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Classical
Education Answer:
A classical education emphasizes "the classics". Students
study ancient civilizations and their contribution to our society.
They read literature, plays, and poetry that have stood the
test of time. Classes learn of artists and composers while training
in painting and singing. Kindergartners can distinguish Beethoven
from Brahms. Like their counterparts in England, our students
read Shakespeare and attend his plays beginning in the fifth
grade. Students experience other cultures when they learn foreign
languages at an early age. Students approach science through
scientific method. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: I was surprised to see that your tuition was lower than most private schools. How can you keep the prices down? Answer:
Tuition is purposely set at a low rate to avoid exclusion of
lower-income families. Several factors help us to keep our tuition
affordable while providing an excellent educational program. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: Is there financial aid available? Answer:
Yes, financial aid is available based on financial need and
funds available to current school families. Applications must
be submitted by April 1st of each year.
Question: Who can attend Oakbrook? Answer: Oakbrook is open to students of all races, creeds, national or ethnic origins. Most students come from Spartanburg County. Parents who enroll their children want their child in an environment that supports Christian beliefs and offers a college preparatory curriculum. Click
here for more information on Oakbrook Admissions.
Question: Are the staff members qualified to teach? Answer: Oakbrook is an accredited member of the South Carolina Independent School Association. All staff members meet association requirements for teaching children. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: Why do you begin world languages in kindergarten? It seems hard enough for a child to learn English. Answer: Students can learn to hear and speak foreign languages with greater proficiency when they begin as young children. By the age of twelve, most people have lost their ability to speak a second language without an accent. Our students experience a sampling of language and culture (Spanish, Chinese, French, & German) at grades K4-3rd grade. Third and fourth graders choose one focus language (Spanish, Chinese, or German) and study it with enthusiasm. Their study continues through high school. Currently, students in grades 5 through 12 choose Spanish or German as their language of focus. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: What purpose do uniforms serve in the mission of Oakbrook? Answer: A traditional dress code, complete with uniforms, provides a consistently attractive and neat appearance for all students, reduces peer pressure, and reinforces the precept of school as a place for learning. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Only the official uniform and other specified uniform options are acceptable attire. The official uniform must be worn for field trips, special functions, and picture days, while approved options may be worn on other days. The only lettering on jackets, sweaters, or other clothing is Oakbrook or Knight's. The Knightly News and Up-Coming Events web calendar (password required) will inform you of "special dress days" such as Famous American Day, St. Patrick's Day, etc.
Question: Is the school affiliated with a certain church or denomination? Answer:
Oakbrook is an independent Christian School. The school is not
affiliated with any church or denomination. Teachers and administrators
represent a variety of Christian beliefs. Those beliefs affect
the way they treat children and the example they set for children.
Chapel lessons, based on the Old and New Testaments, emphasize
character development and service to mankind. Oakbrook provides
Biblical teaching. K/4 -5th grades have chapel once a week and
daily devotions. Grades 6 - 8 have chapel once a week and a
religious studies class. High School students also have chapel
once a week and must have one full unit of religious instruction
to meet graduation requirements.
Question: How are parents included in their children's education? Answer: Parents are welcome to participate in Oakbrook in many ways. They serve the school as classroom and library volunteers. They work through Parents' Club to enhance the program via fundraisers. Parents make up the Board of Directors, which is responsible for the future development of the school. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: I hear private schools are always asking for money in addition to tuition, so what is Oakbrook's position on fundraising? Answer: No private school can operate solely on tuition, otherwise tuition rates would be cost-prohibitive to many families. We use a variety of methods to raise money, all of which are voluntary. Below is a brief summary of the various aspects of fundraising: Annual Fund - This is a yearly drive beginning in early fall and lasting until spring. This drive is always geared toward 100% participation from school families since outside contributors look at this before awarding grants. A monetary goal is set each year by the board of directors, and this money goes toward the operating expenses of the school. This could be anything from playground equipment to copiers to teacher salaries, but is not associated with capital improvements to the facility. This fund helps keep tuition down by allowing a tax-deductible alternative. Capital Campaigns - Oakbrook has utilized capital campaigns twice before, first for the main campus building and second for the lower school building and gymnasium. A large percentage of contributions have been raised from the outside community for these campaigns, as well as grants, but the school family is relied upon for their involvement, planning, and monetary contributions. A second campaign was initiated in 2003-04 to fund the addition to the current Lower School and the new High School. In order to unify the Oakbrook campuses, the Unification Project began in 2005 and brought the entire Oakbrook family together during the 2006-07 school year. Scholarship
- This fund has been instrumental in assisting many families
with tuition. Although full scholarships are not awarded, the
financial aid has enabled numerous families to be part of our
school.
Question: Are Before and After-school care available? Answer: The charge
for Lunch Bunch is $8, ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: Do students have to bring lunch everyday? Answer: Students can bring a bag lunch every day if they wish. They do have another option. We team up with local vendors to offer a bag lunch alternative. Students can order any or all days if they wish. Heat-ups are allowed every day for UPPER SCHOOL students. Drinks are available every day of the week. We serve Mayfield Dairy's 2% white milk, lowfat chocolate milk, strawberry milk, orange juice and lemonade. These all come in half pint sizes at a cost of $.35 each. We also offer "Emergency Lunches" for those occasional days when a lunch is forgotten. See vendor menu below. 2006-07 Menu
Question: Why can we not see all of the website? Some parts are password protected. Answer: Schedules, dates, times, identifications, etc. may be included in these pages. It is for the safety of our students that we only allow our parents and staff to access this information.
Question: Can my child participate in competitive sports? Answer: In 1999 the Upper School started boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. In the years since, we have added junior varsity and varsity basketball, boys’ middle school and varsity soccer, girls’ varsity soccer, cheerleaders, running club, girls’ middle school and varsity volleyball, tennis, cross country, and golf. Oakbrook will add a swim team in 2007 and explore the possibility of baseball in the spring of 2008. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Question: What extracurricular activities are offered? Answer: We offer competitive preparation for MATHCOUNTS and Battle of the Brains; the students also have opportunity to participate in Chess Club, Yearbook Staff, Automotive Club, Guitar Club, Garden Club, Muse Machine (Fine Arts Club), Chorus, Photography Club, Fishing Club, student newspaper, and Band, Drama, Chorus, and Orchestra classes. (We want to add: public speaking and a debate team in the near future.).
School
Hours
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