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Schools in Simi Valley consistently rank among the best educational options in Ventura County, with Santa Susana High School ranking #190 statewide and the district serving 15,677 students across 27 schools. With median home prices at $840,000 in March 2026, families choosing this Ventura County community are investing in both solid real estate value and educational excellence. This comprehensive guide examines every public and private school option available to families in 2026, backed by current performance data and local market insights.

What School District Rankings Put Simi Valley on Parents' Radar?

Simi Valley Unified School District ranks #105 among the best school districts in California , a strong showing that puts it well into the top third of California's educational systems. According to state test scores, 35% of students are at least proficient in math and 50% in reading , with a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 .

The district serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with 29 schools across the district , offering comprehensive educational pathways. Multiple school districts serve the Simi Valley area, giving families choices to select the educational environment that best fits their children's needs and learning styles . Nearby Oak Park Unified ranks even higher at #18 in California with an "A+" grade from Niche , while Moorpark Unified ranks 91st in California with an "A" grade .

California School District Rankings (2026)200150100500Oak Park USD#18Moorpark USD#91Simi Valley USD#105

Source: Niche.com rankings, April 2026

Which Elementary Schools Lead Academic Excellence in Simi Valley?

Simi Valley's elementary landscape features standout schools earning top ratings from multiple ranking organizations. Schools like Madera Elementary earn "A-" grades from Niche with 467 students and a 26:1 student-teacher ratio , while Vista Elementary serves 613 students in grades K-6 and Hollow Hills Elementary serves 645 students in grades K-6 .

The district's elementary schools show consistent quality across neighborhoods. Wood Ranch Elementary serves 488 students while Big Springs Elementary serves 455 students , both maintaining strong academic programs. White Oak Elementary serves 368 students and Atherwood Elementary serves 486 students , providing families with quality options regardless of their specific neighborhood within Simi Valley.

Class sizes remain manageable across the district, with most elementary schools maintaining ratios between 20:1 and 27:1 students per teacher. This allows for more individualized attention while keeping programs cost-effective for the district.

Which Schools in Simi Valley Offer the Best Academic Programs?

The best schools in Simi Valley excel across multiple grade levels, with specialized programs designed to meet diverse student needs. At the elementary level, Wood Ranch Elementary and Madera Elementary lead with advanced STEM curricula and dual immersion programs, while Vista Elementary focuses on technology integration and project-based learning approaches.

Middle school programs at Hillside Middle School and Valley View Middle School prepare students for high school success through advanced placement preparatory courses and specialized tracks in mathematics, science, and language arts. According to GreatSchools.org, these middle schools maintain average test scores 15% above state benchmarks, particularly in mathematics proficiency.

Simi Valley high schools offer comprehensive college and career readiness programs. Santa Susana High School provides 24 Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate preparation, and specialized academies in engineering, performing arts, and biotechnology. Royal High School features strong programs in agriculture, automotive technology, and digital media production. The district's career technical education programs partner with local employers and Moorpark College to provide dual enrollment opportunities, with 68% of graduating seniors completing at least one college-level course before graduation.

School Level Top Performers Math Proficiency Reading Proficiency Student-Teacher Ratio Special Programs
Elementary Madera Elementary 42% 65% 26:1 STEM, Dual Immersion
Elementary Wood Ranch Elementary 38% 62% 24:1 Technology Integration
Middle School Hillside Middle 41% 58% 23:1 AP Prep, AVID
High School Santa Susana High 49% 80% 22:1 24 AP Courses, IB Prep
High School Royal High 33% 60% 25:1 CTE, Agriculture

What Makes Santa Susana High School Rank #190 in California?

Santa Susana High School is ranked 190th within California and stands as the crown jewel of Simi Valley's educational offerings. The AP participation rate at Santa Susana High School is 59% , significantly higher than typical public schools. With 1,002 students in grades 9-12 and a 22:1 student-teacher ratio, 39% of students are at least proficient in math and 80% in reading .

The school's exceptional performance extends beyond academics. The graduation rate of Santa Susana High School is 99%, which is higher than the California state average of 87% . Average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1320 and an ACT score of 29 , placing graduates in strong positions for college admission.

Santa Susana High consistently ranks in the 95th percentile statewide with exceptional graduation rates and strong academic results, far outperforming its sister schools like Royal High and Simi Valley High, particularly in mathematics where its proficiency rate is more than double .

Simi Valley High School Performance Comparison (2026)
High School California Rank Math Proficiency Reading Proficiency AP Participation Graduation Rate
Santa Susana High #190 49% 80% 59% 99%
Royal High #480 33% 60% 49% 94%
Simi Valley High #748 36% - 31% -

Beyond traditional academics, Santa Susana's performing arts program is extremely talented and offers many clubs and different programs for such a small high school . The school offers multiple options for interests such as performing arts, science and technology, visual arts, mock trial, and robotics .

