Placement

How do I request a specific teacher for my lower school student for next year?

Placement is a very thoughtful and thorough process during which we consider group dynamics, the mix of learning styles and aptitudes, the gender mix, and student/teacher personality compatibility. 

However, we know that some parents may want to participate in this process. In order to have your input considered, we ask you to describe the educational needs of your student in a written letter that must be given to the Lower School Head no later than May 1st to be considered in the placement decision for the following school year. This letter should address the learning style of the student – both strengths and areas that need strengthening, preferred learning environment, and any special concerns about the child that the parent has that might impact placement for the following year. 

We cannot guarantee that your request for a specific teacher will be honored. However, please remember that when a family chooses Oakwood, they are choosing a successful and proven program, not an individual teacher. We are confident that whichever teacher the child is placed with is a talented, nurturing, dedicated, trained professional who will ensure that each child receives the very best educational experience. The Oakwood Faculty is a team working together for your child.

How is the math placement in upper school determined?

A great deal of thought and care goes into math placement. Students who are placed in a math class for which they are not cognitively ready will struggle and may decide that they hate math. Students who are placed in a class that is too easy for them may get bored. Our math teachers use a combination of the student’s past math grades, input from current and former math teachers, and the results of diagnostic and end-of-course testing to make a decision. If the decision is not clear-cut, input from the family and the student may be solicited.

If you disagree with the placement, you should make an appointment to discuss this with the math teacher. While we would be happy to meet with you and get your views, ultimately, the final determination belongs to the school’s instructors and administration.