Exciting cocurricular opportunities, unique academic programs and award-winning athletics are just a fraction of offerings for students attending schools in the Conejo Valley. Here’s a glimpse of what our local schools have to offer.
Conejo Valley Unified School District
The Conejo Valley Unified School District, located in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village, is proud to provide exceptional academic experiences to children in Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12, preschool and postsecondary.
“In the CVUSD, we feature beautiful campuses and provide welcoming learning environments that support the success of all students,” says Kimberly Gold, Coordinator of Communications, Community Engagement and Marketing.
“From our youngest scholars to our eldest, we boast a variety of unique academic programs for students to learn invaluable skills and follow their passions,” says Gold, adding that this includes the launch of a new Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion program at Conejo Elementary School.
“This school year, we will welcome our first classes of transitional kindergarten and kindergarten Dual Language Immersion learners who will begin their journey of becoming bilingual, biliterate and bicultural,” Gold explains.
This school year the CVUSD also begins the first year of its Strategic Arts Plan, which aims to provide equitable access to the arts for all students by reducing barriers and creating pathways for the continuance of arts studies and more.
“The CVUSD is currently the only school district in Ventura County to have such a plan, which displays true commitment to all of our students having free access to the arts throughout their TK-12 educational careers,” Gold says. “We believe that equitable access to a well-rounded arts education, inclusive of music, visual arts, theater, media arts and more, will give every student the opportunity to access creativity and innovation, connect to self and others, and develop a deep sense of well-being and authentic academic success.”
In related efforts, “we continue to prepare students for achieving the future career of their dreams,” Gold notes. For instance, the district’s secondary schools offer a variety of Career Pathways Programs from Culinary Arts to Information & Communication Technologies, to Entrepreneurship, to Arts, Media & Entertainment and much more, all of which afford students the opportunity to study areas of interest to them prior to graduation day.
“These programs guide students as they form essential career connections and can act as a gateway to employment,” says Gold, adding that families are encouraged to explore these unique course offerings and opportunities at ConejoCTE.org.
“Lastly, our school campuses continue to be upgraded, thanks to the voter-approved school facilities bond, Measure I,” Gold says. “Last school year, we cut the ribbon on a brand new, 27,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art STEM Building at Westlake High School.”
The STEM building allows teachers and students to continue to expand upon the great tradition of science excellence at Westlake High School with the incorporation of technology, more diverse labs/activities, and the utilization of outdoor learning spaces to enhance educational experiences through connection with the environment.
Thanks to Measure I, there will also be many more exciting upgrades and new additions ahead for our schools, such as new ADA-accessible play areas at elementary school sites, a hands-on, outdoor learning classroom at Cypress Elementary and building modernizations completed at several sites, including Los Cerritos Middle School and Sequoia Middle School.
“These projects will be invaluable additions to our campuses, support our students on their educational journeys and boost the pride our whole community feels when they step foot on our beautiful campuses,” Gold says.
“The future is bright for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, as we continue to adapt and innovate to best serve our community of learners,” Gold added. “Families interested in learning more about the CVUSD’s unique academic offerings and enrollment opportunities are encouraged to visit EnrollCVUSD.com.”
For more information, visit ConejoUSD.org or call 805.497.9511.
La Reina High and Middle School
La Reina High and Middle School offers a unique opportunity for young girls in Grades 6 through 12 to grow in an environment where there is a clear vision for her future through high school and beyond.
“Part of this vision involves the promotion of thoughtfully developed outcomes for each student grounded in the Educational Vision and Principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame,” says Maggie Marschner, Principal.
La Reina seeks to develop each and every girl as a unique individual.
“Throughout their time at La Reina, students will foster their relationship with God, grow intellectually, develop their individual gifts and contribute to the community,” says Marschner, adding that educators engage in their work every day with these principles in mind.
This strong foundation is holistic in nature—focusing not just on academics but on the growth and development of the whole student.
