Oakwood School

As a parent, there are very few decisions that have had a greater impact on our family than choosing Oakwood School. Looking back, my only regret is that we didn''t find the school sooner.Today, I''m the proud parent of two Oakwood alumni, one attending the University of Southern California and the other at the University of Redlands, as well as an incoming seventh grader. Watching our older children leave Oakwood so well prepared for college has given us tremendous confidence in the education they received.What always stood out to me was that Oakwood never asked our kids to choose between academics, athletics, or the arts. They were challenged in the classroom while also having every opportunity to pursue the things they loved. Both of our older children played varsity sports throughout high school, baseball, soccer, and softball, while also thriving academically.Perhaps the best example of Oakwood''s philosophy is our daughter, who is now pursuing degrees in both Neuroscience and Cinematic Arts at USC. To me, that''s exactly what an Oakwood education represents: students who are encouraged to explore multiple passions rather than being placed into a single lane.Beyond the academics, Oakwood is a community that genuinely knows and cares about its students. Our children were supported, challenged, and encouraged to become confident, curious young adults.If you''re looking for a school that prepares students not only for college but for life, I can''t recommend Oakwood highly enough.

My daughter came to Oakwood for high school (9th grade), and the administration made her transition into the school seamless. She easily made grounded, lovely friends starting with the new student events before school even started. The faculty's approach to academics has been equally impressive. They've taught context along with information, so what my daughter is learning feels applicable. Her French class is especially fantastic, as it uses culture, film, and current issues as a means to teach language. Immersion is also an incredible program.

My wife and I couldn't be happier with Oakwood. After a few months in Kindergarten, my daughter LOVES going to school. She's had great experiences with the teachers and staff --- all of whom are really supportive, kind, and thoughtful in their approach to childhood learning and development. There is a deep emphasis on both the nuts and bolts of reading and math, and on problem-solving, and giving them the skills that they will need to thrive. The school also goes out of its way to make it feel like a community, and, as a parent and person of color, that makes a huge difference.

This school has been great for my family. My son is so happy and wakes up excited about going to school every day. It is a well-oiled machine that has been masterful at curating an experience inclusive of fantastic families, committed and connected teachers, and an in-tune community. I have watched my son grow in ways that every family dreams of from catapulting his independence to planting foundational seeds of him becoming a life-long learner. This place is magical.

Oakwood is an exceptionally warm/nurturing but academically strong school. My daughter is a junior there and came from a not very rigorous middle school. The transition could have been brutal but the faculty worked together to support her and she's now taking honors Physics, AP US history etc. While Oakwood has a rep as an arty school (which it is) my daughter found her passion in the amazing STEAM department and willingly took math in summer school so that she could get to Calculus sooner. And I know this all makes her sound like she's just a machine - but she isn't. She's made wonderful friends and loves takes sculpture and ceramics. Oakwood offers everything she never knew she wanted to study. Basically, Oakwood doesn't just make strong students, it makes great kids.