Rooted in rhythm and meaningful routines. Inspired by curiosity. Driven by purpose.

At Oakridge Academy, each day is filled with opportunities to connect, create, explore, and grow. While every learner’s journey is unique, our daily rhythm provides a safe and inspiring structure that nurtures autonomy, purpose, and joy.

We don’t follow a rigid curriculum schedule. Instead, we personalize learning so that each child can move at the pace that’s right for them—whether they’re ready for advanced work or need more time to master a skill. Learners are grouped by readiness, not just age, so no one is stuck or held back from reaching their highest potential.

We use tests as tools, not as measures of worth. Our approach balances freedom with structure, helping children build confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.

Arrival & Free Play
Children ease into the day with time for play, connection, and exploration. Our flexible drop-off window allows learners to transition at their own pace while building friendships and creativity through open-ended activities.
We are friends. We are creators. We are joyful learners.

Connection & Morning Movement
We begin each day by gathering in community—often outdoors—to set intentions and connect. Through mindfulness, community conversations, and goal-sharing, we reflect on how to live with purpose, support one another, and cultivate a growth mindset. We follow this with movement and physical activity to energize our bodies with fresh air and sunshine.
We are grounded. We are mindful. We are connected.

Goal Setting & Independent Work
Learners practice autonomy and accountability by reviewing personal SMART goals, celebrating progress, and identifying next steps. Guides offer encouragement and coaching as children build self-direction, focus, and intrinsic motivation.
We are goal-setters. We are focused. We are self-driven.

Core Skills & Academic Time
This is our dedicated time for reading and math. Learners engage with personalized curriculum at their own pace, supported by their Guide. Our goal isn’t just academic growth—it’s helping children learn how to learn, develop focus, and take ownership of their educational journey.
We are readers. We are mathematicians. We are lifelong learners.

Snack, Movement & Nature Recess
Midway through core skills, students pause for a healthy snack and a short, structured movement break—often a nature walk or energizing activity outdoors. After core work is complete, they enjoy unstructured nature play to relax, connect, and recharge.
We are energized. We are playful. We are nature lovers.

Writing & Language Work
With minds refreshed and bodies recharged, students return to explore writing, grammar, vocabulary, and storytelling through creative and structured activities.
We are writers. We are storytellers. We are communicators.

Lunch & Unstructured Nature Play
Children enjoy unstructured play and meaningful connection in nature. Whether they’re climbing trees, building forts, sharing stories, or relaxing under the sky, this time nourishes creativity, confidence, and well-being.
We are kind. We are curious. We are connected.

Collaborative Projects & Problem Solving
In this hands-on block, learners dive into meaningful challenges as scientists, inventors, and explorers. They investigate big questions, build models, explore history, and learn how the world works. We intentionally weave together science, social studies, math, and language arts—because learning is most powerful when it’s connected.
We are scientists. We are inventors. We are explorers.

Outdoor Learning & Real-World Integration
Academic concepts are brought into nature as students measure, journal, observe, and reflect in the real world—building lasting connections between learning and life. Learners dive into problem-solving, creative thinking, and skill-building through meaningful experiences, including hands-on projects and community service.
We are leaders. We are problem-solvers. We are team players.

Creative Expression: Art & Music
Learners tap into their imagination to create something meaningful through visual arts, music, storytelling, or hands-on design. This is a time for self-expression, joy, and integrating what they’ve learned into creative works that reflect their passions.
We are artists. We are musicians. We are storytellers.

Reflection & Closing Circle
We gather as a community to reflect, share wins, and honor personal growth. Learners practice gratitude, accountability, and communication—closing the day with intention and connection.
We are grateful. We are growing. We are a community.

Arrival & Free Play: Open-ended play and connection to start the day.

Connection & Morning Movement: Mindfulness, intention-setting, outdoor physical activity.

Goal Setting & Independent Work: Reviewing SMART goals, building autonomy and focus.

Core Skills: Reading & Math: Personalized academic time during peak focus hours.

Snack, Movement & Nature Recess: A mid-morning snack and structured movement break.

Writing & Language Work: Creative and structured writing time.

Lunch & Unstructured Nature Play: Social-emotional growth through nature-based play.

Collaborative Projects: Science & Social Studies: Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

Outdoor Learning & Real-World Integration: Bringing academics into nature and everyday life.

Creative Expression: Art & Music: Joyful, meaningful artistic expression.

Reflection & Closing Circle: Gratitude, goal-checking, and community connection.

Unlike traditional schools that often rely on long blocks of passive instruction, rigid pacing, and standardized testing, Oakridge structures academic learning around how children actually learn best—based on research in developmental science, cognitive psychology, and brain-based learning.

We prioritize quality over quantity, tailoring the school day to support focus, creativity, and emotional well-being at every age.

• Younger learners (ages 5–7) thrive with 60–90 minutes of focused reading, writing, and math daily, paired with generous time for movement, hands-on exploration, and unstructured play to support brain development and self-regulation.

• Older students (ages 8–11) gradually increase their academic stamina, engaging in longer blocks of core skill practice while still benefiting from an active, inquiry-driven approach.

In total, Oakridge students engage in 90+ minutes of personalized academic instruction daily, plus additional interdisciplinary learning through collaborative projects, outdoor integration, and real-world application. Rather than sitting through lectures or memorizing for tests, learners read, write, calculate, and problem-solve with purpose—at their own pace and with meaning.

This model helps students develop critical thinking, ownership of learning, and intrinsic motivation—key qualities often stifled in more traditional settings. Our approach follows best practices from developmental science, cognitive psychology, and leading educational organizations. The result? Children who are confident, capable, and excited to learn every day.

Citations & Research References:

1. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): Developmentally Appropriate Practice

   • Overview of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
     

   • Comprehensive DAP Resources for Educators
     

2. Edutopia (George Lucas Educational Foundation): Brain-Based Learning & Movement

   • Brain Breaks for Your Classroom
     

   • Move Your Body, Grow Your Brain
     

   • Activating the Brain With Movement Breaks
     

3. Harvard Graduate School of Education: The Science of Early Learning

   • The Science of Early Learning and Adversity Program
     

   • CEEL Series 1 Learn A: The Science of Early Learning
     

4. National Research Council: How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School

   • Read the Full Book Online
     

5. OECD – Learning for 21st Century Skills: Effective Learning Environments

   • 21st Century Learning Environments Report