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Education Information
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Education Information
It is not surprising that education is a high priority in an area within which nearly 97% of residents have completed high school and 35% have completed a bachelor's degree or higher. The communities are family oriented with active parent involvement and are rich with cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity. There are 3 nationally recognized public school districts that serve the communities in and around Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village: Conejo Valley Unified School District, Las Virgenes Unified School District, and Oak Park Unified School District. Among public schools, several have been named "distinguished schools" by the state or are winners of the prestigious national "Blue Ribbon" recognition. Additionally, the area has many private schools, including Oaks Christian High School, and several two- or four-year colleges or universities within easy driving distance.
The Conejo Valley Unified School District is composed of 21 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, 2 alternative high schools, and an adult school. The enrollment in 2003-2004 was approximately 22,000 students in grades K-12 and 9,000 students in adult education. According to the most recent Stanford 9 Achievement Test, students Grades 2 - 11 performed above the 65th percentile in all areas. In order to graduate and have the skills necessary to compete within an educated work force, each student must pass tests in math, reading and writing. The most recent percentage of students meeting mastery in the district competency tests at Grade 12 is 99.5% for math and writing, and 99.9% for reading. Conejo District publishes a District Accountability Report Card annually in the fall. (The complete report for the district and for each school may be obtained at the district office)
The Las Virgenes Unified School District serves 12,200 students living from Westlake Village to Calabasas. The district consists of 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools. District students scored above the 70th percentile in nearly all areas on the Stanford 9 Achievement Test. (District and individual school scores are accessible for on-line review at the STAR Site link: Begin at www.lvusd.k12.ca.us). Las Virgenes has demonstrated a systemic commitment to technology in education. Staff Development Specialists assist teachers in developing their skills and integrating technology into their curriculum. All schools have media labs that provide access to a wide array of resources, across subject areas. The district's mission is to ensure that all teachers and students become proficient with technological tools to improve personal productivity and encourage innovation.
The Oak Park Unified School District currently serves 3,760 students with 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, 1 alternative/adult high school, and 1 independent home school (K-12). Current technology is a high priority and is available for student use at all levels. Over 95% of the district's graduating seniors attend college. Visit their website at www.opusd.k12.ca.us.
Advanced education is available in Thousand Oaks at California Lutheran University, an independent, diverse learning community that is committed to liberal education and rooted in the values of Christian faith. Enrollment is about 3,000 studying in 36 majors and 28 minors, in addition to professional preparation programs in specific fields of study. Within easy driving distance of The Conejo are other advanced educational institutions: California State University at Northridge with 28,000 students in 60 undergraduate fields and 41 master's fields; Moorpark and Pierce Community Colleges with approximately 15,000 and 19,000 students respectively in two year programs; Pepperdine University, with 8,000 students in five colleges; and California State University Channel Islands, the newest four-year educational opportunity for our area, with over 4,000 students. |
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