Portrait of a Graduate
Our Portrait of a Graduate helps us begin with the end in mind. We seek to cultivate graduates who believe the gospel, behold Christ in His Word and His works, read and think deeply and widely, reason and speak with wisdom and eloquence, and serve Christ by sharing the gospel and seeking flourishing for every human being and society.
Education is more than the accumulation of credits or knowledge. Graduates from The Oaks form judgment, strengthen Christian character, deepen their faith, and are prepared to take his or her place in the world with wisdom, understanding, and delight. For that reason, The Oaks offers a number of distinctive opportunities, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, that ask students not merely to complete their studies, but to bring them to a fitting conclusion in Christ.
A Distinctive Experience:
Leadership is best learned not by speaking about it endlessly, but by practicing it in service to others. Throughout their years at The Oaks, students participate in study devoted to Christian formation, biblical study, fellowship, and discipleship. In doing so, they discover an important truth: maturity is not chiefly a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be passed on to others.
Leadership and Discipleship
Classical Christian education cannot remain enclosed within the classroom walls. Students, parents, and teachers regularly partner with local charitable organizations in service to the community. Students complete at least 70 hours of unpaid community service between the completion of eighth grade and graduation. The purpose is larger than fulfilling a requirement. Service trains students to see that love of neighbor is not an abstraction, and that gratitude is most properly expressed in action.
Service
The life of The Oaks is shaped as much by its shared loves as by its lessons. All students and families belong to one of four houses - Wisdom, Fidelity, Truth, and Strength - which foster belonging, friendly competition, leadership, and school culture across grade levels. Students also participate in class trips, college tours, junior and senior trips, athletics, clubs, and student-led organizations, including The Oaks chapter of the National Honor Society. They also engage in social events, such as October at The Oaks, dodgeball, fine arts activities, and an annual semi-formal. These opportunities give students room to lead, compete, serve, travel, and form friendships that extend beyond a single classroom.
Student Life
The Senior Thesis is one of the culminating works of a student’s time at The Oaks. Each senior completes an independent research project resulting in a written essay. Students then present their work publicly, offering a presentation followed by a defense before a panel of judges. The aim is not merely that a student should have something to say, but that he should learn to say it carefully, defend it reasonably, and receive questions with both confidence and humility. In this sense, the thesis gathers together many of the habits The Oaks seeks to cultivate all along.
Senior Thesis
Prospective parents are invited to join us for an informational meeting on our campus to learn about the Classical, Christian, Collaborative model of education and to receive an admissions packet.
Informational Meetings are a time to learn about our mission as a school. We look forward to sharing with you about our history, our unique approach to education at each stage of learning, and our close partnership with parents in the formation of children. We also welcome any questions you may have.