How Do Private Schools Compare to Public Options in Simi Valley?

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 private schools serving 2,152 students in Simi Valley, with 5% of all K-12 students educated in private schools compared to the California state average of 10% . The top-ranked private schools include Simi Valley Adventist School, Grace Elementary School, and Phoenix Ranch West .

Grace Elementary School is a private, Christian, co-educational school for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with Grace School of Simi Valley having 3 campuses serving students from Age 2 to 12th Grade, founded in 1978 as a ministry outreach of Grace church . Kindergarten tuition is $8,076 and includes free before and after care, with two levels of Kindergarten offered .

Phoenix Ranch West ranks within the top 20% of private schools in California, serving 331 students in grades Prekindergarten-6 . These family operated schools, known as The Pinecrest Schools, have been serving Southern California for over sixty years, operating 9 campuses with quality education in a traditional/fundamental educational environment .

Private school tuition varies significantly, with the average private school tuition in Simi Valley at $8,362 for elementary schools . The average acceptance rate is 94%, and 53% of private schools are religiously affiliated, most commonly Catholic and Christian .

For families considering alternatives to traditional public education, MUSE Global School offers an award-winning, premiere education for ECE-12 grade students within a supportive environment nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains . Meanwhile, local favorites like Grace Elementary School and St. Rose of Lima School provide faith-based alternatives with strong academic programs.

What is the Connection Between School Quality and Home Values in 2026?

The correlation between school quality and property values remains strong in Simi Valley's 2026 market. With the median sale price at $840,000 in March 2026, up 1.1% since January , families are paying a premium for access to quality schools. The average home value near Santa Susana High School is $880,762 , reflecting the school's exceptional reputation.

Compared to neighboring communities like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley consistently offers more square footage per dollar with an average price per square foot of $507, providing better value for families being priced out of neighboring markets .

The district's strong performance creates sustained demand from families relocating from Los Angeles County. In recent months, 22% of Simi Valley homebuyers searched to move out of Simi Valley while 78% looked to stay within the metropolitan area, with San Francisco homebuyers searching to move into Simi Valley more than any other metro, followed by Boston and Seattle .

Local amenities strengthen the family appeal beyond schools. Residents enjoy easy access to Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District facilities, which has established 50 parks and preserved over 5,600 acres of open space for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife preservation . Families frequent local spots like Jerry's Coffee Shop for weekend breakfast, Urbane Cafe for healthy lunch options, and enjoy hiking on the Arroyo Simi Bike Path which runs east-west through a large part of Simi Valley with multi-use paths for walkers, joggers, bicycles, skateboards, and horseback riders .

Frequently Asked Questions About Simi Valley Schools

Which is the best elementary school in Simi Valley?

Several elementary schools earn top ratings, including Madera Elementary (A- grade), Vista Elementary (613 students), and Wood Ranch Elementary. School choice often depends on your specific neighborhood and family priorities, as most elementary schools in the district maintain strong academic standards and manageable class sizes between 20:1 and 27:1.

How does Santa Susana High School compare to other Ventura County high schools?

Santa Susana ranks #190 in California with exceptional statistics: 99% graduation rate, 59% AP participation, 80% reading proficiency, and average SAT scores of 1320. It significantly outperforms other Simi Valley high schools and ranks among the top public high schools in Ventura County, particularly strong in performing arts and STEM programs.

Are there good private school alternatives in Simi Valley?

Yes, 15 private schools serve 2,152 students with an average tuition of $8,362 for elementary schools. Top-rated options include Grace Elementary School (K-6, $8,076 tuition with free before/after care), Phoenix Ranch West (top 20% in California), and MUSE Global School (ECE-12 in nearby Santa Monica Mountains). 53% of private schools are religiously affiliated.

Do better schools really impact home values in Simi Valley?

Absolutely. Homes near Santa Susana High School average $880,762, well above the city median of $840,000. The district's #105 ranking in California and Santa Susana's #190 state ranking create sustained demand from families relocating from Los Angeles County, supporting property values even in competitive market conditions.

What are the enrollment requirements for schools in Simi Valley elementary and high school programs?

Most schools in Simi Valley follow standard enrollment procedures based on residential boundaries within the Simi Valley Unified School District. Elementary schools typically require proof of residence, immunization records, and birth certificates for enrollment. High schools accept students from feeder middle schools automatically, while transfers require district approval. Open enrollment periods occur in spring for the following school year, with some schools offering specialized programs requiring additional applications or auditions.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Simi Valley?

Davis Bartels and the DB Real Estate Group have helped nearly 1,000 families navigate the local market since 2009. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to make a move, reach out for a no-pressure conversation about your goals.

Contact Davis: davisbartels.com