Villanova Preparatory School: A Comprehensive Overview

Villanova Preparatory School, an Augustinian Catholic co-ed day and boarding school in Ojai, California, offers a college preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12. Established in 1924 at the request of Archbishop John Cantwell, the first head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Villanova Prep sits on more than 130 acres (53 ha). The campus includes two dormitories, a chapel, trails, and assorted academic and athletic facilities. Villanova Prep is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is a member of the Augustinian Secondary Education Association.

A Brief History and Overview

Founded in 1924, Villanova Preparatory School is overseen by the Order of St. Augustine. As of the 2024-25 school year, Brian Grisin serves as the Headmaster. The school caters to students in grades 6-12, with a total enrollment of 285 students and an average class size of 15. The school colors are navy, white, and gray, and its song is titled "Alma Mater (When the Twilight Shadows Gather)."

Campus and Facilities

Sitting on more than 130 acres (53 ha), the campus contains two dormitories, a chapel, trails, and assorted academic and athletic facilities.

Academics and Special Programs

Villanova Prep offers a college preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12. Villanova Prep is one of only a few schools, and the only high school, that is a designated Clare Boothe Luce Program recipient. The program encourages young women to enter, study, and teach in the STEM fields. Each year, Clare Boothe Luce Program members participate in educational field trips such as to the Catalina Island Marine Institute and Santa Clara University's School of Engineering Maker Lab. Students also participate in various lecture series, lab tours, workshops, and documentary screenings throughout the year.

Student Body and Traditions

In the 2014-15 school year, two-thirds of the student body was day students from throughout Ventura County. A major tradition at Villanova Prep is Wildcat Day, a daylong intramural competition. Held annually since around the late 1970s, the event consists of several "tribes" contesting a series of physical challenges. The student population of Villanova Preparatory School is 188. The school’s minority student enrollment is 67.0% and the student-teacher ratio is 7:1.

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Athletics

Villanova Preparatory School athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats. Villanova Prep discontinued its football program in 1974, but in 2001 it was brought back in an eight-man format under head coach and athletic director John Muller. The school switched to the conventional 11-man version in 2004. In only its second year in 11-man, the team went undefeated during the 2005 season and made the CIF playoffs. In 2012 Villanova Prep watched its roster numbers dwindle to the point where several forfeits were mandated.

Controversies

In early 2006, it was discovered that the headmaster had hired a Latin teacher, Shannon McCreery, who had been convicted of second degree murder for assisting in his father's suicide in 1996.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Villanova Preparatory School is a private school located in Ojai, CA. Financial Aid is Available. Tuition and fees may vary depending on grade, boarding status (if applicable), and may have changed for the current school year.

Notable Alumni

William P. Clark, Jr.
Michael G.

Accreditation

^ WASC-ACS. "WASC-Accrediting Commission for Schools". Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. ^ a b VPS. "School Profile" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 9, 2008. ^ a b Combs, Garrett (July 28, 2014). "Villanova expects 90th year to bring change". Ventura County Star. ^ "Villanova Preparatory School". International Baccalaureate. ^ "Villanova students compete during Wildcat Day". Ventura County Star. October 14, 2011. ^ CIF-Southern Section All Sports Press Guide and Record Book (PDF). CIF Southern Section. July 15, 2020. ^ Ledin, Loren (October 5, 2015). "Ledin: Santa Clara trudges through present while awaiting future". Ventura County Star. Retrieved May 1, 2021. The last time we saw this scenario in Ventura County was 2012 when Villanova Prep watched its roster numbers dwindle to the point where several forfeits were mandated. ^ "Memorial Services Planned for Justice William P. Clark, Jr". courts.ca.gov. Judicial Council of California. Augnet International Cooperative Web Site for Schools in the Tradition of St. Private, Catholic•9-12•Ojai, CAAboutTuition & Financial AidApplyingLocation & ContactAcademicsCollege EnrollmentStudents & TeachersSports & AthleticsVillanova Preparatory School is a private school located in Ojai, CA. The student population of Villanova Preparatory School is 188. The school’s minority student enrollment is 67.0% and the student-teacher ratio is 7:1.Tuition & Financial AidFinancial Aid AvailableYes* Tuition and fees may vary depending on grade, boarding status (if applicable), and may have changed for the current school year.

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