Educational opportunities for students in preschool through college abound in the Conejo Valley. Top-quality academics, extracurricular activities, and innovative programs build strong foundations that support students’ growth and learning for a lifetime. The following schools are among the best educational institutions around.

Carden Conejo School

106 W Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Tel: (805) 497-7005 | cardenconejo.com

For 55 years, Carden Conejo School has provided families with a distinctive education rooted in academic excellence, character development and a deep respect for childhood. Situated on nearly 12 acres in Thousand Oaks, Carden Conejo School is a non-sectarian independent school founded upon Judeo-Christian values. Known as a trusted educational partner for generations of local families, Carden develops resilient students who are ready to make a difference in the world.

Carden’s preschool program honors the magic of childhood while laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, outdoor discovery and nurturing teacher-guided experiences, children develop curiosity, creativity and independence. Classrooms encourage imagination, problem-solving and collaboration, while building early literacy and numeracy skills. Students are known and loved by their teachers, creating a joyful environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks and grow.

At the heart of the elementary and middle school is a rigorous academic program that develops exceptional readers, writers, mathematicians and critical thinkers. The time-tested Carden Method provides a classical, mastery-focused and language-centered curriculum that teaches students how to think, not just what to think. This proven educational approach encourages students to think independently and communicate effectively. Students benefit from a well-rounded educational experience with core classes that include reading, grammar, writing, mathematics, social studies, music, art, technology and engineering, French, science and physical education. Middle school students benefit from an array of additional exploratory classes, clubs and co-curricular activities.

Beyond the classroom, Carden has earned a reputation for its competitive athletic programs, leadership opportunities, community service initiatives and vibrant parent community. Carden places a large commitment on manners, morals, and patriotism by weaving kindness, integrity, perseverance, and responsibility into daily practice. Students not only learn how to achieve academically, but also how to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Carden’s learning environment encourages timeless traditions, while also focusing on preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Steadfast in their mission, Carden Conejo School provides an exceptional Preschool-to-Middle School education that prepares students to learn with joy, grow with integrity, and lead with purpose.

Conejo Valley Unified School District

1400 E Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Tel: 805.497.9511 | EnrollCVUSD.com

The award-winning Conejo Valley Unified School District proudly serves children in transitional kindergarten (TK) through Grade 12, preschool and post-secondary at its beautiful school campuses located in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village. Committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for all students, the CVUSD focuses on offering opportunities and choices that foster each student’s unique gifts and prepares them to reach their full potential for success in a diverse, challenging and ever-changing world.

What sets the CVUSD apart are its lauded educators, dedicated administrators and wonderful staff members who are deeply dedicated to academic excellence and cultivating caring campus communities.

From the district’s high-achieving neighborhood schools to its magnet schools and unique program offerings, there are opportunities to match every student’s unique interests in the Conejo! Whether scholars are interested in STEAM-based magnets, enrichment-based learning opportunities, becoming multilingual leaders at the district’s Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion school or receiving an inquiry-based education at one of the International Baccalaureate Programs, a “right fit” school is available for every student.

Arts education is also a priority for CVUSD scholars with a comprehensive districtwide Strategic Arts Education Plan, which lays the foundation for integrated arts into core content areas including visual arts, theater, media arts and music opportunities for all scholars.

Importantly, the CVUSD continues to prepare students for achieving the future of their dreams. CVUSD graduates not only attend some of the top universities and colleges in the world, but they also learn skills to prepare them for careers and vocational opportunities after graduation day. CVUSD’s secondary schools boast a variety of Career Pathways Programs from Construction Technology to Sports Medicine, and everything in between.

CVUSD’s schools are home to top-performing athletic programs that consistently earn county and state recognition with scholar-athletes going on to play collegiate-level sports, year after year. There are also a wide variety of extracurricular and club opportunities for students to join, gain new skills and have fun, all while making connections with like-minded peers.

The future is bright for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, as it continues to innovate to best serve its community of learners.

Hillcrest Christian School

449 E Wilbur Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Tel: 805.497.7501 | hillcrestcs.org/

Hillcrest Christian School is a preschool through 12th-grade community devoted to partnering with parents to raise the next generation to impact the world for Jesus Christ. For almost five decades, Hillcrest students have been known individually, loved sacrificially and equipped intentionally. Students are prepared not only for academic success but also for a lifelong walk with Christ.

