Curriculum: Core, Enrichment, & Elective Classes
Core Classes
The curriculum at Oakwood has been selected and developed in order to facilitate high-quality learning. Our teachers also adapt the basic curriculum to meet their students’ abilities and learning preferences. Our teachers work diligently to differentiate the curriculum according to the interests, abilities, and learning styles of their students.
All lower school core teachers work collaboratively to present a unified teaching team. Across each grade level, they teach the same curriculum, while incorporating their individual styles. Teachers collaborate and compromise while creating lesson plans, homework, assessments, and special events so students in both classes have an equal experience. Upper school classes are taught by subject area specialists who cooperate and collaborate within grade levels and departments.
Preschool & Junior Kindergarten
Oakwood’s preschool and junior kindergarten curriculum is a proven readiness program based on a sequence of skills, and it supports the development of the whole child, emphasizing social, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth. Subject areas include language arts, math, history, science, art, discovery time, and physical education.
Elementary
The core classes are language arts, math, and history.
Middle School
Core classes are language arts, math, history, science, and PE.
Additional required course: Public Speaking (1 trimester of qualifying courses)
High School
|
High School Graduation Requirements |
Units |
|---|---|
EnglishMust include Genres of Literature (10), British Literature (10), American Literature (10), World Literature (10), Freshman Writing (5), and Junior Writing (5). |
50 |
Social SciencesMust include World Cultures (10), European History (10), U.S. History (10), American Government (5), and Economics (5). |
40 |
MathematicsStudents must complete coursework through Algebra II, and take a minimum of three years of math. Each year-long math course is (10) credit hours. |
30 |
ScienceMust include Conceptual Physics with lab (10), Chemistry with lab (10), and Biology with lab (10). |
30 |
World LanguagesMust include 30 units in same language. |
30 |
Visual or Performing ArtsMusical Arts (10), Theatrical Arts (10), or Visual Arts (10). |
10 |
Physical EducationTwo years (or equivalent) of participation in physical education or high school athletics. (2 credits per semester or athletic season) |
8 |
ElectivesCourses vary by year |
35 |
Service LearningMust include a minimum 20 hours/year. |
80 hours |
|
Total Units Required |
233 |
Enrichment & Elective Classes
One of Oakwood’s distinguishing features is its broad enrichment program. Not only do students receive a rigorous traditional education in core subjects, they also participate in courses designed to enrich their basic learning. Although these classes are not referred to as “core,” they are a critical part of the Oakwood program.
Specialist teachers provide a developmental physical education curriculum, beginning with motor movement in the early childhood years and spanning the grades with continuous development of individual skills. Similarly, talented specialist teachers provide a wide variety of experiences in drama, music, art, science, foreign language, technology, and other elective selections.
Character education, conflict resolution, and health are infused throughout the curriculum. The lower school core teachers and the upper school Advisors teach character education and health. The concepts are also reinforced across the curriculum.
Preschool/Junior Kindergarten Enrichment – Preschool and Junior Kindergarten enrichment classes include musical movement and library.
Elementary Enrichment – these include science, technology, music, art, PE, and library. Students in first through fifth grade also participate in drama.
Upper School Electives – students may request their electives. Classes vary by year and may require prerequisites, fees, or auditions.