“Our educators do this by devoting time to proactively planning their lessons with their students' social, academic and spiritual development in mind,” says Marschner. “Their lessons are inclusive in nature, building on the talents each student brings with them.”
La Reina’s Middle School Student Life program is also grounded in the principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame, where each girl is given opportunities for growth within a system of support.
“By focusing on a strong foundation and holistic development, every young girl at La Reina has an opportunity to explore and grow her talents, her spirituality and her love of learning,” Marschner notes.
For the young women entering La Reina High School, each of the four years is designed to provide the opportunity and access to strengthen and grow the innate gifts that God gave them.
“For some girls, this may mean trying out a new sport, attending a book club during the lunch hour, staying up late to work on her design for robotics, joining Student Christian Life or growing her love of languages,” explains Marschner, adding that students are able to explore their talents in a rich academic environment where they are consistently challenged and provided access to rigorous content.
La Reina offers many exciting co-curricular opportunities, such as Mock Trial, Speech & Debate, and Robotics. The athletic department also offers a variety of opportunities for girls looking to either enter into a new sport or strengthen and grow their existing athletic skills.
“However, as our student life model grows, continuing to cultivate student voice and leadership opportunities, we have found that student government has become one of the most popular offerings at La Reina,” Marschner says. “Our student life model seeks to define and grow student voice. Young women at La Reina have opportunities to be a part of positive change and progress as well as grow in their understanding of leadership and support those in need in our community.”
In today’s times of uncertainty and constant change, La Reina has adjusted to the pandemic “by listening to our students, partnering with our parents and growing together in community,” Marschner emphasized.
“Families know better than anyone the impact of the pandemic,” she says. “We have taken the time to listen to them, not only in conversation but in structured dialogue and feedback surveys.”
It is through this partnership and dialogue that La Reina leadership and educators have made thoughtful improvements to curriculum, continuing to focus on learning and the well-being of each student.
“We have continued to grow in our understanding of Universal Design for Learning, a pedagogical design focused on meeting the needs of all students,” Marschner adds. “It is our belief that through partnership with our parents and by engaging in a proactive holistic approach to learning, the young women of La Reina will thrive.”
For more information, visit LaReina.com or call 805.495.6494.
MUSE Global School
MUSE Global School in Calabasas is an innovative, holistic, private school offering in-person education for preschool through 12th grade students. As the beacon of sustainability and nestled on 23 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, MUSE offers an inspirational, outdoor campus like none other. MUSE specializes in teaching the whole child by going beyond academics and connecting with students by teaching communication, self-efficacy and sustainability through passion-based learning. MUSE Global School is an internationally recognized, award-winning school that focuses on eco-literacy. Their small student/teacher ratio of a maximum 16 students per class ensures students receive the most from their educational experience.
Students have the opportunity to eat plant-based food daily and take specialty courses ranging from seed-to-table, performing arts, visual arts, world language, creative writing, plant-based cooking and so much more! Along with other unique opportunities, middle and high schoolers participate in service-learning trips to Guatemala and embark on international and domestic travel throughout the year.
Virtual learning is also available for kindergarten through 12th graders. MUSE aims to deliver a premier education with real connections and a diverse peer group of students that join together across the globe.
To learn more, visit MuseGlobalSchoolCA.com.
Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School is a vibrant, dynamic learning community where each student is inspired and encouraged to discover their God-given gifts, talents and passions.
“We look forward to having you visit our beautiful campus and engage with our incredible students and our gifted, dedicated faculty,” says Head of School Robert T. Black. “This is a unique place, and my hope is that as you visit in person or peruse our website you will get a sense of the OCS family.”
When Black joined the school in January 2015, he discovered a school that had experienced an incredibly strong growth trajectory since its launch in 2000.
“The amazing accomplishments of the students, an incredible world-class facility and a highly dedicated faculty, staff and parent community committed to impacting student lives is truly inspiring,” he says. “As we look ahead to our future, we are committed to continuing to reinvest and focus on remaining one of the top independent, college-preparatory schools in the nation.”
