2023 - 2024 SCHOOL PROFILE
Preparation
FOR LIFE We believe in the power of young people.
Oak Farm montessori high school IT’S TIME FOR A HIGH SCHOOL THAT PREPARES YOU FOR LIFE. Our groundbreaking high school integrates exploration, discovery, creativity, innovation and technology in all courses of study. Our high school program provides opportunities to use each individual’s talents to impact and engage with society in powerful ways. Oak Farm Montessori High School curriculum is an integration of the rigorous academic studies and meaningful work based on current research in adolescent
www.oakfarm.org
brain development, best practices in education and the Montessori philosophy. We believe in the power of young people. Every Oak Farm Montessori High School experience is unique because it is individualized by each student in collaboration with the teachers. We provide exceptional opportunities for meaningful student work that prepares them for adulthood as well as citizenship.
Visit our website to learn why we say, “The world is our classroom!”
FRESHMAN YEAR 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
PLAN FOR SUCCESS: • • • •
Create a four-year high school plan Executive Functioning Workshop Participate in extracurricular activities Explore summer opportunities
THE FOUR-YEAR PLAN
Begin with the end in mind: What do you want to accomplish in high school? Are you interested in an honors diploma? • • • •
Develop a personalized four year plan for academic classes Consider AP and Honors courses Understand the differences between the academic and honors diplomas Understand GPA, extracurriculars and volunteer opportunities and their impact on college acceptance
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING WORKSHOP • • • •
Gain access to Naviance Take Intrapersonal Skills Assessments Create a College Board account and sign up for daily PSAT practice questions Develop Presentation of Learning Portfolio
PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Colleges like to see your involvement in your school and your community throughout your four years. • • •
Participate in clubs and sporting teams, both outside and in school Consider getting involved in a community project and volunteer your time Record all activities, awards, and achievements in the Presentation of Learning Portfolio
EXPLORE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
Summer vacation is an awesome time to take advantage of internships and volunteer work in a field in which you are interested. Some of the benefits are: you will grow as an individual, gain valuable soft skills, have the opportunity to network, and possibly be put on a path to your future career. Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.
SOPHOMORE YEAR 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
PLAN FOR SUCCESS: • • • • •
The Four Year Plan Think inside the classroom Look at careers with a new perspective Continue extracurricular activities College-bound focus
THE FOUR-YEAR PLAN • • • • •
Review four year plan to ensure that it is meeting future academic and career goals Choose honors or academic diploma track and consider AP Courses for College Credit Develop study plan for the PSAT Take the PSAT/NMQST in the fall Create effective homework routines to ensure you are meeting deadlines
PATHWAYS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT •
Work to develop soft skills such as time-management, problem solving, and professional communication during Pathways and Business Class
LOOK AT CAREERS WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE
The sophomore year is a time to begin to line up your passions and your strengths and to explore if you can find a career that compliments both. • • •
Complete career assessment on Naviance Visit RoadTrip Nation based on findings Develop professional resume and practice interviewing skills
EXPLORE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES • • •
Continue to participate in clubs and sporting teams, both outside and in school Get involved in a community project and volunteer your time Continue to record all activities, awards, and achievements in the Presentation of Learning Portfolio
Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.
JUNIOR YEAR 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
PLAN FOR SUCCESS: Take the PSAT
Attend the College & Career Kick-Off event College Visit Attend a college fair Register for ACT/SAT Take the test Devise a study plan for test Consider an internship Become familiar with Common App and FAFSA Discuss financial plans with parents Request letters of recommendation Resume preparedness
Student Family OFMHS
THE PSAT
The PSAT is given in October and is the qualifying determiner for National Merit Scholarships.This test is given at OFMHS.
COLLEGE & CAREER KICK-OFF
Parents and students are invited to attend Oak Farm’s College & Career Kick-Off night. This event will reflect and celebrate how far students have come as well as prepare them for what lies ahead. A guest speaker, specializing in financing college, will share valuable information.
