Besant Hill School
Description of Besant Hill School
- Year of foundation: 1946;
- Location: Ojai, California, USA;
- Age: 15-18 years old;
- Language of instruction: English;
- Type of training: mixed;
- Number of students: 100 people (50 boys, 50 girls);
- Programs:
- High School (9-12 grades (US High School Diploma));
- English as a Second Language (ESL);
- The Instructional Support Program (ISP);
- Summer education courses (4 different programs).
- Accommodation: boarding house.
Besant Hill School specializes in the program of teaching only senior classes from 9th to 12th. In school, mixed education, the ratio of boys / girls - 50/50, the age of students - from 15 to 18 years. The school has 100 students from 10 US states and 22 countries. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the California Association of Private Schools. Member of the National Association of Private Schools and the Association of Boarding Schools.
There are 27 teachers in the school: 75% of them have higher academic ranks: 70% of teachers live on the campus of the school. The training system is not aimed at simple assimilation of material: teachers teach schoolchildren to think critically, analyze and perceive information. During the training, students develop their talents and learn to cope with problems. Much attention in the training process is given to various types of art and sports training.
The school has connections with more than 30 higher educational institutions, which regularly conduct various activities on the campus. Effective system of counseling and mentoring; The specialists of the school help the pupils to determine the range of interests and choose a suitable specialty for training. 100% of school graduates in 2016 entered the higher educational institutions of the United States or other countries.
The school is located on 520 acres in the picturesque and quiet town of Ojai in the state of California: the city is famous for its extraordinary beauty and zero crime rate and is perfect for study and life, and just 90 minutes is Los Angeles.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Besant Hill School
Brief information: The educational program is designed in accordance with the national educational standards of the United States. The diploma of the senior school of the USA assumes not only development of disciplines, but also charge for each successfully mastered program of so-called credits. Beginning with the 9th grade, international students master the compulsory program, and vary the subjects based on their preferences. For studying subjects are available on the system Honors.
In the 11-12 grades of the school there is an Advanced Placement (AR) program. Students choose subjects for in-depth study. Successful results of the training under this program give the opportunity to receive preferential treatment when enrolling in higher education institutions of the USA, Canada, Britain and other countries.
In general, graduates of the school receive the necessary level of knowledge and skills to continue their studies and admission to colleges and universities of the United States and the world.
List of subjects to study:
- English language:
- English language levels 1-4;
- Writing block;
- English Level 3 Honors.
- Social sciences:
- History of the USA;
- World history;
- Сultural studies;
- Religious studies;
- Modern history;
- World History Honors.
- Science:
- Biology;
- Chemistry;
- Physics and Astronomy;
- Anatomy and Physiology;
- Environment;
- Agriculture.
- Mathematics:
- Mathematics levels 1 and 2;
- Geometry;
- Higher Mathematics;
- Trigonometry, algebra, geometry;
- Level 2 Maths Honors.
- Foreign languages:
- Spanish language levels 1-3;
- French language levels 1-2.
List of subjects on Advanced Placement:
- English Language and Literature;
- History of the USA;
- Economics;
- Geography of human habitat;
- Biology;
- Environment;
- Trigonometry, algebra, geometry;
- Spanish language;
- French language.
Quick overview: The program is designed specifically for foreign students for whom English is not their native language, or for those who need to improve their language level. Students are divided into different groups depending on the level of knowledge of the English language. Testing is carried out according to the TOEFL (general examination) and TWE (written English test). School grades are also taken into account, which the student receives during the school year.
The program is divided into three levels, in each of which students are engaged in reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar. Levels of the ESL system:
- The first level is the required level of language knowledge: PBT to 450 (45 IBT);
- The second level is the required level of language knowledge: PBT 450-500 (45-61 IBT);
- The third level is the required level of language knowledge: PBT to 550 (80 IBT).
A student with a level of knowledge above PBT 550 (80 IBT) starts attending all academic courses. The program also facilitates the adaptation of the student to the education system in the school, the campus and the order of life.
