Core Academics

At Oakland, our personalized instruction teaches fundamental academic skills in an ungraded, non-competitive, and goal-oriented learning environment.

Inquire Now

Oakland Academics

READING

Oakland School’s literacy program is comprised of gradually progressing instruction based on the literacy strengths and needs of each student. Whether a student is a beginning or an advanced reader, Oakland’s team will chart an individualized literacy course forward.

Teachers monitor individual literacy learning growth using informal and formal tools, guided practice of skills, and research-based assessments. The Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI) is administered in a one-on-one setting, while the Measure of Academic Progress/Reading (MAP) is a nationally normed assessment.

BEGINNING READERS

Beginning readers are typically instructed using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, “A direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy even when reading, writing, and spelling do not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.” In this method, students may use tracing packets that correspond with their basal packets. Children trace the raised shapes of the letters of words as they hear and read the sounds orally to bring several senses into play.

INTERMEDIATE READERS

Intermediate readers make the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. With guided instruction, progress continues in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary, and reading fluency. Written and oral language instruction is integrated daily using a differentiated approach tailored to each learner.

CONFIDENT READERS

At Oakland, students are advanced as quickly as their abilities allow. One-to-ones transition to mastering comprehension strategies, developing vocabulary, and improving fluency.

READING IN HIGH SCHOOL

High school literacy continues the trajectory forward, aligning with the social studies curriculum to deepen students' understanding of both reading skills and historical context. Assessments are primarily writing-based, fostering analytical thinking and the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences and purposes.

MATH

Math classes at Oakland are taught in small groups of six to eight students and range from basic math concept courses to 9th grade math. Student schedules include an instructional period at their appropriate level followed by a guided practice period. Lessons follow textbooks written to cover the Virginia Standards of Learning but are often broken down into smaller, easy-to-follow steps. Teacher-made worksheets help clarify concepts and allow students to be successful.

The multisensory approach found throughout the Oakland program is employed in math classes as well, with students writing on erasable whiteboards, working with manipulatives, reciting mnemonics, and playing math games to reinforce concepts. Prompt feedback on written work and class exercises ensures that students know right away that they’re on track. Lessons are planned to connect to students’ lives and are personalized whenever possible to make the topics more relevant.

Daily Schedule

The school day is divided into seven 45 to 50-minute periods. Each student’s schedule is designed to balance rigorous instruction targeting his or her core academic needs with a healthy dose of movement and independence mixed in to recharge the brain for additional learning.

Oakland School students smiling while they study

Each student receives a one-to-one period with the teacher responsible for coordinating the student's program as dictated by their individualized learning plan. Typically, the focus is reading, but it may also reinforce math, writing, organizational, or other skills as needed.
Including their one-to-one instruction, students may have from three to four Reading and/or Phonics periods throughout the day depending on their skill level.
Each student has one to two Math periods daily at his or her level, the first being instructional and the second being a practice session. The small class sizes afford the teacher the opportunity to individualize lessons within the class.
Most students have a period of English. Typically, a student on or near grade level in reading will have a Written Language period.
As part of Oakland’s mission to develop the whole child, each student is enrolled in a P.E. class. Classes are differentiated to encourage students of all abilities, with units designed to increase movement, build confidence, and inspire students to be active . The curriculum also includes learning the rules for a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Technology is a key component of Oakland’s academic program. Students do most writing on the computer and practice keyboarding.
We incorporate chrome books for additional multisensory instruction including various apps and games when possible to promote student interest, reinforce concepts, and provide guided practice.

Application Process

Request Information

Choosing the right school starts with seeing it in person. We invite you to visit Oakland School, explore our campus, and experience firsthand how personalized learning can help your child thrive.