The Conejo Valley is known for its excellent schools. Being home to some of the highest rated schools in the state creates a high demand for our schools from families all over. But many parents don’t know that you can apply to transfer to the best school for your child even if you don’t live within the school boundaries.
covers Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and the L.A. County section of Westlake Village. It has 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. LVUSD has a strong reputation and is often the preferred district for parents.
is a small school district with 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and is Oak Park specific. It has the best reputation for academics. To the point that parents cater to their home search around acceptance into this district.
is the largest and covers Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and the area of Westlake Village in Ventura County. It has 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Most schools are very good to excellent, but with 17 elementary schools, you can imagine that scores range depending on the neighborhood. Schools on the Westlake Village side are higher regarded and highly sought after. The Thousand Oaks side has excellent schools too, but not all.
The first step is to determine which school your home is assigned to. Boundary lines can run right through the middle of your neighborhood so don’t assume your child will go to the same school as your neighbors. Fortunately, each district provides an easy to use Street Index to locate your correct schools.
Did you know that all three districts offer both School Choice and Interdistrict Transfer?
With School Choice, you have the option to request that your child attend any school within the district. There is some paperwork to fill out and it is subject to approval. But from what I understand, it mainly has to do with space availability at the school you are transferring to. I’ve heard from people who have done it that it’s a rather painless procedure.
Here are the links to each districts School Choice requirements to learn more: LVUSD, OPUSD, CVUSD
Depending on the needs of your child, you may decide that you’d prefer to switch to another school district. In that case, you can request an Interdistrict Transfer. For example, let’s say you live in Agoura Hills, but you would really like your kids to go to Westlake High. There are two items you need to make that happen. First, you need a release from your current district, and second, you need acceptance from your desired district.
It’s certainly not a guarantee that you will be granted either. If the school you are requesting the release needs students, it may reject your request. And if the school you are requesting is full or not accepting transfers, then you’re out of luck.
Here are the links to each districts Interdistrict Transfer requirements to learn more: LVUSD, OPUSD, CVUSD
Eligibility and rules can change at any time, so please make sure you investigate with the school districts before making a decision on where to live.