At Hillcrest, teachers are more than educators—they are disciplers who build genuine relationships with their students and model the grace and compassion of Jesus in every interaction. This commitment shapes the atmosphere of every classroom, from the joyful energy of preschool and the engaging elementary environment to the rigorous college preparatory setting of high school.

Fully accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Hillcrest consistently celebrates academic excellence across all grade levels. Graduates are accepted to excellent colleges and universities, often receiving significant scholarships and substantial college credit earned at Hillcrest.

In preschool, students learn through song, play and hands-on exploration as they develop fine motor skills, grow physically, build social and emotional confidence and develop early foundations in math, reading and writing. Every moment, from morning circle to outdoor play, gives children an opportunity to understand that they are uniquely gifted and loved by God.

In elementary school, enrichment classes are taught by specialized instructors in art, music, Spanish, computers, library, physical education and afterschool sports. Students study eight master artists each year in art, learn four instruments in music and participate in field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom. Lessons are creative, purposeful and rooted in a Christian worldview, allowing students to discover and develop their God-given gifts.

In middle school, students are personally known by their teachers. They are supported as they grow in identity, purpose and calling. In high school, families partner with a dedicated college counselor, and students choose academic pathways that reflect their interests, strengths and goals. Hillcrest offers dual-enrollment courses taught on campus by adjunct professors, along with Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Students can explore passions in fine arts, world languages, technology, leadership and many other areas. This well-rounded experience prepares them to become confident, thoughtful graduates equipped for the next chapter of their lives.

Oaks Christian School

31749 La Tienda Road Westlake Village, CA 91362
Tel: 818.575.9900 | oakschristian.org

Oaks Christian School begins the next chapter of the school’s illustrious history with the start of the 2026-27 school year with its newest grades TK-3. The addition of these grades makes the school a full TK-12 grade, college-preparatory, day and boarding school.

The new elementary grades will feature core subjects in English, math, science, history and Bible as well as exploratory classes in music, American Sign Language, art, physical education and STEM. The lower elementary campus is located at 975 Evenstar Ave in Westlake Village.

Established in 2000 with an inaugural class of just 73 students, this fall over 1,700 students in Grades TK-12 will proudly call themselves OCS Lions!

The trajectory and growth of the school in a short time has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 2002-2004, the school established itself as an athletic powerhouse, domineering several CIF championships across multiple sports. Subsequent years saw continued athletic success.

The opening of the state-of-the-art Bedrosian Performing Arts Pavilion in 2007 elevated the performing arts to the national stage. Visual arts followed shortly thereafter with multiple regional and national awards.

In the area of academics, Oaks Christian has been a vanguard, starting first with its stellar high school offerings, and adding a model middle school program in 2009. Five years later Academy V for fifth grade students was launched

Additionally, the school has added five signature institutes: engineering, arts and innovation, global leadership, Bible and discipleship, and the newest, health science. Each institute provides specialized pathways for students to gain an advantage in those fields, be mentored and taught master classes by industry professionals, and have internship opportunities.

A crowning achievement was the expansion of the International Student Program with the opening of a modern residential dorm that welcomed 40 students in 2019 but now will house close to 100 international and domestic students. The dorm distinguishes Oaks Christian as one of the few Christian secondary schools nationwide to have both a day and residential boarding program.

Santa Monica College

23555 Civic Center Way Malibu, CA 90265
Tel: 310.434.8600 | SMC.edu/Malibu

As Santa Monica College’s newest satellite campus in Malibu steps into its fourth year after nearly two decades of planning and building, it has never been so ready and eager to welcome new students and adult learners to its doorstep.

While 2025 proved to be a year full of unprecedented and unexpected challenges in Malibu and surrounding regions, SMC’s Malibu Campus continues to welcome a vibrant mix of students who are enrolled in academic for-credit classes as well as adult learners seeking enrichment through continuing education. In fact, data shows that students return to the Malibu Campus with even more zeal than ever before, and for good reasons.

Santa Monica College leads the state in student transfer to the highly desirable UC and Cal State systems because we believe each of our students is unique, and their success is invaluable. SMC has a plethora of services to help students flourish no matter what kind of support they may need. This includes an excellent first-year program that guides students at the start of their college journey along with dedicated services that ensure students with learning differences are fully supported. Students with specialized interests can pursue programs such as Scholars and STEM to elevate their academic achievement, while others receive personalized counseling to help shape their educational and career goals.

