Our Mission:
To create a nurturing, safe environment that focuses on the unique academic, emotional, social, and physical needs of adolescents as they transition from elementary to high school.
To offer, through shared decision-making, a quality academic curriculum, a variety of experiences, and all possible opportunities for success.
At Matilija Junior High School, we take these goals very seriously. Everything we do, in fact, is focused on helping our students achieve in a safe, nurturing environment. Along with our challenging curriculum, our strong athletic program, and our rich and varied extracurricular opportunities, we seek to form strong partnerships with our parents and community. These partnerships over the years have been essential in creating Matilija’s legacy of excellence, and we will strive to continue that legacy for all students in our community. We hope you will join us!
A wide variety of after-school learning and extracurricular activities provides academic support and opportunities for students to become involved. Through such programs as Homework Club, Honor Society, Math Tutorial, Saturday Math Help, Yearbook Club, Club M.A.D. (Making A Difference), Math Counts Competition, Spelling Bee, Leadership, Green Team (environmental awareness/service), a robust Athletic Program and a comprehensive Music Program (which includes band, orchestra, chorus, and jazz band), Matilija buzzes with activity well beyond the close of the school day.
We are committed to keeping our students safe. Students are taught behavior expectations at the beginning of the school year, and students and staff actively carry out these expectations throughout the year. Positive redirects are used to refocus students when they stray from responsible or respectful behaviors. Instances of harassment, intimidation, and bullying are dealt with quickly and fairly.
Parents and families are encouraged to explore our school website where they will find helpful information, from links to teachers’ email addresses and phone numbers, to tutoring schedules, and much more. Through Parent Connect, parents can easily keep up with their student’s progress. Parents without email access are invited to use a computer in the Matilija main office.
Matilija Junior High benefits from the volunteer services of many parents and community members. Our volunteers serve as tutors, chaperones, members of the School Site Council (our shared decision team), and in a variety of other supportive positions. Matilija and its students depend on the services of our community. One way parents can help is by joining our active PTA. Please join us in providing quality education for the children in our school by calling our office at 640-4355 to see what opportunities may be available.
Matilija teachers are excited about teaching and learning. Our teachers’ positive energy and extensive training engages students and involves them actively in the process of making Matilija an exciting learning community.
Parents, students, and the community can be proud of Matilija Junior High School. We are dedicated to providing our students with a truly excellent education in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and inclusive.
I am truly thankful and excited to be a new member of the Ojai Unified School District and have appreciated your genuineness and warmth. I look forward to this opportunity to serve the students and families of Matilija Junior High. If I can help you help your student in any way, do not hesitate to contact our office to make an appointment to discuss your student’s needs or concerns.
Bill Rosen
Principal