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Aerial view of Villanova Preparatory School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Villanova Preparatory School

  • LocationOjai, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 6–12 · 266 students
Official website
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Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California is a Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition with day and boarding programs. Its handbook lists a Mass in the School Chapel each weekday at 3:30 p.m., an all-school Mass every other Thursday, and reconciliation in Advent and Lent. Retreats are held for every grade, students must complete 80 Christian service hours over four years, and theology is required in each year.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Monday–Friday3:30 PMSchool Chapel · Typically; times are subject to change.
  • Sunday5:00 PM · Typically; the handbook gives this time for resident students.
  • Thursday9:30 AMClark Gymnasium · Every other Thursday and Holy Days of Obligation; check the weekly rotation schedule.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 13, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Mass is also celebrated daily in the School Chapel at 3:30 p.m.”
    Mass is celebrated every weekday at 3:30 p.m. in the School Chapel.
  2. Liturgies | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/liturgies · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Typically Sunday: 5:00 pm Monday - Friday: 3:30 pm”
    Mass is typically held Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
    “All-school mass’ occur every other Thursday and Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30am in the Clark Gymnasium.”
    All-school Mass is held every other Thursday and on Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30 a.m. in the Clark Gymnasium.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Villanova Preparatory School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miOur Lady and All Angels Catholic Church: 2.6 mi1Campus Ministry, Villanova Preparatory School (School Chapel): 0.3 miVillanova Preparatory School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Our Lady and All Angels Catholic Church — 2.6 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

79 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (All-school Mass is held every other Thursday, about twice a month, and on Holy Days of Obligation. Recorded at the monthly level, the lower of the two published levels that fit.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/liturgies · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All-school mass’ occur every other Thursday and Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30am in the Clark Gymnasium.”
      All-school Mass is held every other Thursday and on Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30 a.m. in the Clark Gymnasium.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (The handbook states that Mass is celebrated daily in the School Chapel at 3:30 p.m. The liturgy page lists Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m. Times are subject to change.)
    Sources (2)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mass is also celebrated daily in the School Chapel at 3:30 p.m.”
      Mass is celebrated every weekday at 3:30 p.m. in the School Chapel.
    2. Liturgies | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/liturgies · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Typically Sunday: 5:00 pm Monday - Friday: 3:30 pm”
      Mass is typically held Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Reconciliation is available during published hours and at designated times in Advent and Lent, and by appointment with the Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Catholic students is made available during regular published hours and during designated times during the seasons of Advent and Lent.”
      Reconciliation is available in published hours and at designated times in Advent and Lent.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (A named priest, Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A., is listed as Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/welcome/faculty-and-staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A. Chaplain and Theology Instructor”
      Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A., is the school's Chaplain.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The curriculum guide lists Theology as four units or the number of years enrolled; theology is taken in each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/69f17ec7bebd31366ef8b54f_2Villanova.curriculum.guide.web.2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology 4 Units or number of years enrolled”
      Theology is a requirement of four units or the number of years enrolled.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The religion department states its courses correspond to the USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework. Its course titles differ, as the school notes.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/69f17ec7bebd31366ef8b54f_2Villanova.curriculum.guide.web.2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The courses and content correspond to the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for Catholic high schools as required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.”
      The religion courses correspond to the USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Theology 11: Christian Ethics is a required theology course that covers moral issues from the Catholic moral perspective.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/69f17ec7bebd31366ef8b54f_2Villanova.curriculum.guide.web.2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “theology of the body, social justice, and contemporary issues which will be evaluated from the Catholic Christian moral perspective”
      Theology 11, Christian Ethics, covers moral issues and social justice from the Catholic moral perspective.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Freshmen, juniors and seniors take an overnight retreat, and sophomores have days of reflection. The handbook says students are required to attend retreats.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The freshmen, junior, and senior classes participate in an overnight retreat. The sophomore class has days of reflection held on or off campus.”
      Each class has a retreat or days of reflection, and students are required to attend.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (The directory lists a chaplain, a Director of Campus Ministry and a Campus Minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/welcome/faculty-and-staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A. Chaplain and Theology Instructor”
      Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A., is the school's Chaplain.
      “Campus Ministry Ext. 130 Director of Campus Ministry: Julie Dugan jdugan@villanovaprep.org”
      Julie Dugan is the Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Hannah Van Hollebeke Campus Minister, Religion Instructor, Freshman Class Moderator”
      Hannah Van Hollebeke is a Campus Minister, with the phone 805-646-1464 ext. 214 listed.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Every morning begins with the Augustinian Prayer for Students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every morning will begin with the Augustinian Prayer for Students followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.”
      Each morning begins with the Augustinian Prayer for Students.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Students must complete 20 Christian service hours each year, a minimum of 80 hours over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Christian Service is a requirement for graduation. Students must complete a total of 20 hours per school year, culminating in a minimum of 80 hours over a four-year career.”
      Christian service is required for graduation: 20 hours per year, at least 80 hours over four years.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Theology 11: Christian Ethics covers social justice from the Catholic Christian moral perspective. It is a required theology course, and the course lists a Christian Service Requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/69f17ec7bebd31366ef8b54f_2Villanova.curriculum.guide.web.2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “theology of the body, social justice, and contemporary issues which will be evaluated from the Catholic Christian moral perspective”
      Theology 11, Christian Ethics, covers moral issues and social justice from the Catholic moral perspective.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (The school's club directory lists a Students for Life Club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students for Life Club”
      The school lists a Students for Life Club in its club directory.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The Christian Service Program serves marginalized communities, and a club supports an orphanage in Tijuana with a spring visit.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Service | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “this program calls students to be Christlike leaders by serving marginalized communities”
      The Christian Service program calls students to serve marginalized communities.
    2. Clubs and Organizations | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “For decades, Villanova students have supported an orphanage outside of Tijuana, Mexico, called Hogar Infantil.”
      The Hogar Infantil club supports an orphanage in Tijuana and plans a spring visit.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is celebrated in the School Chapel each weekday at 3:30 p.m.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mass is also celebrated daily in the School Chapel at 3:30 p.m.”
      Mass is celebrated every weekday at 3:30 p.m. in the School Chapel.
  • Retreats are held for every class, and students must complete 80 Christian service hours over four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The freshmen, junior, and senior classes participate in an overnight retreat. The sophomore class has days of reflection held on or off campus.”
      Each class has a retreat or days of reflection, and students are required to attend.
      “Christian Service is a requirement for graduation. Students must complete a total of 20 hours per school year, culminating in a minimum of 80 hours over a four-year career.”
      Christian service is required for graduation: 20 hours per year, at least 80 hours over four years.
  • The religion department states its courses correspond to the USCCB curriculum framework.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/69f17ec7bebd31366ef8b54f_2Villanova.curriculum.guide.web.2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The courses and content correspond to the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for Catholic high schools as required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.”
      The religion courses correspond to the USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.