On the path to a brighter future, Santa Monica College ensures students are never alone—they are supported every step of the way until they are ready to soar, and there is no better place to start that journey than SMC’s beautiful Malibu Campus. Come and experience this new satellite campus on Civic Center Way in the heart of Malibu and immerse yourself in the joy of learning while surrounded by natural beauty. As thousands of students have discovered, SMC is the answer to transferring to UC, Cal State or private institutions, and your turn is now.

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Socializing Your Dog Through Group Obedience

Gold Coast began with one man’s love of dogs and has since evolved into a world-class training and performance center, situated on a twenty-acre facility in Southern California. Since our start in 1991, we have trained, matched, and delivered thousands of companions to celebrities, champion athletes, Fortune 500 CEO’s, and some of the most dynamic police departments in the world.

goldcoastk9.com | Instagram gck9obedience

Article by Bailee Gates, Photography Provided

Summer is here, and that means kids are out and about doing kid things, like running, swimming, playing, screaming and making loud noises. So, what does this have to do with dogs?

It’s easy to overlook how these activities may affect the family dog or other dogs around us. Dogs can view kids’ rambunctious behavior as prey-like and over stimulating, as it simulates prey behavior, which dogs may be interested in. As dogs can’t talk, it is important to know how to interpret what they are doing to ensure a safe environment and avoid unwanted scenarios. Here are a few safety tips to think about.

Dogs Laying Down

Let sleeping dogs lie! Respect resting dogs. If you see a dog resting, laying or sleeping, it is important for children not to disturb them. We do not want to interrupt their sleep or startle them. This could scare them and create an unwanted reaction. If a dog is laying down, we should do our best not to disturb them with quick movements over or near them. This will keep everyone calm and safe.

Being aware of these behaviors will help you anticipate a dog’s response and safely prevent any unwanted reactions. By teaching children to recognize and respect a dog’s needs, families can create safer interactions and help build trust, confidence and lasting friendships between kids and dogs.

For questions about dog training, contact Gold Coast K9 at 805.647.1799 or learn more at GoldCoastK9.com.

Bailee Gates is the director of obedience and social media at Gold Coast K9 in Moorpark.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

Article and Photography Provided

Age-Based Cooking Classes for Children and Teens. A Montessori-Inspired Curriculum That Builds Practical Life Skills and Healthy Eating Habits. Every age is met where it is and given real responsibility to rise to. Select your child’s age range below to learn more.

888-291-8810 | 276 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Little Kitchen Academy (LKA), the premier Montessori-inspired cooking academy for children and teens ages 3 to 18, is opening its newest flagship location at The Oaks in November 2026. The new academy brings Conejo Valley families something they’ve been quietly searching for: a trusted partner in their child’s growth, where real-life skills, confidence and curiosity are built one class at a time.

At first glance, it looks like a beautifully designed working kitchen. Look closer, and something quieter and more remarkable is happening: young students preparing ingredients with a real knife, for dishes they’re cooking from scratch. No screens. No processed foods. No shortcuts. Just real food and real tools in the hands of students, as they build the kind of skills parents notice carrying into homework, dinner conversations and everyday family life.

“Our Montessori-inspired curriculum meets children where they are, empowering them to work independently and build confidence through meaningful, hands-on learning,” says Co-founder and President Felicity Curin.

The choice of opening at The Oaks is intentional. Under the stewardship of Stockdale Capital Partners, the property has been investing in family-centric programming and experience-driven concepts, making it a natural home for a brand built around community.

“Learning to cook is a foundational life skill that builds independence, confidence and healthy habits that last a lifetime,” adds Cofounder and CEO Brian Curin. 

“The Oaks is a natural fit for our next flagship location — a destination deeply rooted in community, family connection and meaningful experiences. We’re excited to open in Thousand Oaks and to serve Conejo Valley families in a truly impactful way.” 

More than a cooking school, each location is a hub where families connect over shared values: real food, real learning and a place at the table for every child. Since opening its first academy seven years ago, LKA has taught over 200,000 students across North America and has attracted families looking for an enrichment program that aligns with how they want their children to grow.

Thousand Oaks families can visit LittleKitchenAcademy.com and follow @lkathousandoaks on Instagram to learn more about monthly sessions, seasonal camps and private classes.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved