Educational opportunities for students in preschool through college abound in the Conejo Valley. Top-quality academics, extracurricular activities and innovative programs build strong foundations that support students’ growth and learning for a lifetime. The following schools represent some of the best educational institutions around.
Carden Conejo School
106 W Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805.497.7005
For 55 years, Carden Conejo School has provided families with a distinctive
education rooted in academic excellence, character development and a deep
respect for childhood. Situated on nearly 12 acres in Thousand Oaks, Carden
Conejo School is a non-sectarian independent school founded upon
Judeo-Christian values. Known as a trusted educational partner for
generations of local families, Carden develops resilient students who are
ready to make a difference in the world.
Carden’s preschool program honors the magic of childhood while laying the
foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through purposeful play, hands-on
exploration, outdoor discovery and nurturing teacher-guided experiences,
children develop curiosity, creativity and independence. Classrooms
encourage imagination, problem-solving and collaboration, while building
early literacy and numeracy skills. Students are known and loved by their
teachers, creating a joyful environment where children feel safe to explore,
take risks and grow.
At the heart of the elementary and middle school is a rigorous academic
program that develops exceptional readers, writers, mathematicians and
critical thinkers. The time-tested Carden Method provides a classical,
mastery-focused and language-centered curriculum that teaches students how
to think, not just what to think. This proven educational approach
encourages students to think independently and communicate effectively.
Students benefit from a well-rounded educational experience with core
classes that include reading, grammar, writing, mathematics, social studies,
music, art, technology and engineering, French, science and physical
education. Middle school students benefit from an array of additional
exploratory classes, clubs and co-curricular activities.
Beyond the classroom, Carden has earned a reputation for its competitive
athletic programs, leadership opportunities, community service initiatives
and vibrant parent community. Carden places a large commitment on manners,
morals and patriotism, by weaving kindness, integrity, perseverance and
responsibility into daily practice. Students not only learn how to achieve
academically, but also how to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Carden’s learning environment encourages timeless traditions, while also
focuses on preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Steadfast
in their mission, Carden Conejo School provides an exceptional Preschool to
Middle School education that prepares students to learn with joy, grow with
integrity and lead with purpose.
Conejo Valley Unified School District
1400 E Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805.497.9511
The award-winning Conejo Valley Unified School District proudly serves children in transitional kindergarten (TK) through Grade 12, preschool and post-secondary at its beautiful school campuses located in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village. Committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for all students, the CVUSD focuses on offering opportunities and choices that foster each student’s unique gifts and prepares them to reach their full potential for success in a diverse, challenging and ever-changing world.
What sets the CVUSD apart are its lauded educators, dedicated administrators and wonderful staff members who are deeply dedicated to academic excellence and cultivating caring campus communities.
From the district’s high-achieving neighborhood schools to its magnet schools and unique program offerings, there are opportunities to match every student’s unique interests in the Conejo! Whether scholars are interested in STEAM-based magnets, enrichment-based learning opportunities, becoming multilingual leaders at the district’s Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion school or receiving an inquiry-based education at one of the International Baccalaureate Programs, a “right fit” school is available for every student.
Arts education is also a priority for CVUSD scholars with a comprehensive districtwide Strategic Arts Education Plan, which lays the foundation for integrated arts into core content areas including visual arts, theater, media arts and music opportunities for all scholars.
Importantly, the CVUSD continues to prepare students for achieving the future of their dreams. CVUSD graduates not only attend some of the top universities and colleges in the world, but they also learn skills to prepare them for careers and vocational opportunities after graduation day. CVUSD’s secondary schools boast a variety of Career Pathways Programs from Construction Technology to Sports Medicine, and everything in between.
CVUSD’s schools are home to top-performing athletic programs that consistently earn county and state recognition with scholar-athletes going on to play collegiate-level sports, year after year. There are also a wide variety of extracurricular and club opportunities for students to join, gain new skills and have fun, all while making connections with like-minded peers.
The future is bright for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, as it continues to innovate to best serve its community of learners.
Hillcrest Christian School
449 E Wilbur Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805.497.7501
Hillcrest Christian School is a preschool through 12th grade community devoted to partnering with parents to raise the next generation to impact the world for Jesus Christ. For almost five decades, Hillcrest students have been known individually, loved sacrificially and equipped intentionally. Students are prepared not only for academic success but also for a lifelong walk with Christ.
At Hillcrest, teachers are more than educators—they are disciplers who build genuine relationships with their students and model the grace and compassion of Jesus in every interaction. This commitment shapes the atmosphere of every classroom, from the joyful energy of preschool and the engaging elementary environment to the rigorous college preparatory setting of high school.
