2022-23 OFMHS Profile

Preparation

FOR LIFE

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 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.

Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.

502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org

FRESHMAN YEAR ACTION POINTS

PLAN FOR SUCCESS:

• Create a four-year high school plan

• Think outside the classroom

• 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?

• Meet with your advisor to choose classes to help you reach your goal

• Gain access to Naviance and begin the college & career planning checklist

• Become familiar with the PSAT and related assessments

• Create a College Board account and sign up for daily PSAT practice questions

• Think about interests and build your Presentation of Learning website.

• Begin exploring Indiana Career Cluster Pathways

THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Start thinking of what you are interested in outside of the classroom. Interests may change but this is a good time to explore all possibilities.

• Take the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children assessment

• Visit RoadTrip Nation on Naviance to begin career exploration

• Begin soft skills training

• Talk with counselors, teachers, and other professionals about your interests

PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Colleges like to see your involvement in your school and your community throughout your four years.

• Keep records of participation with clubs and sporting teams, both outside and in school

• Consider getting involved in a community project and volunteer your time

• Keep a file of all awards and achievements

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.

502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org

SOPHOMORE YEAR ACTION POINTS

PLAN FOR SUCCESS:

• Meet with your advisor

• Think inside the classroom

• Look at careers with a new perspective

• Continue extracurricular activities

• College-bound focus

MEET WITH YOUR ADVISOR

• Schedule an appointment with your advisor to ensure a challenging enough course schedule

• Become familiar with the AP Program and how it can lead to college credit

• Take the PSAT/NMQST in the fall

• Discuss results with your advisor and log onto College Board to gain access to the personalized study plan for the SAT

THINK INSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Work to develop soft skills such as time-management

• Create effective homework routines to ensure you are meeting deadlines

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

EXPLORE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

• Continue to keep track of extracurricular activities through clubs and sports

• Maintain all records of awards and achievements

• Log volunteer hours

COLLEGE-CAREER FOCUS

•Update College & Career Planning Checklist document on Naviance

• Review education and training requirements for career

•Attend a college fair and/or visit a local college campus

•Begin college of choice or post-secondary training search on Naviance

• Become familiar with financial aid terminology

Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.

502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org

JUNIOR YEAR ACTION POINTS

PLAN FOR SUCCESS:

• Take the PSAT

• Attend a college fair

• Register for ACT/SAT

• Devise a study plan for test

• Take the test

• Familiarize yourself with Common App and FAFSA

• Discuss financial plans with parents

• College Visit

• Request recommendation letters if needed

• Explore local businesses

• Consider a GAP year

• Resume prepardedness

• Build on interview/application skills

• Connect with local businesses to prepare for Senior year internships

THE PSAT

The PSAT is given in October and is the qualifying determiner for National Merit Scholarships.

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. College Fairs are held various times throughout the academic year.

REGISTER FOR THE ACT/SAT

• The spring SAT date is March 11, 2022 - Registration Deadline is February 10, 2023

• The spring ACT date is April 15, 2023 - Registration Deadline is March 10, 2023

Students may retake tests to improve scores. SOME colleges accept “super scores.” This would allow students to submit their top scores from each test.

RESUME

Continue to update resume and include internship experience.

STUDY PLAN

Devise and be intentional about a study plan. 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 can register with the CollegeBoard for SAT Prep and The Princeton Review for ACT Prep assistance. Students can also purchase ACT/SAT help materials at local bookstores. Khan Academy will develop a personal plan for each student based on PSAT results.

COMMON APP/FAFSA

With over 900 colleges participating, the Common Application is the most convenient way to apply to colleges. The new app opens on August 1. Students should begin their applications the summer before their senior year.

Note: Students have access to Common App/FAFSA links through their individual Naviance accounts under the college tab. Naviance is the college and career readiness software used by our students.

BEGIN COMMON APPLICATION AUGUST 2ND!

COLLEGE VISITS

• Students are allowed 3 excused absences for college visits.

• Families should schedule college visits a few months in advance. If you are planning an overnight visit, students should consider staying in a dorm if the college offers the option.

• Have questions prepared ahead of time.

• Take time to explore the nearest city/town.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Some colleges require letters of recommendation. You should request the letters at the end of your junior year. This will allow the writer time to reflect and represent you in the best light possible.

Our mission is to provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.

502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 www.oakfarm.org

SENIOR YEAR ACTION POINTS

PLAN FOR SUCCESS:

•Strengthen college choice list

•Stay organized

•Common App

•Testing

•FAFSA

•Early Decision

•Essay

•Goal setting

• Determine post-secondary training for career

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

A lot is going on during this final year, keep a master calendar of all important dates and deadlines. Your calendar should include:

• Admission tests you plan to take and their fees, registration deadlines, test dates, and locations.

•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.

• Use Naviance to research and apply for scholarships.

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. Students can submit their top scores from each test.

TESTING

Retake the ACT/SAT in the Fall.

FAFSA

The FAFSA window opens on October 1st! The earlier you apply, the more aid you will receive. Do not delay this action point!

Become familiar with admission terminology:

• Early decision

• Early action

• Rolling admission

ESSAY

Begin the first draft of your essay. Seek advice from your advisor and your English teacher.

SET A GOAL

Set a goal to have completed at least one college application by the Thanksgiving break.

POST-SECONDARY TRAINING

• Decide if vocational, technical or specific training is required for career path.

• Determine best post-secondary educational program

• Connect with Admissions Advisor

• Complete application

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

2022-2023 SCHOOL PROFILE

COMMUNITY:

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.

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.

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.

Candice Holbrook

Head of School cholbrook@oakfarmschool.com

Bridget Wallace York Director of Curriculm and Student Services byork@oakfarmschool.com

Rikki Colon College and Careers Counselor rcolon@oakfarmschool.com

Jon Agler

High School Administrator jagler@oakfarmschool.com

Accreditations:

• Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) through 12th grade

• American Montessori Society, 6 weeks to 18 years

Memberships:

• American Montessori Society Full Member School

• Great Lakes Montessori Consortium

• United Montessori Schools of Indiana

• National Association for College Admissions Counseling

• Positive Discipline Association Member School

ENROLLMENT:

Total School: 355

Secondary Program (7th-12th): 63

High School: 31

GRADING:

FACULTY:

Total School Faculty: 70

Total Secondary Faculty: 12

Secondary Faculty with Bachelor’s degrees: 12

Secondary Faculty with Master’s degrees: 9

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.

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. Oak Farm students need a minimum of 52 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 - Freshman Orientation to High School

10th – Adult Practical Life – Personal Finance & Budgeting, Safe Driving

11th - College Application Process – Essays, Interviews, School Selection

9th/10th - Rivers, Canyons & Mountains

11th - Cultural Immersion

12th - Capstone work & Preparation for

12th – Career Internship 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 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

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

Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis Ivy Tech Kenyon College Knox College CEEB Code: 150031 | 502 Lemper Road, Avilla, IN 46710 | 260-897-4270 | www.oakfarm.org

The OFMHS Class of 2021 and 2022 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.

Tall Oak Gala february 25th, 2023 Community