The OCS mission is focused on three major tenets: Academic Excellence, Artistic Expression and Athletic Distinction.
“We have an outstanding arts program that represents the heart and soul of the school, and a highly successful athletic program that develops and builds character in the lives of our athletes,” Black says.
For instance, the Institute of Arts and Innovation provides high school students with individualized learning pathways in the performing and visual arts, focusing on the relationship between their disciplines and the arts and entertainment industry. Courses in visual and performing arts include ceramics, 3-D sculpture, photography, graphic design, film, drawing, painting, dance, theatre, band, choir, digital recording, guitar and orchestra.
When it comes to athletics, OCS provides state-of-the-art modern venues that provide student-athletes with resources and opportunities to hone their skills, with facilities including the softball fields, tennis courts, weight room, aquatic center and track.
OCS also offers numerous clubs and activities, including an art club, beach and volleyball club, Bible club, business and investment club, ECO club, equestrian club, Fear Factor club and journalism club. There’s also a libraries center, as well as leadership opportunities and a wellness program.
OCS is also home to a chapel that provides age-appropriate programming for each school, as well as community service programs that include partnering with the James Storehouse Foundation, which serves foster children in the Conejo Valley.
Additionally, OCS offers social and emotional wellness counselors and spiritual life directors.
“We have a vibrant campus community that is committed to educating the ‘whole child’ and who puts the student first,” Black says. “We offer students a rigorous curriculum, delivered by a highly engaged faculty coupled with small classes, that delivers a highly successful record of placement into many of the finest colleges and universities in the country, and throughout the world.”
Oaks Christian School welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds regardless of their personal religious beliefs.
“As a Christian school, we offer all students an opportunity to embrace and further develop their relationship with God, or to explore the Christian faith and learn more about the richness of its offerings,” Black adds. “We encourage you to learn more about all the many opportunities that Oaks Christian School has to offer, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our campus.”
For more information, visit OaksChristian.org or call 818.575.9900.
Oak Park Unified School District
The mission of the Oak Park Unified School District is to provide students with a strong foundation for learning which meets the challenge of the present and of the future through a balanced education that includes academic achievement, personal growth and social responsibility.
The district, which consists of seven K-12 public schools in the community of Oak Park, was formed in 1977 when residents voted to create a new school district to better meet the needs of its residents, beginning a long tradition of placing the highest priority toward ensuring a high quality education.
Today, all of the district's schools are California Gold Ribbon schools and have been nationally recognized as Blue Ribbon schools. Additionally, the district has been recognized as a national Green Ribbon school district for its focus on environmentally progressive policies and practices.
Notable programs include the two-year Discovery Kindergarten that exposes students to kindergarten standards and curriculum—but at a different pace—in which they are introduced to the curriculum but not expected to master it and have the opportunity to learn and practice important social and communication skills.
The Oak Park Unified School District is located at 5801 Conifer St. in Oak Park. For more information, visit OakParkUSD.org or call 818.735.3200.
One Spark Academy
One Spark Academy was founded in July 2011 as an exploratory learning center for middle school age students who are homeschooled or on independent study, and who desire a flexible, individualized and focused learning environment. They serve students in Grades 6 through 8 and some classes are appropriate for high school students. Students attend One Spark Academy for academic and enrichment courses, as well as its social and emotional focus. Beyond offering some unique courses not found elsewhere (like Food Fascination, Viewpoint, BioMimicry, Mapping the World and Seeds & Sprouts), their small-sized classes offer more personalized attention than students might get in a larger school. In December 2021, One Spark Academy moved its location from the Thousand Oaks Teen Center (currently undergoing a renovation) to the Conejo YMCA, which recently closed. OSA uses the outdoor pavilions and play areas, and the outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Santa Rosa Valley. They will be operating out of this beautiful campus for the coming year. Beside the YMCA, One Spark Academy also has an outdoor classroom at the Las Flores Community Garden, where it holds its Seeds & Sprouts gardening class. Their academic year begins on August 22. For more information, visit OneSparkAcademy.org.
