In Diligent Pursuit of Wisdom “Oakridge is a top-notch school that is small enough to know you and large enough to serve you.”
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Lisa Goodwin, Alumni Parent
Lauren Goodwin (’07) – USC Zane Goodwin (’09) – UNC
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ince 1979, The Oakridge School has successfully served bright, college-bound students from across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. As a college preparatory school, Oakridge inspires students to excel in academics, arts, and athletics.
Situated on a beautiful 85-acre campus in Arlington, Oakridge is comprised of fifteen grade levels and four divisions – Early Childhood (PS, PK, K), Lower School (1-4), Middle School (5-8), and Upper School (9-12). Total enrollment is approximately 900. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, all students have the opportunity to develop close relationships with a highly qualified faculty and staff. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide individualized attention and to nurture the development of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Oakridge’s first graduating class numbered seven. To date, more than 1,000 well-rounded men and women have entered the Oakridge Alumni Association. While enrollment, programs, and facilities have grown dramatically over time, the unique culture of The Oakridge School has remained constant.
Academics
Academic Excellence Although I will miss the small community at Oakridge, I am capable and ready for college. Diane Manry (’10) National Merit Finalist
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he Oakridge School offers a dynamic, student-centered atmosphere, which is sustained by small class sizes and individualized attention. In challenging yet nurturing classroom settings, students are taught how to learn and are inspired to develop a life-long love of learning. From ages three to eighteen, students are placed in an accelerated environment and encouraged to develop their talents and to think critically. The college advising program is a core component of an Oakridge education. As students progress through the curriculum, discussions about college are introduced at age-appropriate milestones. For younger students, guidance about goal setting and achievement lead to later dialogue about college match and choice. Ultimately, the college advising ofďŹ ce prepares all Upper School students for the vital admission process. Each year, more than 75 college recruiters visit our campus to attract our talented students to top colleges and universities.
ARTS
Creativity Meets Opportunity Taking digital production class at Oakridge led me to my dream job in Los Angeles working on movie titles, commercials, and independent digital art. Phil Guthrie (’05) Graphic Artist
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ine Arts represents one of the three pillars of an Oakridge education. As a core component of the curriculum, all students are exposed to and participate in the arts. From Early Childhood shows to concerts at Carnegie Hall, all Oakridge students have the opportunity to shine.
Younger students take art, drama, and music classes. At the secondary level, students build on this
foundation, choosing courses ranging from traditional drawing, orchestra, and music theory to digital and video production. Oakridge students are lauded for excellence in the arts. Choir and orchestra students consistently garner sweepstakes awards at regional and state competitions, and musical theatre performances are repeatedly recognized by the Betty
Lynn Buckley Awards. The art program produces
published award and contest winners annually. Students pursue their artistic passions in a 32,000 square foot Fine Arts Center that includes a 385-seat performance hall and classrooms for visual art, choral and instrumental music, theatre, and theatre production. This state-of-the-art facility establishes an environment where
creativity inspires excellence.
Spirit of Competition
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hysical education at The Oakridge School begins with preschool music and movement classes and eventually builds to high-level competition in varsity sports. Through grade four, daily physical education focuses on coordination,
ďŹ tness, and agility.
Fifth
and sixth graders participate in intramural competitions which teach fundamental skills and instill a love
for the game. As students progress into the seventh and eighth grades, they begin
interscholastic sports. Upper School students compete in the Southwest Preparatory Conference with independent schools from Texas and Oklahoma. Although there are numerous options for student-athletes to follow their passions, all Oakridge coaches, regardless of the sport, teach beyond fundamentals and strategies. As role models and mentors, they take advantage of teachable moments as they arise in competition and model life
lessons. Oakridge student-athletes learn the merits of sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. As a result of his or her athletic experiences, an Oakridge graduate leaves the campus understanding how to work with others and achieve a common goal. Some alumni carry these principles on to successful careers in collegiate athletics and beyond.