Concerns

  • Reconciliation is offered in published hours and at designated Advent and Lent times, not on a fixed weekly schedule.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Student Handbook 2026-27 | Villanova Prepcdn.prod.website-files.com/64b98ab2be3d7c5e1d0285d7/6a7952c2f1f89bc9d76ac8cb_VPS%20High%20School%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Catholic students is made available during regular published hours and during designated times during the seasons of Advent and Lent.”
      Reconciliation is available in published hours and at designated times in Advent and Lent.
  • The all-school Mass is every other Thursday, not weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/liturgies · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All-school mass’ occur every other Thursday and Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30am in the Clark Gymnasium.”
      All-school Mass is held every other Thursday and on Holy Days of Obligation at 9:30 a.m. in the Clark Gymnasium.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Villanova Preparatory School (School Chapel)

  • Address: 12096 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai, CA 93024
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: School Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: villanovaprep.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, villanovaprep.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 3 off campus, 3 location not published

Retreats 4

  • Sophomore retreatOff campus
    Sophomore year
    A day retreat at an off-campus retreat center focused on the value of Love.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com
  • Junior Kairos retreatOff campus
    Junior year
    A multiple-day retreat at an off-campus retreat center focused on the value of Truth.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com
  • Senior retreatOff campus
    Senior year
    A multiple-day retreat at an off-campus retreat center.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com
  • Freshmen overnight retreatOn campus
    Freshman year
    An overnight on-campus retreat focused on the Augustinian value of Unity.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Mass in the School ChapelOn campus
    Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m.
    Mass is celebrated daily in the School Chapel; resident students also have a Sunday Mass at 5:00 p.m.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com

Clubs and groups 1

  • Students for Life Club
    A student club listed in the school's club directory.
    villanovaprep.org

Service 2

  • Christian Service Program
    20 hours each school year
    Required service to marginalized communities; students log hours on MobileServe.
    villanovaprep.org, cdn.prod.website-files.com
  • Hogar Infantil club
    Fundraises for and supports an orphanage outside Tijuana, Mexico, and plans a spring visit.
    villanovaprep.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Christian Service | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “this program calls students to be Christlike leaders by serving marginalized communities”
    The Christian Service program calls students to serve marginalized communities.
  2. Liturgies | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/student-life/liturgies · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Please call or email the school's Campus Minister for updated times at (805)646-1464 x. 123 or campusministry@villanovaprep.org”
    The campus ministry email is campusministry@villanovaprep.org.
    “Typically Sunday: 5:00 pm Monday - Friday: 3:30 pm”
    Mass is typically held Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
  3. Tuition and Fees | Villanova Prepvillanovaprep.org/admission/tuition-and-fees · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai, California, 93024”
    The school's address is 12096 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai, California, 93024.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Emmanuel Issac, O.S.A. (Chaplain and Theology Instructor) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
83 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.92%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.8.9 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Los Angeles, CA
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)266
Students in grades 9–12209
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio8.9 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges92%
SettingRural

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

The Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: lacatholics.org, lacatholics.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Villanova Preparatory School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Villanova Preparatory School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
What is Villanova Preparatory School’s Compass Score?
92 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Villanova Preparatory School?
Mass is listed at School Chapel and Clark Gymnasium. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Villanova Preparatory School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Villanova Preparatory School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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