I’m A High School Student planning to film at Vasquez Rocks

I’m planning on filming at Vasquez Rocks in a a few weeks for my final senior project, as well as a few other parks, as my project is a western short film. I’m doing some research on permits but found that according to the LA county parks website only commercial use and student film projects require permits.

I’m just taking a film class at a normal high school, a film wasn’t even required. Does that constitute personal use? Is it a gray area? Do I need a permit?