The Oakridge School taught me how to overcome life’s challenges on and off the field with intelligence and compassion. Bruno Guarda (’05) Professional soccer player FC Dallas
Athletics
Social Responsibility
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Reaching Out and Giving Back We are always thankful for our partnership with The Oakridge School. Their students’ commitment helps us to “do the most good” for our communities.
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Captain Andy Miller Salvation Army Corps Commander
he foundation of giving back to one’s neighbors and contributing to one’s world begins at the earliest ages. Therefore, The Oakridge School strives to shape community servants and
difference-makers beginning at the Early Childhood Center and continues this effort
through Upper School. While students occasionally provide service on campus, most of the outreach
programs are
designed to bridge the overall development of our students with the needs of the outside community. Students, faculty, and staff have served local nonprofit agencies such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington, Mission Arlington, Tarrant County Food Bank, St. Jude’s Hospital, and Union Gospel Mission. At Oakridge, service is more than just a graduation requirement. The ultimate goals of community service projects are to assist those in need and to inspire students to contribute their time and talent to others.
The Oakridge School has been a loyal supporter of Mission Arlington for many years. Its students graduate with an understanding of and a heart for community service. Tillie Burgin Executive Director and Founder Mission Arlington
Mutual Respect
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Building Community Thanks to teachers who invested in me I learned that to be a great leader is to lead with class, respect, honesty, and integrity at all times. Tiffany Goetz McDaniel (’98) Representante de Ventas América Latina
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hared values with peers, small class sizes, positive parental involvement, and meaningful relationships with teachers create a powerful, vibrant culture at The Oakridge School. This climate, coupled with an expectation of a deep respect for others, creates an environment where all students can become the best versions of themselves. Individuality is appreciated and celebrated at Oakridge. The invaluable result of a safe, positive environment is confident learners.
Oakridge is more than the place I teach, it’s the neighborhood where I belong. Becky Hapeman Lower School Teacher
Personal Integrity
Ethical Leadership An Oakridge student will be honorable, respectful, and trustworthy at all times.
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akridge students agree to abide by this Honor Code. Throughout a student’s journey, faculty and staff strive to instill an ethical foundation for leadership. Students are encouraged and ultimately expected to lead with integrity and to participate with honor in classrooms, on playing fields, and in the community.
Our faculty understands that its role in the development of students extends beyond the walls of the classroom. They embrace this responsibility, understanding the importance of molding young men and women of character. Alumni of The Oakridge School become responsible global citizens who better their communities. No matter what career graduates pursue, they carry the values of honor, respect, and trustworthiness with them.
Oakridge gave me the confidence to chase my dreams. I have carried the lessons I learned at Oakridge into my personal and professional life. Brent Bauer, M.D. (’94) Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon
Envision
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Envision Your Place to Thrive
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he Oakridge School is the premier private school in Arlington, Texas. Centrally located 12 miles east of downtown Fort Worth and 20 miles west of downtown Dallas, Oakridge enrolls students from 30 cities and 10 foreign countries. The Metroplex is recognized for its fabulous libraries, galleries, theaters, museums, universities, and zoos. Arlington, with a population of 365,000, is home to the University of Texas - Arlington, Cowboys Stadium, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas, and Hurricane Harbor. Arlington’s expansion, opportunities, and spirit make it one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Likewise, The Oakridge School continues to grow as a leader in educational excellence. As we expand our facilities and develop the newly acquired 50-acre tract of land, the school is poised to become one of the nation’s premier, independent, college preparatory schools.
“Since 1979, The Oakridge School has been a superb choice for families seeking educational excellence. Oakridge prepares its students for success in college and in life.” Dr. Robert Cluck Mayor, City of Arlington Aerial 3
Navigating the Next Steps For more information about The Oakridge School please visit www.theoakridgeschool.org. Once you are ready, apply online or follow the simple steps below.
The Oakridge School seeks to admit bright, college-bound students. The ďŹ nal decision on admission is determined by the Admissions Committee’s evaluation of several factors: the application form, previous school transcript(s), completed recommendation form(s), the entrance examination, a school visit, and the interview.