Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answers for Prospective Families
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Oakland School is an independent day school located on a 450-acre farm in central Virginia. Since 1950, we’ve supported children who learn more effectively in a non-traditional learning environment by offering a personalized, strength-based education in a nurturing environment.
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We combine research-based instruction (including the Orton-Gillingham approach), a STEAM-focused curriculum, and hands-on, experiential learning on our 450-acre campus. We tailor each student’s learning journey based on their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Small classrooms and individualized instruction proved the ability to offer a bespoke program for every student.
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Oakland schools believe homework should support learning without harming student well-being. Research, including studies from Stanford, shows that too much homework can cause stress, anxiety, sleep loss, and even burnout. Our approach prioritizes purposeful, balanced assignments that reinforce learning, foster responsibility, and leave time for rest, family, and personal growth. Homework should help students thrive — not overwhelm them. Older students can expect some homework to reinforce ideas or complete projects. It would be unusual for them to spend more than 2 hours a night on homework.
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Yes. Each year, many families move to the Charlottesville area and surrounding communities so their children can attend Oakland School. Often, families start with our summer boarding program, to give their child an opportunity to experience school before making such a big change.
About Oakland School
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We currently serve grades 2–12 with summer boarding beginning at age 9.
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We have a very personalized approach. It starts with either an interest form, application submission or a phone call/visit to our campus. Our admissions director will give you a tour, answer any questions you may have and gather some initial information to ensure Oakland School would be a fit. After that, we guide you through the application, tuition and enrollment process.
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No, a formal diagnosis is not required. We welcome students with diverse learning profiles, including those who benefit from personalized instruction and a hands-on learning approach. However, we highly encourage students to attain a psycho-educational evaluation as it is hugely beneficial to determining the best curriculum and teaching approaches for the child.
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For our year round program, yes. We are committed to making Oakland accessible to as many families as possible.
Admissions
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At enrollment, we spend time understanding Why Oakland for your child. We offer up to 3 hours a day on Reading or Math, allowing your child to focus on what they need most. Our small class sizes and regular student check-ins allow for in-the-moment scalability, personalized instruction, and ongoing support.
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Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multisensory method for teaching reading and spelling, especially effective for students with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences. We build strong phonics foundations and follow the literacy continuum to support students at every stage of development.
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Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) curriculum emphasizes creativity, inquiry, and problem-solving through hands-on projects across grade levels.
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With 450-acres of land, students engage in outdoor science labs, nature-based projects, environmental education, and physical activity as part of their daily routine. Our STEAM classes build projects for the barn, supporting our Equine Program and our Spanish classes explore outside to learn the Spanish words.
Academic Approach
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No, Oakland is a day school during the academic year. We do offer a summer camp with a boarding option that blends enrichment, outdoor learning, and recreation. We have both local and children from afar enjoy our summer boarding program each year.
Student Life
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We have an active Parent Association/Committee that meets every month. We include in person, video or phone as a way to participate making it accessible to all that want to be involved. We have many events through the year to support the students, teachers and larger community.
Family Involvement
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.
Take the Next Step
Schedule a Campus Visit
See Oakland in person and experience personalized learning firsthand.
Admissions Process
Learn how to apply and what to expect along the way.
Tuition & Affordability
Understand tuition, financial considerations, and available support.
Explore Summer Camp
A fun, low-pressure way to experience Oakland.