Embrace the Journey

Empower the Future

We are on a mission to revolutionize education by blending the best of traditional and home-based learning to create a dynamic environment where creativity, communication, and leadership thrive.

Our students dive into the arts, build resilience, and develop essential life skills like conflict resolution, critical thinking, and leading with integrity.

Through collaboration and real-world problem-solving, we empower learners to unlock their potential, embrace challenges, and grow every day.

Our goal is to nurture future leadersCEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators—who use their strengths to make a meaningful impact and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Who We Are

Child taking photo of flowers in a garden bed

Welcome to Oakridge Academy, a new, innovative micro-school for elementary students in Boca Raton now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are proud to offer a supportive and engaging learning environment that nurtures autonomy and accountability. Through hands-on, project-based learning, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."

-Benjamin Franklin

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a gray sweater, smiling in an outdoor setting with greenery in the background.

Meet Our Founder

Hi there! I’m Stephanie Rasel—licensed therapist, educator, and mom.

With over 15 years of experience in education and therapy, I’m passionate about creating nurturing spaces where children can grow, lead, and thrive.

When it came time for my daughter to start Kindergarten, I searched for a school that would protect her love of learning, honor her curiosity, and make sure she felt truly seen, heard, and valued for all the greatness she brings into the world—just as every child deserves to be. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to build it.

Oakridge Academy was born from a simple belief:
Every child deserves a learning journey that honors their strengths, inspires their curiosity, and prepares them to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.

I'm so grateful you're here—and I can't wait to welcome your family to our community.

Why Oakridge Academy?

At Oakridge Academy, everything we do is grounded in values that shape how children learn, grow, and thrive. These core principles guide our daily work—and inspire every child’s journey toward curiosity, confidence, creativity, and leadership.

🌟 Innovation: We embrace new ideas and creative teaching methods, making learning exciting and engaging for every child.

📚 Mastery: We build a strong foundation by ensuring each child fully masters a skill before moving on, helping them gain confidence and a deep understanding every step of the way.

🎨 Individuality: We celebrate each child’s unique strengths, interests, and learning style by promoting autonomy and personalized learning. Students take ownership of their education, moving at their own pace in a way that excites and challenges them.

🤝 Collaboration: Learning is more fun together! We build teamwork and communication skills through hands-on projects and shared experiences.

❤️ Compassion: We nurture kindness, respect, and empathy, helping children understand and appreciate each other's differences while building a strong, supportive community.

💪 Resilience: We celebrate progress, embrace challenges, and learn from mistakes, helping children grow with confidence and perseverance.

🧘 Wellness: We care for the whole child, incorporating mindfulness, movement, and healthy habits to support both body and mind.

🏡 Community: We connect with our local environment and neighbors, helping children understand their role in making the world a better place.

🎭 Arts & Creativity: We spark imagination and self-expression through music, movement, and artistic exploration, weaving creativity into everyday learning.

Child in green shirt looking at colorful map outdoors

Our Learning Model: Powered by Prenda

  • Four children laughing and playing together in a forested area.

    Connect

    Values-driven personal development

    I am becoming an empowered learner.

  • Child doing homework at wooden table

    Conquer

    Mastery-focused academics

    I can learn anything with courage and patience.

  • Children gardening together, watering plants and using small tools in an outdoor garden setting.

    Collaborate

    Interactive inquiry-led discovery

    I am an important part of something bigger than myself.

  • Child creating a colorful paper collage with torn pieces of construction paper on a wooden table.

    Create

    Hands-on project-based learning

    I use my learning in real and meaningful ways.

Get Inspired

Learn more about Prenda’s philosophy and get a detailed look at our approach to learning.

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

-Plutarch

A child in a blue jacket holding a map outdoors with a blurred natural landscape in the background.

Our Mission

To help children build meaningful connections, ignite curiosity, unleash their creativity, and pursue their passions—while developing the leadership and innovation skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Interested in Oakridge Academy?