rooted in truth. growing in wisdom.

The Oakbrook Way

At Oakbrook Prep, you’ll find a place where your child will be challenged to grow spiritually, supported in a caring community, and inspired to try new things.

Our proven approach to whole-child education.

Igniting Minds

Igniting Minds

Description

Engaging students in participatory experiences that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, all within a framework guided by Christian principles.

Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a growing faith, ethical behavior, and the ability to thoughtfully engage with diverse perspectives through a Christian lens.

Approaches
Introduce interactive learning activities such as author studies, puzzles and simple problem-solving games to encourage curiosity and foundational critical thinking; use play-based learning to explore basic concepts in math, science, and language;

Experiences
Introduce teamwork and foundational critical thinking by participating in group tasks like building with blocks and recognizing patterns in an author’s books; explore cause-and-effect through hands-on experiments such as planting seeds or observing simple machines; experience active learning through Prairie Day, STEAM activities, cooking, and field trips to Hatcher Garden and the farm.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce sensory and motor skill development through activities that encourage problem-solving, such as manipulatives, sensory bins, and early STEM kits; use music and drama to creatively explore movement—soaring like a bird, flapping like a bat, or re-enacting the Christmas story; illustrate similarities and differences in animals through videos and Venn diagrams.

Outcomes
Students demonstrate early curiosity and the ability to work collaboratively on simple tasks.

Integrating Enrichment

Integrating Enrichment

Description

Mapping age-appropriate opportunities in arts, athletics, and real-world adventures to enhance creativity, physical well-being, and personal growth.

Outcomes

Graduates who are multifaceted men and women with a deep appreciation for the arts, physical fitness, and real-world experiences, prepared to excel in all areas of life.

Approaches
Introduce foundational arts through drawing, painting, and music to encourage self-expression and creativity; engage in simple physical activities such as tag and introductory ball skills; explore a variety of musical genres through active listening and movement.

Experiences
Introduce performance and creative expression through class musicals, sing-alongs, and movement-based activities; explore imaginative play through themed events such as Field Day, Fairy Tale Day, and dress-up days.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce special art and music sessions where students explore rhythm instruments and interactive crafts; engage in outdoor exploratory activities such as nature trails and playground adventures; participate in youth sports, cheerleading, or drama enrichment after school.

Outcomes
Children develop an initial appreciation and foundational skills in arts and physical activities, fostering curiosity and joy.

Fostering Relationships

Fostering Relationships

Description

Cultivating a supportive community to develop strong, healthy relationships and high emotional intelligence, equipping students to navigate the complexities of relationships with peers and adults.

Outcomes

Graduates who excel in building and maintaining meaningful relationships, exhibit high emotional intelligence, and are adept at navigating social complexities with empathy and respect.

Approaches
Emphasize kindness, sharing, and conflict resolution through storytime and guided social interactions; use group activities, such as making cards for others, monthly SEL activities, and role play, to teach teamwork and basic relationship skills.

Experiences
Introduce class community-building activities such as food drives and shared learning projects; explore faith and relationships through center time pairings and simple devotions that emphasize loving others as God loves us.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce group celebrations, such as the Thanksgiving Feast and Adopt a Grandparent, to bring students, teachers, and families together in joyful community.

Outcomes
Children develop foundational relationship skills, including kindness, cooperation, and an early understanding of empathy.

Shaping Leaders

Shaping Leaders

Description

Offering opportunities for leadership development through service learning and practical life skills, guided by Biblical teaching and modeled by faculty and staff.

Outcomes

Graduates who are confident, service-oriented individuals with practical life skills, capable of making positive, ethical contributions whether leading or following.

Approaches
Introduce leadership concepts through small group activities that emphasize taking turns and collaborating; use simple tasks, like being a “class helper,” to model responsibility and initiative.

Experiences
Introduce classroom jobs, such as line leader or materials manager, to practice responsibility; engage in teacher-led discussions about Biblical role models of leadership and their relevance in daily life.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce classroom service activities, such as creating cards for community helpers or organizing class donations, to develop a heart for service from an early age.

