students and live-in house parents who ensure students feel comfortable, secure and supported. House parents are selected for their ability to guide and nurture, while acting as positive role models.

Hearty vegetarian meals are served daily on campus, many of which include fresh produce grown in the school's organic gardens. During the week, students attend classes, participate in after-school programs, sports and special school activities. On weekends, residents take advantage of our beautiful Southern California location with regular group excursions to the beach, movies, art exhibits and music events.

Small class sizes allow teachers to respond to each student's academic and emotional needs, and closely monitor student progress and well-being. Comprehensive, semiannual written student evaluations are complemented by parent-teacher conferences and monthly parent meetings, giving a complete and accurate picture of the elementary student's academic, social and emotional development. Written grades are issued after the sixth grade, as students begin the natural transition to a college-preparatory high school program.

Outdoor Education:
As members of the Condor League, Oak Grove High School students participate in team volleyball, soccer, basketball and tennis. Outdoor education at the high school level is more advanced, often spanning the curriculum and bringing together physical education, academics, community service, and the arts.

Oak Grove provides cross-cultural learning opportunities at every grade level. Examples include international songs, movement and stories during preschool, a study of the world’s use of rice in a third grade nutrition unit, and formal high school study of World Religions and Cultures. Oak Grove teachers continually weave a global view into the educational process.

Spanish culture and language are introduced in first grade through music, games and performances, with instruction expanding through high school. Weekly assemblies bring a culturally and internationally diverse series of musicians, speakers and performers to the campus. And visiting staff from other Krishnamurti schools provide an international perspective. At the high school level, students enhance their global and environmental awareness, provide service to others and add an experiential elemental to classroom learning through the senior India trip.