Brief information of additional support program: The program is designed for individual support of each student of the school. The school's specialists make up a separate educational program for each student, including time management skills and practical strategies that students can apply in their studies to achieve the greatest success.
The program includes 3 levels. The first level is characterized by the highest level of support and development of skills, the second level - the middle and the third - the smallest. A huge advantage of this program is the constant involvement of the student in the process of self-improvement and development of academic skills. In accordance with the knowledge and experience received from the mentors, international student organises own schedule, draws attention to those subjects that need to "pull up", learns to cope with problems and failures.
Preparation for SAT and essay writing:
Dates of the program:
- 4-week program - from July 9 to August 5;
- 3-week program - from July 9 to July 30;
- 1 week - from July 31 to August 5.
About the educational program: The full program includes 4 weeks of training. The first three weeks of the program provide a detailed overview of all sections of the test, including discussions about format, content and overall strategies. Students learn the methods of performing test tasks and study common mistakes and shortcomings. During this time, students perform three full-fledged tests, adapted for educational purposes.
The fourth week of the program is devoted to studying the process of entering college, writing an essay and the presentation of the admissions committee itself.
The STEM PROGRAM training program:
Dates of the program: from July 9 to August 5.
This program is aimed at preparing students for future admission to the baccalaureate. It covers the following disciplines:
- Science (biology, physics, chemistry);
- Technology;
- Engineering;
- Mathematics.
During the training, students attend scientific laboratories, meet with leading specialists of the region and the country. The educational program has a clearly expressed practical character. At the end of the program, each student presents his report on the research. During the development of the program, students are identified with a further choice of the range of interests and profession.
The program "Young innovators":
Dates of the program:
- First session - from 9 to 15 July;
- The second session is from 16 to 22 July.
About the educational program: This unique program is designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and talents in adolescents. Students learn the methods of designing and creating their own business. During the session, teachers and businessmen with a world-wide name work with them, handing them their rich experience. Mentors work closely with each student to better discover their abilities, aspirations, skills and talents. The program is aimed at training the creation of your business from the formation of an idea to the launch of the project.
Students receive the necessary knowledge in the fields of:
- Real Challenges and Business Opportunities in the Modern World;
- Project strategy of thinking;
- Formation of the client base;
- Prototyping;
- User Response Testing and Feedback Analysis;
- Creating a Business Model;
- Presentation skills.
English Language and Culture Program:
Dates of the program: from July 2 to August 5.
Adaptation program for enrolled students. During the program, students intensively study English and study the cultural characteristics of the United States. Schoolchildren get used to the routine of the day, get accustomed to the campus. During the course, students make tourist trips throughout California.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Students are located on the campus of the school in one of three residences:
- EOS DORMITORY:
- For boys;
- View of the valley of the Ojai and Mount Topa-topa;
- 2-bed rooms;
- Fully furnished rooms;
- Shared kitchen with necessary appliances;
- Rest Rooms;
- Large open verandas;
- Billiards;
- Residences for teachers.
- PHOENIX DORMITORY:
- For girls;
- View of Topa-Topa Mountain;
- 2-bed rooms;
- Fully furnished rooms;
- Shared kitchen;
- Room for rest and leisure with panoramic glazing and fireplace;
- Residences for teachers;
- Game room;
- Piano;
- Laundry.
- DOORNINK GROVE DORMITORIES:
- 4 two-storeyed cottage;
- Premium-accommodation, single;
- Fully furnished rooms;
- Recreation areas;
- Kitchen;
- Appliances.
Each residence has a TV, audio system and high-speed Internet access.
The school's food system meets the highest standards - dishes are prepared exclusively from fresh products, there are always plenty of vegetables and fruits in the diet. 3 meals a day. Schoolchildren have the opportunity to eat according to their preferences (diet, religious prescriptions).
Subjects, specialties
Activities Besant Hill School
During schooling, great attention is paid to the sports education of students: schoolchildren are engaged in teams and individually, take part in competitions and strive to achieve success in the sports.
