Embrace the Journey
Empower the Future
We’re 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.
Oakridge is designed for highly motivated learners who take ownership of their education — children who embrace challenges, crave independence, and are eager to grow. This means your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired every single day — both in academics and in life skills.
Our learners dive into the arts, build resilience, and develop real-world skills like conflict resolution, critical thinking, and leading with integrity — preparing them to lead, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Who We Are
At Oakridge Academy, we’re reimagining elementary education for curious, capable young learners — and we’re now enrolling for the 2025–2026 school year.
We offer a supportive and engaging learning environment that nurtures both autonomy and accountability. Through hands-on, project-based learning, we spark a love of learning while building the skills to solve problems, think creatively, and work collaboratively.
Our approach blends academic mastery, social-emotional growth, and real-world application, giving learners the confidence and competence to pursue their passions, lead with integrity, and make a meaningful impact in the world.
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
-Benjamin Franklin
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. I began my career as a teacher in one of the largest school districts in the nation, later transitioning into clinical therapy and eventually growing a solo practice into a nationwide provider serving clients across the country.
When it came time for my daughter to start Kindergarten, I searched high and low for a school that would protect her love of learning, honor her curiosity, and ensure she felt truly seen, heard, and valued—just as every child deserves to be. When I couldn’t find it, I set out to create a school informed by the latest research on how children learn best. I drew on my experience as a developmental therapist to design an environment that supports the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally.
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, every choice we make is grounded in the latest research on how children learn and thrive.
Our principles shape a learning environment that challenges and supports each child, helping them grow into confident problem solvers who are ready to take on the world.
Whole-Child Development
We nurture intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth equally. Every learner’s well-being and sense of belonging are just as important as academic achievement.
Brain-Aligned Learning
Our approach is grounded in the latest research and neuroscience on how children’s brains grow and learn best — through safety, connection, curiosity, active engagement, and experiential learning, because learning is most powerful when it’s an experience. This kind of environment builds a strong foundation for growth and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Mastery Over Time
Our learners must master skills — not just earn a minimum grade — before moving on to the next set of skills. They advance when they are ready and can apply their learning to real-world challenges, instead of waiting on others or being tied to a curriculum schedule.
Autonomy & Agency — Independence Within Structure
We trust learners with meaningful choices about their work and projects, while providing clear boundaries that ensure safety, respect, and personal responsibility. This balance helps them build self-discipline and decision-making skills.
Strong Relationships & Small Learning Communities
We create multi-age groups in a small group setting that provide rich opportunities for peer learning, mentoring, and collaboration. To support both cross-age learning and strong same-age friendships, we ensure a minimum number of students from each age group.
Real-World Skills for Life
From entrepreneurship and problem-solving to collaboration and community service, learners gain practical skills and experiences that prepare them for life beyond school.
Oakridge in Action
Every day unfolds across four distinct learning modes.
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Connect
Values-driven personal development
I am becoming an empowered learner.
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Conquer
Mastery-focused academics
I can learn anything with courage and patience.
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Collaborate
Interactive inquiry-led discovery
I am an important part of something bigger than myself.
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Create
Hands-on project-based learning
I use my learning in real and meaningful ways.
YOU MAY BE AN OAKRIDGE FAMILY IF…
You believe your child’s character is just as important as their academic growth.
You want your child to love learning—not just memorize facts for a test.
Your child thrives when they’re free to explore, play, build, and discover—without limits on their curiosity.
You believe your kids should move ahead when they’re ready—not be held back by grade levels or pacing guides.
You’re looking for a school that nurtures both independence and personal responsibility.
You want your child to spend 6-7 hours a day in an environment that offers freedom within structure—where personal responsibility, natural consequences, and clear expectations provide the guardrails for meaningful growth.
You believe in your child’s ability to learn from setbacks—and see failure as part of growth.
You’re not just looking for a school—you’re looking for a community of like-minded families growing together.
You know there’s a better model for education—and want a program grounded in the latest research on learning and brain development.
You want your child to learn how to think, how to learn, and how to lead with purpose, integrity, and confidence.
