Resident Students

Ojai Valley School offers resident students in grades 3-12 the ability to live and learn alongside peers from around the world. Residents participate in a vibrant community of motivated students and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Just ask our alumni. Many of their closest friendships began in the OVS dorms or were developed on camping trips and other shared experiences.

All boarding students live on campus in school dormitories and are supervised by qualified counselors who create a climate of trust, care, honesty, and collaboration. Counselors provide thoughtful programming and support clubs and activities after hours and on weekends. They also supervise the health and wellness of boarding students.

Students typically share a dorm room with one other student. They spend time in common areas with peers for studying, recreational time and enjoying nutritious meals in the dining halls. The Lower Campus has two dorms for resident students in grades 3-8, while the Upper Campus offers four dorms for resident students in grades 9-12. Here’s a quick look of the typical schedule in both boarding programs:

Lower Campus – Junior Boarding – Grades 3-8
• The daily schedule begins at 7:00 a.m. with wake-up, crew jobs and breakfast.
• The academic day begins at 8:00 a.m. It concludes Monday through Thursday at 3:30 p.m., and Friday at 3:00 p.m.
• Residents enjoy recreational time in the dorms until dinner at 5 p.m., followed by study hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Electronics (phones, iPads, etc.) are turned in at 9:00 p.m.; lights out at 9:30 p.m.
• Most residents are 7-day boarding students, but the school does offer a 5-day boarding option for local families who pick up their children each weekend. The 5-day program provides students structure during the academic week and allows families time together on weekends.

Upper Campus – Boarding – Grades 9-12
• The daily schedule begins at 7:00 a.m. with wake-up, crew jobs and breakfast. Academic classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and conclude in the afternoon
• Sports are held after school until 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m.
• Study Hall runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lights out at 10:00 p.m.
• No classes on weekends, but students often have weekend sports or performing art commitments
• Students who live in the region can go home for the weekend, provided their academic and athletic commitments have been met. As with the Lower program, most residents are 7-day boarding students, but the school does offer a 5-day boarding option.