Outcomes
Children begin to understand the concept of serving others and demonstrate leadership in age-appropriate ways.

Encouraging Balance

Encouraging Balance

Description

Emphasizing well-being and balance in mind, body, and spirit through Christian principles to help students develop resilience, self-awareness, and healthy lifestyles.

Outcomes

Graduates who manage stress effectively, prioritize well-being and maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional lives.

Approaches
Incorporate quiet, reflective times into the day, such as storytime or simple devotions, to encourage mindfulness; balance structured activities with free play to support creativity and self-discovery.

Experiences
Provide outdoor play opportunities daily to foster physical activity and exploration; encourage healthy snacks and water; celebrate special “fun days” to create joyful memories; teach the connections between emotions, thoughts, and actions through SEL curriculum.

Enrichment Opportunities
Engage in creative movement classes and group activities that promote coordination and well-being; enjoy no take-home work during breaks; participate in after-school enrichment that nurtures interests outside the classroom.

Outcomes
Children develop a natural rhythm of play, rest, and reflection, laying a foundation for healthy balance.

Nurturing Faith

Nurturing Faith

Description

Engaging students in participatory experiences that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, all within a framework guided by Christian principles.

Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a growing faith, ethical behavior, and the ability to thoughtfully engage with diverse perspectives through a Christian lens.

Approaches
Introduce Bible stories and characters to lay a foundation of Christian habits such as patience, obedience, attentiveness, responsibility and self-control; incorporate simple prayers and songs that reflect Christian teachings.

Experiences
Introduce faith-building experiences through daily Bible stories and discussions that highlight the five kindergarten habits—patience, obedience, attentiveness, responsibility, and self-control; explore ways to incorporate these habits into daily life. At Christmas, bring the nativity story to life by having students re-enact key roles, deepening their understanding of Christ’s birth.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce foundational faith practices by learning Bible verses and applying them throughout the day; experience corporate worship through Chapel, where engaging music fosters joyful praise; participate in service projects that cultivate a heart of giving and gratitude.

Outcomes
Children develop an early understanding of biblical principles and a joyful connection to faith-based activities.

Description

Engaging students in participatory experiences that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, all within a framework guided by Christian principles.

Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a growing faith, ethical behavior, and the ability to thoughtfully engage with diverse perspectives through a Christian lens.

Approaches
Introduce interactive learning activities such as author studies, puzzles and simple problem-solving games to encourage curiosity and foundational critical thinking; use play-based learning to explore basic concepts in math, science, and language;

Experiences
Introduce teamwork and foundational critical thinking by participating in group tasks like building with blocks and recognizing patterns in an author’s books; explore cause-and-effect through hands-on experiments such as planting seeds or observing simple machines; experience active learning through Prairie Day, STEAM activities, cooking, and field trips to Hatcher Garden and the farm.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce sensory and motor skill development through activities that encourage problem-solving, such as manipulatives, sensory bins, and early STEM kits; use music and drama to creatively explore movement—soaring like a bird, flapping like a bat, or re-enacting the Christmas story; illustrate similarities and differences in animals through videos and Venn diagrams.

Outcomes
Students demonstrate early curiosity and the ability to work collaboratively on simple tasks.

Description

Mapping age-appropriate opportunities in arts, athletics, and real-world adventures to enhance creativity, physical well-being, and personal growth.

Outcomes

Graduates who are multifaceted men and women with a deep appreciation for the arts, physical fitness, and real-world experiences, prepared to excel in all areas of life.

Approaches
Introduce foundational arts through drawing, painting, and music to encourage self-expression and creativity; engage in simple physical activities such as tag and introductory ball skills; explore a variety of musical genres through active listening and movement.