Fully accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Hillcrest consistently celebrates academic excellence across all grade levels. Graduates are accepted to excellent colleges and universities, often receiving significant scholarships and substantial college credit earned at Hillcrest.
In preschool, students learn through song, play and hands-on exploration as they develop fine motor skills, grow physically, build social and emotional confidence and develop early foundations in math, reading and writing. Every moment, from morning circle to outdoor play, gives children an opportunity to understand that they are uniquely gifted and loved by God.
In elementary school, enrichment classes are taught by specialized instructors in art, music, Spanish, computers, library, physical education and afterschool sports. Students study eight master artists each year in art, learn four instruments in music and participate in field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom. Lessons are creative, purposeful and rooted in a Christian worldview, allowing students to discover and develop their God-given gifts.
In middle school, students are personally known by their teachers. They are supported as they grow in identity, purpose and calling. In high school, families partner with a dedicated college counselor, and students choose academic pathways that reflect their interests, strengths and goals. Hillcrest offers dual-enrollment courses taught on campus by adjunct professors, along with Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Students can explore passions in fine arts, world languages, technology, leadership and many other areas. This well-rounded experience prepares them to become confident, thoughtful graduates equipped for the next chapter of their lives.
Oaks Christian School
31749 La Tienda Road
Westlake Village, CA 91362
818.575.9900
Oaks Christian School begins the next chapter of the school’s illustrious history with the start of the 2026-27 school year with its newest grades TK-3. The addition of these grades makes the school a full TK-12 grade, college-preparatory, day and boarding school.
The new elementary grades will feature core subjects in English, math, science, history and Bible as well as exploratory classes in music, American Sign Language, art, physical education and STEM. The lower elementary campus is located at 975 Evenstar Ave in Westlake Village.
Established in 2000 with an inaugural class of just 73 students, this fall over 1,700 students in Grades TK-12 will proudly call themselves OCS Lions!
The trajectory and growth of the school in a short time has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 2002-2004, the school established itself as an athletic powerhouse, domineering several CIF championships across multiple sports. Subsequent years saw continued athletic success.
The opening of the state-of-the-art Bedrosian Performing Arts Pavilion in 2007 elevated the performing arts to the national stage. Visual arts followed shortly thereafter with multiple regional and national awards.
In the area of academics, Oaks Christian has been a vanguard, starting first with its stellar high school offerings, and adding a model middle school program in 2009. Five years later Academy V for fifth grade students was launched.
Additionally, the school has added five signature institutes: engineering, arts and innovation, global leadership, Bible and discipleship, and the newest, health science. Each institute provides specialized pathways for students to gain an advantage in those fields, be mentored and taught master classes by industry professionals, and have internship opportunities.
A crowning achievement was the expansion of the International Student Program with the opening of a modern residential dorm that welcomed 40 students in 2019 but now will house close to 100 international and domestic students. The dorm distinguishes Oaks Christian as one of the few Christian secondary schools nationwide to have both a day and residential boarding program.
Santa Monica College
23555 Civic Center Way
Malibu, CA 90265
310.434.8600
As Santa Monica College’s newest satellite campus in Malibu steps into its fourth year after nearly two decades of planning and building, it has never been so ready and eager to welcome new students and adult learners to its doorsteps.
While 2025 proved to be a year full of unprecedented and unexpected challenges in Malibu and surrounding regions, SMC’s Malibu Campus continues to welcome a vibrant mix of students who are enrolled in academic for-credit classes as well as adult learners seeking enrichment through continuing education. In fact, data shows that students return to the Malibu Campus with even more zeal than ever before, and for good reasons.
Santa Monica College leads the state in student transfer to the highly desirable UC and Cal State systems because we believe each of our students is unique, and their success is invaluable. SMC has a plethora of services to help students flourish no matter what kind of support they may need. This includes an excellent first-year program that guides students at the start of their college journey along with dedicated services that ensure students with learning differences are fully supported. Students with specialized interests can pursue programs such as Scholars and STEM to elevate their academic achievement, while others receive personalized counseling to help shape their educational and career goals.
On the path to a brighter future, Santa Monica College ensures students are never alone—they are supported every step of the way until they are ready to soar, and there is no better place to start that journey than SMC’s beautiful Malibu Campus. Come and experience this new satellite campus on Civic Center Way in the heart of Malibu and immerse yourself in the joy of learning while surrounded by natural beauty. As thousands of students have discovered, SMC is the answer to transferring to UC, Cal State or private institutions, and your turn is now.