FAQs

Oakridge Academy currently serves elementary learners and is growing by adding one grade level each year, with the goal of supporting students through 8th grade. As we grow, we will explore future opportunities for upper-level programming, including high school options. Academic groups are based on enrollment and designed to support each group of learners.

  • Learning at Oakridge is active, purposeful, and deeply engaging. When students are given meaningful opportunities to explore, experiment, and pursue questions that matter, they develop strong skills in inquiry, reasoning, problem solving, and communication—skills that serve them well far beyond the classroom. We believe children learn best through hands-on experiences that actively engage their senses, curiosity, and thinking.

    Core Skills: Reading, Math, & Writing

    Learners build strong academic foundations through personalized, small-group instruction in reading, math, and writing. Using hands-on materials, manipulatives, and developmentally appropriate practices, students develop fluency, conceptual understanding, and confidence as learners.

    We are readers.
    We are mathematicians.
    We are writers.
    We are storytellers and communicators.

    Collaborative Projects: Science & Social Studies

    Through project-based learning, students explore big questions as scientists, inventors, and explorers. Learning is interdisciplinary—connecting science, social studies, math, and language arts—because understanding deepens when ideas are relevant and connected.

    We are scientists.
    We are inventors.
    We are explorers.

    Real-World Learning & Whole-Child Growth

    We value the whole child, recognizing that social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth are equally important. Through independent and collaborative projects, reflection, and real-world problem solving, learners grow as confident, capable investigators and leaders.

    We are problem-solvers.
    We are creators.
    We are leaders.

  • Each day at Oakridge follows a thoughtful rhythm that balances movement, focused learning, creativity, and connection. Learners begin with play and community time, engage in hands-on reading, math, and writing, spend ample time outdoors, and collaborate on meaningful projects in science and social studies. Throughout the day, children reflect, set goals, explore their interests, and learn alongside peers—ending the day grounded, confident, and connected.

    A Sample Day at Oakridge

    • Arrival, Play & Morning Connection

    • Morning Meeting

    • Reading Block

    • Outdoor Recess

    • Snack

    • Math & Writing Block

    • Lunch/Recess

    • Rest & Reset with a Book

    • Science & Social Studies (Project-Based Learning)

    • Art/Music/Movement Integration

    • Daily Close & Reflection

    Why this rhythm works:
    Our daily schedule is designed using research on child development, attention, and learning—aligning core academics with optimal focus windows while balancing movement, outdoor play, collaboration, and reflection.

  • Oakridge designs academic learning around how children learn best, using research-informed practices rather than rigid pacing or long periods of passive instruction. Students engage in focused, personalized learning in reading, writing, and math, balanced with movement, hands-on exploration, collaboration, and real-world application—supporting both strong foundations and a genuine love of learning.

    Our approach is informed by research from organizations such as NAEYC, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the National Research Council.

Daily Rhythm & Structure

  • Oakridge is designed for advanced learners who are curious, motivated, and ready for more challenge and independence. These students often enjoy thinking deeply, asking questions, and learning through hands-on, meaningful experiences.

    Our students often:

    • Thrive with project-based, experiential learning

    • Seek independence, flexibility, and purpose in their education

    • Engage deeply with learning and require minimal prompting

    • Feel under-challenged or disengaged in traditional classrooms

    • Learn best through movement, real-world experiences, and connection

    Oakridge is also a strong fit for families who value joyful learning, whole-child development, and a close-knit community where each child is truly known.

  • Oakridge Academy tracks student progress using a combination of formative assessment and periodic standardized measures. We administer an adaptive diagnostic assessment three times per year (fall, winter, and spring) to identify strengths, areas for growth, and overall academic progress.

    Day-to-day learning is assessed through research-informed formative practices, including observation, work samples, guided practice, and skill mastery checks. This approach provides a more accurate and responsive picture of learning than traditional grading alone.

  • Oakridge Academy takes a flexible, family-centered approach to attendance. We believe meaningful learning can happen both on campus and through real-world experiences beyond the classroom.

    Families are encouraged to travel and pursue enriching experiences. During extended absences, Oakridge provides academic materials and resources to help maintain continuity and progress. We ask that families communicate absences in advance whenever possible so we can best support each learner.

  • Oakridge is designed for learners seeking an advanced or enriched academic experience who can engage in a small-group, learner-driven environment with a strong emphasis on independence, collaboration, and grade-level or above academic pacing.

    While we deeply value all learners, our program is not equipped to support students who require significant curriculum modifications, intensive regulation or behavioral support, or specialized therapeutic services. We encourage families to consider whether our model is the right fit for their child’s needs.

  • Oakridge is led by highly experienced certified educators. Our lead teachers have decades of combined experience in teaching and education and hold a Master’s degree or higher.

  • Technology at Oakridge is used intentionally and in moderation to support learning—not replace hands-on instruction. When technology is used, it supports reading, math, science, and creative programs that encourage imagination, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Our Learning Approach

  • We encourage parent involvement in meaningful and flexible ways throughout the year.
    From volunteering in our learning spaces to sharing talents during student-led showcases, there are many opportunities for families to take part in the learning journey. We also welcome support with fundraising events and community celebrations.

    Throughout the year, we look forward to hosting exhibitions where students proudly share their work, projects, and progress with family and friends.

    We also plan to hold regular parent gatherings to strengthen our community, share ideas, and explore topics related to parenting, personal growth, and education.

  • At Oakridge, we believe that real learning extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. Through age-appropriate service projects, our students develop empathy, leadership, and a sense of purpose by making meaningful contributions to the world around them.

    Learners will take part in hands-on opportunities such as supporting local environmental efforts, partnering with senior citizens through acts of kindness and connection, and creating projects that help those in need or beautify our shared spaces. These experiences are woven into our curriculum to help students see themselves as capable, compassionate changemakers—right now, not just someday.

    We are helpers. We are leaders. We are a force for good.

  • No. Oakridge Academy has no political or religious affiliation. We believe family values and cultural or religious teachings are best shared at home.

Family & Community

  • Annual Tuition: $18,500

    Enrollment Fee: $600
    (reserves your child’s spot for the upcoming school year)

    What Tuition Includes

    • Core academic instruction and enrichment (Monday–Friday)

    • Small-group instruction

    • Ongoing program resources and support

    • Instructional materials and technology used during the school day

    • Optional Momday/Friday Enrichment featuring project-based learning, STEM, art, and life-skills workshops

    Additional Details:

    • Enrollment is a full school‑year commitment, paid in monthly installments (August–May)

    • No drop‑in or month‑to‑month options

    • Sibling discounts are available

    Our tuition reflects the intentional design, individualized attention, and small-group experience that make Oakridge a truly distinctive learning environment.

  • Yes! Oakridge Academy is an approved provider for the Personalized Education Program (PEP) through Step Up for Students.

    Tuition is paid to Oakridge Academy on the first of each month. Families then submit the invoice we provide to Step Up for reimbursement.

    PEP scholarships are currently projected to be approximately $8,500 per student, per year.

Tuition & Scholarships

  • We encourage interested families to begin by completing our Interest Form and scheduling a tour and conversation with our Founder. This meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about our program, ask questions, and explore whether Oakridge is the right fit for your child.

    We also invite you to review the resources on our website and in the follow-up email you’ll receive. These materials will help you better understand our educational philosophy and student-led learning model.

    This is a collaborative journey—and as a close-knit learning community, we want to ensure that every family is aligned with our values and mission.

Getting Started

"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think."

— Margaret Mead