COLLEGE VISITS
During Fall Intersession, the junior class will visit a variety of colleges, ranging from local liberal arts colleges, to those in rural areas. We will round out the experience by visiting a larger university in an urban setting. Having a general idea of what environment will aid their success, students should then plan to visit colleges with their families. Students are allowed 3 excused absences for college visits.
REGISTER FOR THE ACT/SAT
Test dates and registration deadlines are shared with the students and parents. It is up to the student to register for each test.
Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.
STUDY PLAN
Devise and be intentional about a study plan for the SAT/ACT or other pathway tests. Students may find it beneficial to find an accountability partner in order to stay on track. Becoming comfortable with the format and the language of the test will enhance success. Students may practice through Naviance as well as register with the CollegeBoard for SAT Prep and The Princeton Review for ACT Prep. Students may also want to consider taking a prep course offered in their community.
COLLEGE FAIRS
College Fairs are an excellent way to take a “first look” at a prospective school as well as make a personal connection with a representative. Students should be prepared to start networking as early as possible. Students should plan to attend at least one college fair with their family. • March 4, 2024 6:00-7:30 PM Homestead High School • March 5, 2024 8:30-11:00 AM PFW Fort Wayne* • March 5, 2024 6:00-7:30 PM Carroll High School • March 14, 2024 11:30-1:30 PM Whitley County Area- Columbia City High School* * This would be an excused absence
CONSIDER AN INTERNSHIP
An internship is an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable experience as well as insight into possible careers. Students must be passing all courses and have a 95% attendance rate, or higher, to be considered for an OFMHS sponsored program. Those choosing an outside internship are responsible for organizing and communicating on their own. OFMHS will provide documentation for the student to present to their internship site. Internships are a privilege and may not be available to all students based on their academic schedules or social, emotional and academic needs.
COMMON APP/FAFSA
With over 900 colleges participating, the Common Application is the most convenient way to apply to colleges. Students will gain knowledge of both the Common App and FAFSA through their college & career class during their junior year. Common App opens on August 1 and rising seniors should login to the app through Naviance to start the process. Under the “College Resources” tab in Naviance, students, and parents will also find tutorials detailing all things FAFSA related. For Rising Seniors who plan to attend college the following year, the Common APP will open August 2024!
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Some colleges require letters of recommendation. Students should request the letters at the end of your junior year through Naviance. This will allow the writer time to reflect and represent the student in the best light possible. Students will then follow up with the individual at the beginning of their senior year.
RESUME
Students will continue to make updates to reflect their pathways and internship experiences.
SENIOR YEAR 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
PLAN FOR SUCCESS:
Strengthen college choice list Stay organized Common App Testing FAFSA Essay
Determine post-secondary training for career
Student
Family
OFMHS
STRENGTHEN COLLEGE CHOICE LIST
At this point, you should be narrowing your focus on your college search. Keep a list of the schools you intend to apply to. • • •
College list should include 2 safety, 2 fit, and 2 reach schools Utilize Naviance for the narrowing process If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment
STAY ORGANIZED
Parents and students are invited to attend Oak Farm’s College & Career Kick-Off night. This event will reflect and celebrate how far students have come as well as prepare them for what lies ahead. A guest speaker, specializing in financing college, will share valuable information. • • • • •
Test dates and locations for SAT/ACT Admission fees, registration deadlines, college application due dates. Any forms and deadlines related to financial aid. Any materials needed for your application, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a portfolio. Search of scholarships and keep track of deadlines and requirements
Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.
COMMON APP
Common App is an application platform that is widely accepted by many colleges in the United States and beyond. The application for enrollment opens on August 1st. It is a lengthy application and it is recommended that you get started early. This platform can also be used to apply to many colleges at one time. Become familiar with admission terminology: • Early decision • Early action • Rolling admission
TESTING
Test dates and registration deadlines are shared with the students and parents. It is up to the student to register for each test.
FAFSA
The FAFSA window opens in the fall, normally on October 1st, but this is determined by the federal government! The earlier you apply, the more aid you will receive.
ESSAY
Begin the first draft of your essay.
POST-SECONDARY TRAINING • • •
Decide if vocational, technical or specific training is required for career path. Determine best post-secondary educational program Apply to desired industries for potential employment
Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.
