Besant Hill School

Summary: "BHS is a place where you can be yourself. No matter who you are, everyone becomes friends. You're not an outcast EVER. It's a place where teachers aren't JUST your teachers - you build relationships with them. You begin to think of them as good friends rather than teachers ...
It’s not just a school—it’s a community..."

Lily Jensen- BHS '10

Summary: At Besant Hill School, the College Counseling Office works closely with all students and their families from the moment they arrive on campus. As a College Preparatory school, BHS provides students with guidance about the journey toward Higher Education including aspects such as Course Selection and Strength, Co-curricular Activities, Community Service, Leadership, Test Preparation, College Search, College Application, and Financial Aid. Students are informed of their many college options and are supported as they develop the tools necessary to research, apply, and effectively transition to college. As more and more colleges move toward test optional policies and a holistic admissions review process, we encourage well roundedness and personal development in our students, in addition to academic excellence and successful standardized testing.

BHS does not view college admission as "a prize to be won". It is the result of thoughtful research, preparation and planning. Hence, the college counseling process is an individualized one, the goal of which is the best possible match between each of our unique students and the college or university which best meets that student's needs. Our students matriculate to a wide range of institutions, from public universities to small art colleges. Approximately 90% of seniors choose to enroll at four-year institutions, while the remaining 10% may opt to defer admission while taking a gap year, or to enroll in a two-year school with the plan to transfer to a four-year degree program in the near future.

Summary: English Language and American Culture: Students will embark on an immersion journey in speaking English, getting to know the BHS campus, and exploring Ojai and California. The Institute will provide students the opportunity to get a head start on the school year. When they arrive in September, students will be familiar with the language, environment, and day-to-day activities that make up their lives here at BHS. New BHS students requiring ESL for the Fall will automatically be enrolled in the Summer Institute.

The students will have a schedule that mirrors many aspects of the school day at BHS. From academic and art classes in the morning to study hall and dorm crew jobs in the evening, they will get used to the duties they will have during the year. In addition, the Institute provides opportunities to have fun and learn about American culture. Outside of classes, students and faculty play games and travel throughout California - from Ojai to Santa Barbara to San Francisco, and many places in between.

All students are welcome to join our Summer Institute. To apply, please submit the application and required forms below by May 15.
SAT Prep and College Application Essay Writing: This program covers every aspect of the college admission process. The SAT Prep course is a comprehensive study of the SAT test and test taking strategies. Utilizing a combination of online and classroom tutorial lessons, students will gain 60 hours of SAT preparation work and 20 hours of application essay writing prep.

BHS Prep program provides tutorial style, small classroom setting with highly trained teachers in the CORE Technology. This technology offers real time evaluation of student work to constant assessment of progress and customized curriculum for maximized improvement. Students will take weekly practice SAT tests during the session. A laptop and a TI-83+ calculator is required for this course.

Department Director: Kristen Kaschub

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