Guide to Public and Private Schools in Ventura County, CA

Finding the Perfect School in Ventura County — Let’s Make It Easy

If you’re thinking about moving to Ventura County, chances are finding the right school is a big part of your decision. And honestly? It should be!

Your child’s education shapes their future, and the good news is that Ventura County offers some of the best public and private schools in California. Whether you’re looking for a district with award-winning academics, a small private school with personalized attention, or a school with standout arts and athletic programs, this area has it all.

Let’s explore some of the top-rated schools that make Ventura County such a special place for families!

Top Public School Districts in Ventura County

Conejo Valley Unified School District (Thousand Oaks)

If you want an academically rigorous district with lots of extracurricular options, Conejo Valley Unified is hard to beat.

High State Rankings: Consistently ranked as one of the top districts in Ventura County.
Diverse Programs: Strong STEM, arts, and sports offerings.
Community-Focused: Parents love the district’s commitment to student well-being and growth.

Ventura Unified School District

Ventura Unified strikes a balance between academics, community, and innovation.

Academically Strong: Schools with impressive test scores and high college acceptance rates.
Specialized Learning: Offers magnet programs, dual-language options, and specialized academies.
Location Perks: Living in Ventura means being close to the beach, hiking trails, and plenty of family activities.

Oak Park Unified School District

Oak Park is a smaller district, but it packs a punch when it comes to student success.

Top 5% in California: Schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state.
College Prep Focus: Strong AP and honors programs with a track record of college acceptances.
Small Class Sizes: More individualized attention for students.

Top Private Schools in Ventura County

Villanova Preparatory School (Ojai)

This small, Catholic college-prep school in Ojai is known for helping students thrive academically and personally.

High Academic Success: Strong track record of students getting into top universities.
Close-Knit Community: Small class sizes and a supportive atmosphere.
Ojai Lifestyle: Living in Ojai means your kids get the bonus of growing up surrounded by nature and small-town charm.

La Reina High School & Middle School (Thousand Oaks)

For families looking for an all-girls private school, La Reina is a standout.

Empowerment & Leadership: Focus on developing confident, capable young women.
College Readiness: Strong AP programs and dedicated college counseling.
Safe & Supportive: Known for fostering a nurturing environment where students can excel.

St. Bonaventure High School (Ventura)

St. Bonaventure combines faith-based education with well-rounded academic and extracurricular programs.

Balanced Education: Offers strong academics, arts, and sports programs.
Values-Driven Learning: Emphasizes character development alongside academics.
Ventura Location: Convenient for families living in or near Ventura’s beachside communities.

Why Ventura County Is a Dream for Families

Finding a great school is just one part of the equation. Ventura County is the kind of place where kids can ride bikes to the beach, hike through nature preserves, and grow up in a supportive, connected community.

And as a parent, knowing you live in a place with safe neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and tons of family-friendly activities? That’s priceless.

So whether you’re eyeing a beachside home in Ventura, a suburban oasis in Camarillo, or a charming property in Ojai, you’re not just buying a house — you’re investing in your family’s future.

If you’re ready to start exploring homes near your ideal school district, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find a place where both you and your kids can thrive.

What’s most important to you in a school district? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear!

Share this post