Santa Susana High School (3570 Cochran St) opened in 2004 to serve the rapidly growing northeast Simi Valley population. With about 1,400 students, it's smaller than the long-established Royal HS, but its academic reputation has surpassed many older Ventura County schools in less than two decades. For buyers who treat school zone as a top criterion, Santa Susana High is one of the most consequential addresses in Simi Valley real estate.
School Overview
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 3570 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063 |
| Grades served | 9–12 |
| Approximate enrollment | ~1,400 |
| School district | Simi Valley Unified (SVUSD) |
| Recognition | California Distinguished School (multiple years), CA Gold Ribbon |
| Notable programs | AP courses, dual-enrollment with Moorpark College, robotics, performing arts |
Neighborhoods That Feed Santa Susana High
The Santa Susana attendance area covers most of northeastern Simi Valley. Key feeder neighborhoods include:
- Wood Ranch (full). Simi Valley's premium master-planned community. Median home $1.4M+. Country Club Estates sub-area runs higher.
- Big Sky (most of it). Hillside newer construction north of the 118. Median ~$1.6M with views.
- Bridle Path. Equestrian-zoned ranchettes near the Reagan Library. Median ~$1.9M+.
- Northeast Simi (Tapo Canyon area). Mix of older custom and 90s-2000s tracts. Median $850K–$1.1M.
- Parts of east-central Simi. Boundary varies year to year — verify the specific address.
Median Home Prices in the Zone
| Neighborhood | Median price | Typical beds/baths |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Ranch | $1,400,000 | 4–5 bd / 3 ba |
| Big Sky | $1,600,000 | 4–5 bd / 3+ ba |
| Bridle Path | $1,925,000 | 4–6 bd / 3+ ba (large lot) |
| NE Simi (Tapo Canyon) | $1,050,000 | 4 bd / 2.5 ba |
Recent Comparable Sales
Sample sold listings in the Santa Susana High attendance zone over the past 90 days:
- Wood Ranch tract — 4/3, 2,650 sqft, $1,425,000, 19 days on market
- Big Sky hillside — 5/4, 3,180 sqft, $1,795,000, 26 days
- Tapo Canyon — 4/2.5, 2,140 sqft, $1,065,000, 14 days
- Bridle Path ranchette — 4/3, 2,920 sqft + 0.6 acre, $1,985,000, 38 days
What Buyers Should Know About Buying in This Zone
SVUSD attendance boundaries are reviewed periodically and can change. The Santa Susana boundary in particular has shifted at the edges over the past several years as the district balances enrollment between Santa Susana and Royal. Always verify the specific address with SVUSD enrollment at (805) 520-6500 BEFORE removing your inspection contingency. A house that "should" be Santa Susana can be on the wrong side of a redrawn boundary.
SVUSD permits intra-district transfers in some cases (open enrollment lottery, sibling priority, hardship transfer), so a child currently zoned for Royal may be able to attend Santa Susana — but transfer is not guaranteed and is reviewed annually. Don't assume continuity.
School Quality Factors
Santa Susana High is consistently recognized for academic excellence within Ventura County and statewide. Beyond test scores, the school is known for: a robust AP and Honors course catalog, strong STEM and robotics programs, an active performing arts department (Santa Susana's productions are well-regarded county-wide), and competitive athletics in the Marmonte League. Graduating classes consistently send students to UC, Cal State, and competitive private universities including USC and Stanford. The administration emphasizes college and career readiness equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify if a specific Simi Valley home is zoned for Santa Susana High?
Call SVUSD enrollment at (805) 520-6500 with the property address. They'll tell you the current attendance area assignment. Don't rely on the listing agent's claim — boundaries change, and a verified call from the district is the only definitive answer.
Is Santa Susana High better than Royal High?
Both are strong SVUSD high schools with different cultures. Santa Susana skews academic and STEM-focused with a smaller, newer campus; Royal is larger with a longer history, deeper alumni network, and stronger football tradition. Visit both, talk to current parents, and review specific program offerings (AP, IB, athletics) before deciding which matters more for your child.
Can my child still attend Santa Susana if we live outside the zone?
Possibly, through an SVUSD intra-district transfer. The district runs an annual open enrollment lottery for available seats; sibling priority and hardship transfers are also considered. Approval is not guaranteed and must be renewed annually. Apply through the SVUSD enrollment office in spring.
Does buying in the Santa Susana zone always mean paying more?
Generally yes — homes in the Santa Susana attendance area carry a 5–15% premium over comparable homes elsewhere in Simi Valley. The premium is largest in Wood Ranch and Big Sky and smaller as you move toward the boundary edges. Whether the premium is worth it depends on how long you'll own the home and how much you value the school.
How often do SVUSD boundaries change?
SVUSD reviews boundaries roughly every 3–5 years, and adjusts as needed when enrollment shifts. Material rezoning has happened multiple times in the past decade. Buying a home solely for the school assignment is risky if you're planning long-term — always have a plan B in case rezoning happens.
Are there private school alternatives in the Santa Susana area?
Yes — Grace Brethren Schools (K–12) is in Simi Valley, plus several smaller private elementary/middle options. Private high school options also include St. Bonaventure (Ventura) and Oaks Christian (Westlake Village). Tuition runs $15K–$35K/year depending on school.
What is Santa Susana High's typical college acceptance pattern?
Graduating classes consistently send students to UC system schools (UCLA, UCSB, UC Davis, UC Irvine particularly common), Cal State system, and competitive privates including USC, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, and Stanford. The school's college counseling office actively supports applicants throughout the process.
Work with Brian
Whether you're researching the market or ready to make a move, Brian Cooper has 20+ years of Los Angeles and Ventura County real estate experience, an 18-day average days-on-market, and a 101% sale-to-list ratio. Contact Brian or call (805) 723-2498.
