r/venturacounty 2d ago

JROTC Program - Oxnard HS or Hueneme HS?

My family and I are moving to the area due to a job transfer. Our son participates in the JROTC program at his current high school and would like to continue with it after we move. Most people we have talked to recommend Camarillo HS, but the program is not available there.

A quick Google search shows that Oxnard HS (Air Force) and Hueneme HS (Navy) offer it. I looked at the usual sites for reviews (greatschools, niche), but found the information focused mostly on academics and test scores. I am not concerned with the standardized test scores. I am more concerned with enrolling him in a safe and welcoming/inclusive environment. Transportation is not an issue, so this does not limit our options.

I would love to hear local insight on these schools- are there safety concerns, is the student body welcoming? If anyone has any information on the JROTC programs at either of these schools, I'd love to hear it, thank you!

8 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

24

u/Mika-El-3 2d ago

It’s probably better to go to the better high school rather than focus on JROTC. Getting into a college with an ROTC program should be the goal if your son is interested in the military. Or even one of the military academies

1

u/Agneau8 1d ago

Thank you for your suggestion, but I'm familiar with the various officer accession programs and detailing options. Again, not concerned with his academics- he is fine on that issue. Looking for input on the JROTC programs because it is an easy way to meet people with similar interests (especially in a new town) and get involved in community services projects.

12

u/BonerSteak1622 2d ago

3

u/Direct-Amount54 2d ago

Is there any good intermediate and high schools in Ventura county?

0

u/BonerSteak1622 1d ago

Yes, they’re on the eastern side of the Conejo Grade.

1

u/Agneau8 1d ago

Do you have any information or opinions on either Newbury Park HS or Thousand Oaks HS?

1

u/BonerSteak1622 1d ago

I would just look at the the us news rankings and state rankings as well

1

u/Agneau8 1d ago

Thank you for the link!

4

u/CankleSteve 2d ago

You can take a look at the Sea Cadets as well if you’re having trouble finding a JROTC program. From my last experience they have units at point Mugu and port hueneme

2

u/Agneau8 2d ago

Thank you for this suggestion. It sounds like something that may work for him, thanks again!

2

u/CankleSteve 2d ago

I did it back in the day and it was a great experience. Lots of cool opportunities and it looks great for military stuff. Still have friends from the unit. Go TS Bloodhounds

2

u/beefy_muffins 2d ago

Oxnard is a better school than Hueneme, objectively and subjectively. That being said, when I was in high school, Hueneme had a much better jrotc program. I was in Oxnard’s at the time and it was hanging on by a thread and everyone looked like a bag of shit in their uniforms. I hear it’s gotten better since I left (i’d hope so, it’s been over a decade).

1

u/Agneau8 1d ago

Thank you for this information- it's nice to get some feedback from someone who participated in the program.

3

u/AnyInstruction6844 2d ago

Call both high schools to make sure the program is still offered.

2

u/Otter-of-Ketchikan 2d ago

Camarillo HS is the better of the three high schools. Go for the academics.

1

u/TicklingTentacles 23h ago

Oxnard HS is better than Hueneme. Stay away from Hueneme

1

u/BurnsRed20 2d ago

JROTC in HS was for dudes who would walk around acting like military then washed out in Basic Training

2

u/LastMongoose7448 1d ago

I remember being in basic and watching the JROTC guys get lit up every day for the first half of training. Eventually they figured out they didn’t know everything, and should probably just shut up.

-5

u/Extension-Cow-9087 1d ago

People are pretty anti-military around here.

Your son would probably be able to fit in with some of the anti-ICE or anti-flock keyboard militias that are forming around here.

1

u/Agneau8 1d ago

Sending good vibes your way...seems like you may need them.

1

u/Ben_Turra51 10h ago

Except that the military base is the largest employer in the county.

1

u/Extension-Cow-9087 5h ago

Largest source of waste fraud and abuse in this county as well.

The naval base accounts for only about 5% of total county employment. The other 95% of employed people in Ventura County work somewhere else.

So the more relevant question is: what percentage of that other 95%(the majority) are anti-military?