Shadow at Oakwood (Student Visit)

The standard shadow visit for students applying to Elementary (grades 2-5) is for two consecutive shadow days. Our students and parents heartily agree that the two-day visit provided the very best opportunity for their student to participate in classes “as an Oakwood student” and gain first-hand experience of school life. During the visit, our teachers are able to confirm grade-level readiness and observe your child’s classroom participation and social interactions. The applicant may be asked to complete homework, and will also complete an informal meeting with the Lower School Head. Your student will be paired with a shadow partner based on their interests, who will serve as a guide and helper during the visit.

Shadow days are full-school days (8:00am-3:00pm), typically on Monday and Tuesday, scheduled within the Admissions Portal once the online application process is started and application fee has been received. Shadow dates for Elementary start in December.

Elementary students who apply during the summer (or after shadow dates are no longer available) will complete an assessment appointment with an Oakwood teacher in lieu of the shadow visit.

Applicants to Middle School (grades 6-8) visit for a day at Oakwood to learn about who we are and what we do, and to experience everything from core classes to electives. Visitors may even find themselves learning about Animation and Game Design, helping with a drama production, or trying their hand in Robotics. Each student is paired with a shadow partner based on shared interests who will serve as a guide and helper during the visit.
The shadow visit starts at 8:00 am and ends at approximately 3:15 pm. Students will complete an informal meeting with the Upper School Head or Admissions Director.

The Shadow visit is scheduled within the Admissions Portal once the online application process is started and application fee has been received. Shadow dates for Middle School start in November.

Applicants to High School are strongly encouraged to visit for a day at Oakwood to learn about who we are and what we do, and to experience everything from core classes to electives. Visitors may even find themselves making crepes in French class, or joining in during a debate in European History. Each student is paired with a shadow partner based on shared interests, or a specific partner can be requested. The shadow visit starts at 8:00 am in the Upper School Office and ends at approximately 3:15 pm when students will complete an informal meeting with the Upper School Head or Admissions Director.

To schedule a shadow visit, simply complete the online High School Shadow Day Registration Form. The day-long visit can be completed before or after submitting an application, and available dates are displayed within the registration form.