Oakridge Enrichment Programs

Oakridge Innovators Lab

Project-Based Learning & Inquiry Days

Oakridge Innovators Lab is a dynamic, mixed-age learning experience designed for curious, motivated, and advanced young learners who thrive through hands-on discovery, creativity, collaboration, and meaningful real-world learning experiences. Blending STEM, inquiry, design thinking, literacy integration, and project-based learning, Innovators Lab encourages children to think deeply, ask questions, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning in a supportive small-group environment.

Learners explore rotating Science and Social Studies unit studies through:

• Inquiry-Based Learning

• Engineering & STEM Challenges

• Storybook & Literacy Connections

• Writing Through Real-World Projects

• Design Thinking

• Collaborative Problem Solving

• Outdoor Exploration

• Creative Arts Integration

• Public Speaking & Presentations

• Portfolio-Based Learning

Aligned with current educational research, project-based learning days are designed to interconnect subjects in meaningful ways as learners naturally apply literacy, writing, math, communication, collaboration, research, and critical thinking skills throughout each inquiry cycle and hands-on project experience.

Sample Daily Rhythm

• Arrival Invitations & Innovation Stations
• Morning Meeting, Storybook Connection & Driving Question Launch
• Inquiry Workshop, Knowledge Building & Collaborative Investigation
• Snack & Outdoor Recess
• Innovation Studio, STEM Projects & Applied Learning
• Lunch & Outdoor Recess
• Project Creation, Collaboration & Showcase Preparation
• Reflection Journals & Closing Circle

Each six-week inquiry cycle culminates in a collaborative student showcase where learners share projects, presentations, inventions, discoveries, and portfolio work with peers and families.

2026-2027 Tuition & Enrollment

$9,500 annually

Due to the highly personalized nature of the program, enrollment is intentionally limited to maintain small group sizes, an approximately 1:8 learner-to-guide ratio, and meaningful collaborative learning experiences.

All interested families must complete the Oakridge admissions process, including:

• Family Meeting

• Learner Visit/Trial Day

• Application & Review Process

• Enrollment Acceptance

Innovators Lab is designed for learners who demonstrate independence, collaborative readiness, and the ability to actively participate within a project-based learning environment.

More Than a Program — A Learning Community

Oakridge Innovators Lab is part of the broader Oakridge learning community — a growing collective of like-minded urban families who value curiosity, connection, creativity, and meaningful childhood experiences.

Families enrolled in Innovators Lab receive access to select Oakridge community experiences throughout the year, which may include:

• Community Gatherings

• Seasonal Celebrations & School Parties

• Family Events

• Showcase Nights

• Parent Connection Opportunities

• Field Trips & Exploration Days

• Collaborative Community Projects

Our goal is to create a supportive educational community where children feel deeply known and families feel connected, involved, and supported — without the pressure of doing everything alone. At Oakridge, parents remain meaningfully involved in their child’s educational experience while also gaining the support, collaboration, and community that many modern families are seeking.