Academics
Elementary Campus
Welcome to the elementary campus, where an Oakwood education begins each morning with the familiar sounds of the courtyard bell. Enthusiasm and purposeful enterprise shape a daily experience deeply rooted in our Statement of Philosophy.
Beginning in kindergarten, students experience a rigorous educational program that ignites their intellectual curiosity. Our curriculum and instruction promote relevance through real-world applications and inquiry-based learning; depth through critical thinking and problem-solving; responsibility through studies of human rights and social justice; creative expression through the arts and music; and community through athletics, performances, and a myriad of classroom activities. Through partnerships formed by teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians, students develop as learners in the present to become well-informed, productive citizens of the future.
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Denise Ross, Elementary Campus Principal
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INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY
Our integrated curriculum is designed to encourage and inspire active learners who think critically and take intellectual risks, while creating a smooth transition from one grade to the next.
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Explorations
The Explorations program cultivates curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Rooted in design thinking, immersive, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math through real-life problem-solving tasks. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions and are empowered to create, invent, and effect change. -
Math
Beginning in Kindergarten, the primary goal of the mathematics curriculum is to promote a rich, problem-based experience. The program allows students to formulate and solve problems, apply concepts in various situations, and make meaning for themselves. Our approach balances conceptual and procedural understanding through multiple models, manipulatives, and flexible thinking. We believe all students will learn and enjoy mathematics and recognize its value through these comprehensive learning experiences. -
Language Arts
The language arts program encourages students to develop a lifelong appreciation for the power and beauty of the written word. Authentic, meaning-based experiences in conjunction with systematic skill instruction form the basis of our multidimensional approach to literacy. Our focus in reading provides students with a context for the study of literature and instruction in comprehension and cognitive strategies. Stories reflecting diversity build awareness and enable the analysis of social issues. Units comprising a variety of genres immerse students in writing processes that mirror the approach of professional authors. The Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop structure supports a gradual release of responsibility that promotes student ownership and independence in their construction of meaning. -
Social Studies
The primary goals of the social studies curriculum are to prepare students for life as ethical, empathic, and socially conscious members of a global society. Young learners recognize the importance of their role in the world by helping them learn about themselves, understand others, explore history to understand the present, and study human rights and social justice. Through their academic curriculum, critical thinking and problem solving opportunities abound as students learn to analyze sources of information, examine the underlying causes of problems, and participate in discourse that requires respect for multiple perspectives. -
Science
Students participate in exploration and scientific investigation using an inquiry-based, experiential approach. In the classroom, science units of study are taught through multimedia lessons. In our science center, a laboratory setting affords students hands-on opportunities to study various topics, from the physical properties of matter to the nature of human body cells. The school garden also provides a base for environmental studies, allowing children to learn and appreciate their role as caretakers of the earth. Field trips offer even more experiential learning opportunities that enhance classroom and science center instruction.
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Art
The art curriculum focuses on skill-building and creative expression. In Oakwood’s two art studios, students are encouraged to share their ideas and discoveries as they work with diverse media styles and perspectives. Children create works through the introduction and exposure to art history and contemporary art. Interdisciplinary collaboration with teachers enhances the academic curriculum and brings to life concepts taught in the classroom.
Learn more about the arts at Oakwood here. -
Performing Arts
We recognize the transformative power of the performing arts. Our dynamic curriculum encompasses vocal, instrumental, dance, theater, composition, and music production.
Students in Grades 3-6 select from three performing arts electives each semester: chorus, dance, or instrumental music. Beginning in third grade, students may study string instruments and join the string orchestra. By 4th grade, opportunities expand to include participation in concert band, full orchestra, and jazz ensembles.
Our after-school program for Grades 3-6 offers theater, chorus, dance, and guitar classes, music production and composition, and instrumental ensembles. Our students' dedication and talent are celebrated in numerous concerts and performances throughout the year, showcasing the artistic achievements that define Oakwood’s vibrant spirit and commitment to excellence.
Learn more about the arts at Oakwood here. -
Spanish Language
The Spanish program utilizes a multifaceted approach to language acquisition. Students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade receive instruction in the requisite skills (vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar) that lead to the development of basic conversational, reading, and writing ability. Equal emphasis is placed on the history, culture, and geography of several Spanish-speaking countries, enabling students to gain an understanding of their uniqueness and diversity. Literature, art, music, field trips, and celebrations are among the experiences that add a rich texture to the curriculum. -
Technology
Students learn and apply digital skills in the context of the overall curriculum. As they acquire technological fluency, students are able to utilize the language of technology, enabling them to move from keyboarding to coding and generating new ideas and applications, while being effective and responsible digital citizens.
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Physical Education
Students are encouraged to enjoy athletics and value the benefits of physical activity as a way of life. All students participate in regular physical education classes. Children develop both physically and emotionally as they learn the values of cooperation and sportsmanship in individual and team sports.
Our program relies on skill building beginning in Kindergarten. Developing strong motor skills sets a solid foundation for instruction in the fundamentals of every sport. Practice in units of study including volleyball, basketball, field hockey, football, baseball and softball, soccer, and track and field provides students the knowledge of game play as well as the readiness to compete in team play.
Additionally, students partake in lifestyle games including badminton, pickleball and table tennis. -
Interscholastic Sports
Oakwood competes in the San Fernando Valley Private School League against schools in greater Los Angeles including Campbell Hall, Viewpoint, John Thomas Dye, Curtis, The Buckley School, and Sierra Canyon. 98% of 4th-6th grade students participate in Interscholastic Sports.Students compete in sports such as:- Baseball
- Basketball
- Flag football
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Oakwood qualifies for playoff competition annually. Recent accomplishments include undefeated seasons for our flag football teams and league championships in boys and girls basketball.Every coach at Oakwood is a teacher, who embodies the Oakwood philosophy with an emphasis on skill development, teamwork, fair play, and positivity. -
Enrichment Courses
To help children explore new horizons, a varied selection of extracurricular activities is available for elementary campus students during fall and spring terms. Classes may include chess, animation, architecture, robotics, cooking, sewing, dance, and more.
BRIDGE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
At Oakwood, 5th and 6th grades are a bridge to Middle School, providing students with the academic, social, and emotional support to succeed on their educational journey.
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Advisory
As advisors, faculty, staff, and administrators mentor students through their 5th and 6th grade years, helping them build essential social-emotional skills to navigate the challenges of preadolescence. Lessons on emotional intelligence and restorative circles inform our advisory curriculum. In small groups of 10-12, students engage in peer relationship-building activities while strengthening their own competencies in self-reliance and resiliency. -
Affinity & Alliance Groups
Affinity & Alliance Groups provide space for students to explore and celebrate their identities. Whether it's the Students of Color Affinity Group, Jewish Student Affinity Group, or Rainbow Alliance Group, students can connect with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences. Led by faculty members who can speak from an "I" perspective, these optional monthly meetings foster a sense of belonging and support. -
Community Leadership
In 6th grade, students embrace leadership roles to shape their school community. From mentoring younger students in our Kindergarten Buddy program to representing Oakwood at events such as prospective parent mornings and community celebrations, sixthgraders develop responsibility, confidence, and empathy, preparing them for future success as leaders in middle school and beyond. -
Departmentalization
Our departmentalization model offers unique benefits as humanities, math, and science take center stage. Students are grouped into sections, allowing them to move through classes together and collaborate with peers. Students receive continuous science and math instruction from one teacher over two years, fostering solid bonds and academic confidence. With school-provided laptops and lockers, students build developmentally appropriate independence, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
