Set on a 500-acre campus of mountains, woodlands, and nature trails, Besant Hill School of Happy Valley offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum to a diverse student body of 100 boys and girls in Grades 9–12. Eighty percent are boarders who come from across the country and ten world nations, providing a rich diversity of cultures and personalities. The School was founded to enable young people to “learn how to think, not what to think." The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving in the core liberal arts and sciences as well as extensive offerings in music, drama, ceramics, photography, and other creative pursuits. The Outdoor Education program makes maximum use of the Besant Hill’s natural setting and encourages conservation and stewardship of the environment. English as a Second Language benefits international students, and there are honors and Advanced Placement course in three subject areas. Students take part in school government, community service, publications, interest clubs, interscholastic sports, and outdoor and social activities. Boarding Tuition: $39,900; Day Tuition: 19,900; ESL: $2300–$6300. Financial Aid: $250,000. Randy Bertin is Assistant Head for Advancement; Paul Amadio is Head of School. Western Association.