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An inclusive education that prepares students for lifelong success
To develop learners academically, spiritually, morally, physically, and personally – that is the goal of Villanova Preparatory School. Set in sunny Southern California’s Ojai Valley, its campus boasts an ideal backdrop for a high-quality boarding education, filled with opportunities for students to foster intellectual achievement, personal and physical development, and artistic and creative talents.
High-level academics here are a given. Villanova recently celebrated its 100th-year anniversary, cementing its long-standing reputation as one of California’s oldest and most distinguished private boarding schools. Thanks to a stellar, liberal arts-inspired education, graduates have gone on to join the big leagues – think Ivy League institutes like Harvard University and Dartmouth College, or University of California campuses like UCLA and UC Berkeley.
But most importantly, Villanova promises a joy-filled experience for students, one that is confidently “West Coast”. Here, you’ll find athletic and arts programmes with a decidedly California vibe, providing an authentic American experience to a global community of students.
A no-cut, all-inclusive experience
At Villanova, students branch out and try new things. Such exploration helps individuals reach their full potential academically and beyond. Most importantly, it helps them determine their life’s calling. Hence, the school ensures an inclusive experience that caters to all interests through various clubs and organisations.
Clubs are student-run, meaning pupils have autonomy over their activities and interests, regardless of whether it’s a large-scale service project, a competitive team focused on robotics or math, or having fun with their friends. Secondly, there are no cuts – anyone can join sports teams, academic clubs or fine arts ensembles of their choice, regardless of skill level, background, or gender.
Students are also welcome to join multiple clubs at once, such as the Model United Nations team, or participate in fun-filled student-led clubs focused on badminton, dungeons and dragons, or books. Have a unique idea? Villanova encourages the creation of new clubs annually.
Since campus life is brimming with camaraderie, residential life is never dull. While a regular school day is filled with classes, Study Hall, extracurricular activities or other recreational pursuits, weekends involve outdoor activities and trips. Those living here can spend their downtime going on trips to the beach, hiking up trails, or going shopping during the day. Evenings here are often reserved for breaking a sweat in the Open Gym, watching a movie, or hosting a courtyard campfire complete with s’mores.
Hannah Nguyen
Among those eager to branch out and explore new interests at Villanova is Hannah Nguyen (Hân), an international student from Hanoi, Vietnam. She made the bold move to the US on her own, joining Villanova’s Resident Programme in the hopes of becoming more mature and self-reliant.
With the school’s support, she settled in quickly after joining. Diversity made it easy for her to make friends; language barriers weren’t an issue either, as teachers were readily available to help.
“For students who aren’t exactly exposed to the English language or whose first language isn’t English, the teachers and staff here are very understanding and supportive. The school also puts effort into organising events to encourage us to celebrate different cultures/nationalities; it makes things a lot easier, especially when I feel homesick.”
Unique opportunities
With Villanova being the first school Nguyen has ever attended in the US, life here presented many pleasant surprises. Wildcat Day is one example — a day-long celebration that involves participating in a wide array of sports competitions.
But the biggest surprises were the unique ways she found to engage with the community, such as signing up to join the boy’s football team as their manager despite knowing little about the sport.
“If I’m being completely honest, I started managing in sophomore year because I needed the credits to be able to graduate, but the job grew on me over time,” she says. “I was amazed by how physical the sport was and how determined all of the players were; everybody was always fired up and hardworking, so in a way, the spirit got to me.”
Next was her decision to join a school musical on a whim. Nguyen enjoyed singing and was eager for a bigger opportunity; she then found her answer in the Spring Musical. While hesitant at first, she found her voice — quite literally.
“The musical really made me more socially open and confident. I learned to embrace the fun memories equally and all the lengthy rehearsals,” she says. “Overall, I would definitely join the musical again this year!”
Hannah Nguyen
A future in sunny California
Now a Year 12 student, Nguyen has set her sights on a future in biology. She plans to remain in California after graduating and feels thoroughly prepared for any and every academic challenge that might come her way — thanks to Villanova.
“The most important skill that I’ve learned is probably being independent, which I believe will make my university life a lot better,” she shares. “My social skills have also gotten a lot better throughout my high school career here. I've learned to read the room better and also to be more understanding of people’s situations or behaviours. This will benefit my university life as well as my profession in the future as I would like to work in the medical field.”
Esteban Lopez-Ayala
In Mexico, it’s common for people to follow a more traditional route — attending school, staying close to home, and joining family businesses after college. While there’s nothing wrong with this path, Esteban Lopez-Ayala chose to go down a different one — one that starts at Villanova.
“From the first moment I saw it, I immediately fell in love with the school,” he says. “The campus, the rigorous academics, the excellent athletic programmes, and most importantly, the preparation they offer for a successful future convinced me that this was the right place for me.”
A robust, supportive environment
As part of the Resident Programme, Lopez-Ayala has always been able to access support whenever needed. Within the dormitory, there are male resident staff who assist with most issues and even personal problems. In classrooms, teachers are present to help with understanding class topics or homework, even making challenging IB classes enjoyable for students like Lopez-Ayala.
“I enjoy IB Environmental Science because of the teacher, Mr. Calisto,” he says. “I really like the way he teaches the class. I also really like IB English, as I find analysing books interesting, and I enjoy writing.”
Experience that shapes character
Big city dreams ahead
A naturally athletic student, Lopez-Ayala spent some time playing soccer semi-professionally at Villanova. This year, he’s trying out something new – being the first in the school’s history to take on four different sports, namely water polo, soccer, basketball, and baseball.
“I forgot how beautiful and character-shaping the experience at Villanova Preparatory School can be. By "experience," I mean being in everything Villanova has to offer: clubs, rigorous classes, and sports, in my case, sports,” he says. He’s confident that he’s made a great decision, especially after scoring a winning record for the water polo season alongside his new friends.
Lopez-Ayala plans to major in industrial engineering after graduating and has applied to schools along the West Coast. His ultimate dream is to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley.
“Villanova changed my life and helped me become who I am today, a high schooler who prefers to lift weights on a Friday night and get homework done rather than go to parties,” he says. “I have a drive to take on the world and make my community a better place. I value family above all else, and most importantly, I continuously seek new opportunities and challenges that will help me build the path toward the successful future I long for.”
“The most powerful lesson athletics here has taught me is the value of commitment,” he says. “It was amazing to see kids who weren't talented attending practice every day and improving not through talent but through discipline and commitment. I am sure most of us didn't just finish the season as better players; we ended up as better men.”
Esteban Lopez-Ayala
My long-term goal is to become a subject matter expert in supply chain, which is the backbone of the industry. I found BGSU's Logistics Systems Engineering program is a combination of engineering and management, which helps me to enhance my knowledge and skills. I joined BGSU in January 2022 and got the opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant on an industrial project under the guidance of Dr. Sarder.
Swati Arora, India
MS in Logistics Systems Engineering
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