CEEB Code: 150031 | 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
2023-2024 SCHOOL PROFILE COMMUNITY:
Candice Holbrook Head of School cholbrook@oakfarmschool.com
Oak Farm Montessori High School (OFMHS) is an academically integrated, rigorous, and individualized program that supports adolescent inquisitive minds prepare for life’s opportunities. OFMHS educates young people in accordance with the Montessori principles of purposeful work, respectful community, personal self-expression and practical life skills; in addition to exceeding Indiana State Core 40 graduation requirements. At OFMHS, adolescents have motivation for gaining expertise and truly working toward their own futures.
Bridget Wallace York Director of Curriculm and Student Services byork@oakfarmschool.com Rikki Colon College and Careers Counselor rcolon@oakfarmschool.com
SCHOOL:
Oak Farm Montessori School’s original property, consisting of twenty-two acres, opened in January, 2000. The school was created to give families in Northeast Indiana choice in education, apart from traditional public or parochial schools in the area. It was established as a Montessori school in order to educate the whole child; supporting each child’s ability to make choices in their learning and to fulfill their individual potential. Today, Oak Farm Montessori School is made up of over 150 topographically diverse acres with multiple buildings across the spacious campus. There are also classrooms, an animal barn, greenhouse, bike shop, wellness center and two art centers. The ten distinct biomes represented allow students to explore and research a variety of native and invasive species of plants and animals. In the fall of 2017, the OFMHS program began. An additional grade was added each year, until 2020, when all four grades were represented. The student population of Oak Farm Montessori School is demographically a representation of its location in rural Northeast Indiana. The diversity of our community is celebrated in its vast range of thought, socio-economic status, religion and cultural heritage. Today, OFMS is the only dual accredited birth through high school Montessori program in the country. Since its founding, an implicit mission of Oak Farm Montessori School is to be available to any family regardless of financial means. A large, annual operating grant from the Dekko Foundation allows OFMS to have significantly reduced tuition for all students and additional financial assistace available for families demonstrating a need.
Jon Agler High School Administrator jagler@oakfarmschool.com •
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Accreditations: Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) through 12th grade American Montessori Society, 6 weeks to 18 years Memberships:
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American Montessori Society Full Member School
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Great Lakes Montessori Consortium
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United Montessori Schools of Indiana
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National Association for College Admissions Counseling
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Positive Discipline Association Member School
ENROLLMENT:
Total School: 391 Secondary Program (7th-12th): 84 High School: 46
FACULTY:
Total School Faculty: 74 Total Secondary Faculty: 12 Secondary Faculty with Bachelor’s degrees: 3 Secondary Faculty with Master’s degrees: 9
GRADING:
Oak Farm Montessori High School grade point system is based on a 4-point scale. Honors and AP classes are weighted by 0.5. Oak Farm Montessori High School grades on a numerical scale. 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C Note: 70% is minimum required for HS credit 60-69 D RANK: OFMHS does not rank students.
ACADEMIC DIPLOMA COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
The OFMHS program offers all the core academics of a conventional high school program through integrated, individualized work. Our team of talented teacher mentors provide a developmentally appropriate environment for our students. Graduates earn credits that exceed the Indiana State Core 40 requirements through rigorous and relevant coursework.
OFMHS HONORS DIPLOMA COURSE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the requirements above: Complete 2 additional credits of Math, 6 credits of Foreign Language; 8 credits of AP/Honors level coursework; and, 2 credits in Fine Arts while achieving a GPA of 3.0 or better.