Experiences
Introduce performance and creative expression through class musicals, sing-alongs, and movement-based activities; explore imaginative play through themed events such as Field Day, Fairy Tale Day, and dress-up days.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce special art and music sessions where students explore rhythm instruments and interactive crafts; engage in outdoor exploratory activities such as nature trails and playground adventures; participate in youth sports, cheerleading, or drama enrichment after school.

Outcomes
Children develop an initial appreciation and foundational skills in arts and physical activities, fostering curiosity and joy.

Description

Cultivating a supportive community to develop strong, healthy relationships and high emotional intelligence, equipping students to navigate the complexities of relationships with peers and adults.

Outcomes

Graduates who excel in building and maintaining meaningful relationships, exhibit high emotional intelligence, and are adept at navigating social complexities with empathy and respect.

Approaches
Emphasize kindness, sharing, and conflict resolution through storytime and guided social interactions; use group activities, such as making cards for others, monthly SEL activities, and role play, to teach teamwork and basic relationship skills.

Experiences
Introduce class community-building activities such as food drives and shared learning projects; explore faith and relationships through center time pairings and simple devotions that emphasize loving others as God loves us.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce group celebrations, such as the Thanksgiving Feast and Adopt a Grandparent, to bring students, teachers, and families together in joyful community.

Outcomes
Children develop foundational relationship skills, including kindness, cooperation, and an early understanding of empathy.

Description

Offering opportunities for leadership development through service learning and practical life skills, guided by Biblical teaching and modeled by faculty and staff.

Outcomes

Graduates who are confident, service-oriented individuals with practical life skills, capable of making positive, ethical contributions whether leading or following.

Approaches
Introduce leadership concepts through small group activities that emphasize taking turns and collaborating; use simple tasks, like being a “class helper,” to model responsibility and initiative.

Experiences
Introduce classroom jobs, such as line leader or materials manager, to practice responsibility; engage in teacher-led discussions about Biblical role models of leadership and their relevance in daily life.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce classroom service activities, such as creating cards for community helpers or organizing class donations, to develop a heart for service from an early age.

Outcomes
Children begin to understand the concept of serving others and demonstrate leadership in age-appropriate ways.

Description

Emphasizing well-being and balance in mind, body, and spirit through Christian principles to help students develop resilience, self-awareness, and healthy lifestyles.

Outcomes

Graduates who manage stress effectively, prioritize well-being and maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional lives.

Approaches
Incorporate quiet, reflective times into the day, such as storytime or simple devotions, to encourage mindfulness; balance structured activities with free play to support creativity and self-discovery.

Experiences
Provide outdoor play opportunities daily to foster physical activity and exploration; encourage healthy snacks and water; celebrate special “fun days” to create joyful memories; teach the connections between emotions, thoughts, and actions through SEL curriculum.

Enrichment Opportunities
Engage in creative movement classes and group activities that promote coordination and well-being; enjoy no take-home work during breaks; participate in after-school enrichment that nurtures interests outside the classroom.

Outcomes
Children develop a natural rhythm of play, rest, and reflection, laying a foundation for healthy balance.

Description

Engaging students in participatory experiences that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, all within a framework guided by Christian principles.

Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a growing faith, ethical behavior, and the ability to thoughtfully engage with diverse perspectives through a Christian lens.

Approaches
Introduce Bible stories and characters to lay a foundation of Christian habits such as patience, obedience, attentiveness, responsibility and self-control; incorporate simple prayers and songs that reflect Christian teachings.

Experiences
Introduce faith-building experiences through daily Bible stories and discussions that highlight the five kindergarten habits—patience, obedience, attentiveness, responsibility, and self-control; explore ways to incorporate these habits into daily life. At Christmas, bring the nativity story to life by having students re-enact key roles, deepening their understanding of Christ’s birth.

Enrichment Opportunities
Introduce foundational faith practices by learning Bible verses and applying them throughout the day; experience corporate worship through Chapel, where engaging music fosters joyful praise; participate in service projects that cultivate a heart of giving and gratitude.

Outcomes
Children develop an early understanding of biblical principles and a joyful connection to faith-based activities.