The following sports are available:
- Basketball;
- Cross Country;
- Golf;
- Football;
- Swimming;
- Volleyball;
- Cross-fit;
- Water sports, including surfing;
- Dancing;
- Tennis;
- Power training;
- Yoga.
Students of the school develop and improve their talents in the field of arts and creative activity, they have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and interest sections. The following classes are available at the school:
- Theatrical art:
- Acting skills;
- Accompaniment of theatrical productions;
- Theater equipment;
- Directing theatrical productions;
- Musical Theatre.
- Music:
- Musical theory;
- Chorus;
- Musical groups.
- Dancing:
- History and theory of dances;
- Ballet art;
- Jazz;
- Modern dances;
- Hip-hop;
- Choreography.
- Visual art:
- History and theory of art;
- Modern Art;
- Painting;
- Graphic arts;
- Sculpture and ceramics;
- Photo art;
- Publishing and editing;
- Script and producing films.
- Other clubs and sections:
- Ecological circle;
- Mathematical circle;
- School radio.
During the training, students attend various activities, such as:
- Theatrical productions;
- Films screening;
- Concerts;
- Museums;
- Festivals;
- International conferences;
- Trips to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara;
- Excursions to the state and the country, to other countries;
- Excursion trips;
- Hiking, trekking;
- Trips to snowboarding and mountain skiing.
In addition, students have the opportunity to meet with outstanding figures of science, art, business and other intellectual elite of the country and the world.
Advantages
- Professional teaching staff;
- The ratio of teachers and students is 1: 4;
- Training in small classes of 10-12 people;
- Picturesque accommodation area;
- The program of schooling is approved by the expert committee of the University of California;
- Accreditation in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASG) and the California Association of Private Schools (CAIS);
- Equipped with the best standards.
Facilities and equipment at Besant Hill School
The school occupies 520 acres on the territory of Upper Ojai - the nature here is incredibly beautiful: from the campus you can enjoy stunning views of the Topa-Topa Mountains and the Ojai Valley. 90 minutes takes the road to Los Angeles, 40 minutes to the city of Santa Barbara and 20 minutes to the beach.
On campus there are a very good infrastructure:
- Educational Campus;
- Administrative building;
- Scientific laboratories;
- Sport complexes;
- Athletic facilities;
- Art center;
- Theater center;
- Observatory;
- Library center;
- Darkroom;
- Canteen;
- 3 hostels;
- Medical Center.
The school's classrooms are spacious and bright, they are equipped with filtration and air purification systems. There are audiences for relaxation and independent work. Sports facilities, clubs and sections always have all the necessary equipment, and scientific laboratories are equipped with the best instruments and equipment.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year is divided into semesters:
- The first semester - from September 6 to December 15 (vacation from November 17 to 27);
- The second semester - from January 9 to June 2 (vacation from March 9 to 26);
- Summer semester (for summer educational courses) - from July 2-9 to August 5.
Some services are paid additionally to tuition fee:
- Compulsory payments (including training aids, transportation costs, laboratory and medical center fees);
- Payment from new students;
- Registration fee;
- Consular fee of the Embassy;
- Visa processing costs;
- Compulsory medical insurance;
- Custody and registration in the agency.
Extras:
- Deposit for a course/programme 600 USD
- Registration fee (for accommodation) 300 USD
- Transfer (return)
- Study materials
- Visa fees
- Flight tickets
- Medical insurance
- Study materials 3500 USD
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
- Application form;
- Autobiography in the form of a free essay;
- Portfolio;
- Parent Questionnaire;
- Recommendations from the previous place of study (minimum of 2 teachers);
- High achievement at the previous place of study (report card);
- It is advisable to visit the campus of the school with the participation of the student and his parents / representatives;
- Applicants must freely communicate in English, read and write at a level appropriate to their age;
- Interview with a school employee (on campus or Skype);
- The test to identify the level of knowledge.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Besant Hill School
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