SCHEDULE/ ACADEMIC PROGRAM:
The school year is two semesters; each lasting 18 weeks. School begins at 8:30 A.M. and ends at 3:30 P.M. Course work is integrated with each core class averaging four hours per week in a blocked schedule. OFMHS students need a minimum of 54 credits to graduate. Students are regularly assessed through a variety of methods. Teachers clearly communicate objectives to students with the intent of more active student engagement; taking personal responsibility to achieve the grades they choose to receive in each class.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS: SENIOR CAPSTONE The Senior Capstone focuses on the student’s long-term commitment to a personal passion. OFMHS students must move outside the walls of the school and engage with the community. Two year environmental or socialimmersions in a community activity are an integral part of the curriculum. Each student keeps a portfolio of these community projects and gives two presentations of learning to the wider community. The first is in May of their Sophomore year and then a more in depth presentation in May of their Senior year. Projects may take place on the Oak Farm Montessori campus, in the broader community, or in a digital context. ENTREPRENEURSHIP: PATHWAYS This course offers incoming students a quarterly rotation through four of the high school’s hands-on application areas. Students develop entry level skills in each of these areas through expert faculty instruction, experiential learning and mentorship from older students. This sampling of the special programs offered at Oak Farm Montessori High School allows students to choose courses as they progress through the program which best meet their individual interests. Starting their sophomore year, students will choose a pathway to gain mastery in that area. The four areas include: Bike Shop: Introduction to mechanic skills in an industry standard environment. Coffee Shop: Hospitality, Event Planning and Customer Relations in a fast paced industry. InnoLab: Introduction to design and operational skills with 3D printer, large format printer, design computers, and other high tech equipment. Using Graphic Design expertise to create and sell products. Farm, Animal Sciences & Land Management: For students who are interested in agriculture, plant and animal sciences or FFA, they can participate in this program on the farm. INTERSESSIONS Twice a year the regular curriculum stops for Intersession; when students participate in two immersion studies lasting one to two weeks. Each fall there is an Intersession based on grade levels, and each spring, students choose and plan the excursions based on themes connected to curriculum. These field studies can involve travel to other countries, other cities, or just locations in northeast Indiana; they likely will include day trips or one overnight. Fall Spring
9th - 12th - Ecoliteracy & Community Trip 9th/10th -Ecological Focus: Rivers, Canyons, Mountains, th 11 - College Application Process – Essays, Interviews, School Selection and Sociological Focus: Big City. 11th - Cultural Immersion 12th - Capstone Work & Preparation for Graduation
JOB SHADOWING AND INTERNSHIPS OFMHS’ program is able to provide a rigorous curriculum to every student while still responding to individual interests and learning needs through our small student/faculty ratio. Each student’s learning style is supported throughout their high school experience by staff members who are both experts in their fields, and gifted Montessori guides. In addition to our core faculty, our students are given the means to work with inspiring adults outside of Oak Farm Montessori through service learning, internships and the Capstone program. Community partnerships provide students opportunities to job shadow and intern in careers they find interesting. Students will work with mentors and meet experts in a variety of fields throughout their high school years.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED BY OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL ALUMNI:
Oak Farm Montessori High School graduated its first class in 2021. Our High School graduates and alumni that completed the highest grade offered until 2017 have attended the following four year institutions:: Albion College Ball State University Cedarville University College of Charleston Dickinson College Eugene Lang College at the New School, New York City Franklin College Huntington University Indiana State University Indiana University Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis Ivy Tech Kenyon College Knox College
LaSalle University Manchester University Newcastle University, Newcastle, England Notre Dame University Ohio Northern University Parson’s School of Design Purdue University St. Francis University Trine University United States Naval Academy University of Alabama University of Dayton University of Oklahoma Wabash College Young Americans College
The OFMHS Class of 2021, 2022 and 2023 had a graduation rate of 100 percent with all graduates accepted to their first choice college, university or post secondary program. Since 2020, OFMHS graduates have been awarded, and accepted, $1,035,000; including a Platinum ACT Scholar, a competitive Chapman Scholarship award recipient and two Bepko Scholarship recipients.
CEEB Code: 150031 | 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org
Mark your calendars! Tall Oak OFMS
Gala
Fine Arts& Music
Community Earth
february 24th, 2024
Fest
High School
March 22nd, 2024
Coffee
april 12th, 2024 april 26th, 2024
Graduation
May 23rd, 2024
TALL OAK FUND
SGO
VOLUNTEER
DAY OF GIVING
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL
“To provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.”
Oak Farm Montessori School | 502 Lemper Road | Avilla, IN 46710 | 260.897.4270 | www.oakfarm.org