An incredible space for young people to find out who they are and what they're here to do. We are…read moreso grateful for this "school!" My 10 year old son started at RTS a year ago after several years at a public school in the county. He was so anxious at the public school: most of the kids there would run out the gate at 3pm wanting to get out of there, with my son being very upset if I was even a few minutes late. His clothes were frayed at the wrist and knees from him chewing anxiously on them, he was labeled the class clown because he was always trying to lighten the mood. Most of the "teachers" kept asking if he had ADHD or another learning disability. We knew that he did not, and so decided to try changing his environment. We started in January (so glad that we were able to start mid-year) and the dramatic difference in his happiness, behavior, sense of connection and community has been VAST. It's such a testament to the incredibly thoughtful space Natasha and Jim Bailey have co-created. The kids can choose what they do each day, with climbing trees or chatting with friends being a perfectly valid activity (there's so much learning in everything.) My son is building things, mastering design and 3D printing, playing 3 instruments without any lessons (and no urging to practice), has created his own small business and is learning entrepreneurialism and team management. All at the age of 10. (What was he learning in the other school? How to survive the day and do what other people told him to do...) The Rock Tree Sky model (or Sudbury model, the first democratic school) isn't for everyone, but we've found it more appropriate in preparing our son for life during this modern time than traditional school was. If you have any doubts or concerns about this model, a great book I was recommended was Peter Gray's Free To Learn. Note that there are no formal lessons, no strictly age-segmented classrooms (amazing), and no "teachers" only "mentors". There are rules of conduct and there are offerings each day that kids can choose from: cooking, carpentry, sewing, gardening, pottery etc. but most of them choose their own adventure each day. Isn't that what we're all doing? Isn't that what life is about?! I can only speak with the utmost respect for this learning environment and warm community. I know that the kids here are destined for brilliant things, with so many supportive people gently guiding and cheering them along the way. Ps. You can apply to the Summit program via OUSD, which is a homeschool program integrated into RTS, which also subsidizes some of the tuition and offers a more traditional classroom experience for a couple of hours a week. It's incredibly affordable compared to other private schools here, but again - it's not for everyone. If your family values self-directed learning (and living), we highly recommend RTS!

Jim Bailey and Natasha Efross put together this amazing school that both my 9 & 11 year olds…read moreattend. "Self Directed Education" and that's exactly what it is. The school sits in 2 beautiful locations in upper Ojai and your finding space for your little one may prove to be slightly difficult, so I highly recommend that you get on that wait list STAT. The teachers/mentors are the very best of the best and the kids are amazing. This is one of those schools that your child will never want to leave. I honestly don't have the ability to write all that needs to be said so I will leave it to you to go and give it a visit. Oh, their logo happens to be pretty damn beautiful too. 5 stars.

Great interactive community space with live music, seminars, talks, healing and enlightening…read moreactivities. You're invited to make suggestions for greater goods!

Ojai's living room. A one of a kind place where the earnest folks of the Ojai valley (visitors,…read moreforeigners, outsiders equally welcome) can meet to enjoy a concert or film or discussion or whatever can be shared. No pretense, only love. Always all welcome, pay what you can, often many reasonably priced beverage options too.

Great service never disappoints they always show up when you call .. customer service really niceread more

Athens Services as a company is one of the absolute worst companies that I've ever had to deal…read morewith. First of all, they're simply bad at what they do. For a company that is supposed to provide a "cleaning" service, they leave more trash than they pick up; they throw items around almost hitting my car, and push the bins around with blatant disregard of people's property. I've been fortunate enough to witness how unpleasant their employees are and what little care their employees show in making sure that they are clean and professional. Second point, their employees have zero self respect which is evident in their work. From their demeanor, their attitude, and watching them perform its clear to see that they have zero pride in what they do. Makes a mockery of the hard working individuals who actually do care about quality regardless of their profession. What a joke. This is a systemic problem within their company. If their management were wise they'd hire competent, hard working individuals that represent themselves and their company properly. Unfortunately, it's hard to imagine that upper management would be any different. These losers provide zero value. Our apartment does their tenants a disservice by partnering with this garbage ass company. You'd be smarter for using someone else, or avoiding this company at all costs.

This a great place, like Dave and Busters, but with VR games! The drinks were good, people were…read morenice. I had a lot of fun!

Great Place for Teachers yes, but also for Crafters, MultiMedia artists and Recycling / Upcycling…read moreMaterial projects. I could spend hours here thinking of things to make out of discarded materials. There is an area for parties. I found all the random supplies to make a killer Halloween costume!! I'll be recommending it to all my Artistic Friends!