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High School

Oakwood High School provides Morgan Hill and neighboring communities a local, private, independent high school. Growing from roots that run nearly fifty years deep, Oakwood is led by a family in its third generation of running successful private schools. Starting in ninth grade, our individualized, intentional college counseling process fully supports your student as she defines, pursues, and reaches her higher educational goals. It’s no wonder our students regularly score in the top percentiles on their college entrance exams, go on to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation, and continue to learn and lead for a lifetime.

We are Morgan Hill’s independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through grade 12. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education. To learn more about our educational philosophy, download our Upper School Brochure. The best way for your family to meet our family is to tour our scenic Morgan Hill campus, meet our teachers and students, and observe our learning in action. Our family looks forward to meeting yours.

High School News

Oakwood School Fall Open House - A Wonderful Event

On November 13, Oakwood School hosted an Open House for prospective students and their families as well as current Oakwood families who wanted to preview all the opportunities ahead. The day was a wonderful showcase of all Oakwood has to offer, with classroom demonstrations, student performances, and student-led campus tours. This event, the first on-campus Open House in nearly two years, was a true celebration for our school community. We were thrilled to welcome current and future Oakwood families to campus for this special day.

Oakwood will host one more Open House this school year–mark your calendar for Saturday, March 5, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Contact to RSVP.

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Oakwood High School Students Travel to Mt Hermon for their Adventure Day

Last week, Oakwood High School students and faculty traveled to Mount Hermon for their High School Adventure. Students spent the day zip-lining amongst the towering redwoods and traversing ropes and timber obstacle courses high above the forest floor. Students also participated in volleyball, foosball, ping pong, and other team games. Their adventure together was a great way to bond with their classmates from last year and connect with new friends and faculty.

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Class of 2021 Take Their Senior Walk

On the last day of school, Friday, May 28th, the Oakwood High School Class of 2021 wore their caps and gowns to participate in Oakwood School's Third Annual Senior Walk. Students, faculty, and staff enthusiastically cheered on our seniors in-person while families showed their support watching the event live over Zoom. It was a special experience not only for the graduating seniors but also for the younger students who look up to them. We are proud to celebrate our Senior Class's great accomplishment with this Oakwood tradition.

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Oakwood High School Concludes 20-21 School Year with a Day of Celebrations

Oakwood High School students celebrated the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year on Friday, May 28. It was an exuberant day for Oakwood students and faculty. High School students began the day with the Senior Walk. During the event, children from all grades cheered the Class of 2021 as they walked the campus for the first time wearing their graduation caps and gowns. Then the students celebrated the achievements of classmates during the High School Awards Assembly. Next, they spent time signing yearbooks of their fellow students and enjoying pizza. To conclude their day of celebration, the students then participated in a refreshing and thrilling water fight. We wish all of the Oakwood Student a wonderful summer! Visit the Family Portal for details!

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Senior Athletes Celebrated for their Contributions

On Tuesday, May 18, Oakwood High School Athletics teamed up with Pacific Point High School to honor senior athletes from basketball and volleyball in the Oakwood Athletic Center Gym. On Wednesday, May 19, at the Morgan Hill Sports Center soccer fields, senior athletes from soccer and swimming were honored. Although the celebrations were scaled-down versions of our typical senior nights, the athlete contributions were definitely not. Oakwood's High School athletes have exemplified athleticism, perseverance, sportsmanship, and grace while maintaining excellent academic standards during their high school years. They are athletes and ambassadors of Oakwood School, and we are extremely proud of them.

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Oakwood High School Track & Field Team Compete in Last Meet

On Wednesday, May 12, Oakwood's Track & Field athletes competed in a meet with teams from Christopher, Gilroy, Gonzales, North Monterey County, Pacific Point, and Soledad in the last meet of the season. CJ Mayer and Agnes William ran races on the track, and CJ participated in throwing events as well. CJ ran the 1600m race, and Agnes ran both the 100m and 200m sprints. CJ broke his own recent record to re-set the Boys Frosh/Soph School Record in the Shot Put with his throw of 28' 1". Congratulations - Go Hawks!

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Class of 2021 Celebrated at Senior Soiree

The Senior Soiree took place Saturday, May 15. It was a magical night for the Class of 2021. The students arrived to see the high school quad transformed into the nights' Caribbean theme with strung lights, tropical flowers, fruits, and decor. The enchanting music of a steel drum filled the air. During the evening, the high school faculty shared words of wisdom and congratulations with the seniors, and the students played a festive game of Kahoots. Then Mr. and Mrs. Helvey spoke about their excitement for the seniors and all of the possibilities for their next five years and a short video presentation showcased the students. The festivities concluded with dancing and sparklers. The event was a wonderful display of the faculty and staff showing the seniors appreciation for their efforts and achievements. Cheers to the soon-to-be graduates!

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OHS Track and Field Team Competes and New Shot Put Record Set

On Thursday, April 29, the Oakwood High School's Track & Field team competed in a meet with teams from Christopher, Gilroy, Hollister/San Benito, and Pacific Point. CJ Mayer, Arjun Narayanan, and Jullea Powell ran races on the track and participated in throwing events. CJ set a new Boys Frosh/Soph School Record in the Shot Put with his throw of 26' 9". Congratulations one and all - Go, Hawks!


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OHS Tennis Season Ends; Athletes from Tennis, Cross Country, and Track & Field Celebrated

On April 27, the boys and girls tennis teams scrimmaged to wrap up the season. Although they could not compete with other schools this year, the athletes from each team diligently practiced their skills with coaches Al Ganir and Patrick McBrearty. After the scrimmage, Oakwood High School Athletics celebrated all participating athletes from the tennis, cross country, and track and field teams. Senior athletes from all teams were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Oakwood athletic program over their years in high school. We thank all of those individuals able to attend and celebrate despite the wind. Congratulations to all the OHS athletes and especially to our seniors!


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Strong Start for OHS Swim Team

The Oakwood High School swim team is off to a fast and dominant start this season. Gilroy High School hosted the first meet of the season, and Gilroy, Christopher, and Oakwood School swimmers competed. The OHS Hawks saw great performances from its two competitors, senior Brendan Tompkins and freshman Maddy Weltchek. Maddy swam the sprint 50 free and 100 breast. Brendan swam the 200 free and distance 500 free event. Both swimmers won each of their respective events and were excellent stewards of sportsmanship and COVID precautions! An impressive performance by our two highly talented swimmers.

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OHS students Carolyn Burback and Allie Purtell win top award for creation of The Stigma Magazine

For the past 52 years, the Junior League of San Jose has recognized outstanding volunteers at non-profits in the Bay Area. A few weeks ago, we learned that two of our High School students, Carolyn Burback and Allie Purtell, had received the Crystal Ball Award, placing them in the top 10 nominees and earning a $500 stipend for Oakwood. Carolyn and Allie were recognized for creating Stigma Magazine, Oakwood's student magazine focusing on destigmatizing mental health and dedicated to an inclusive and supportive campus culture. At the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, held virtually on Friday, April 23, the judges announced they had awarded Carolyn and Allie with the highest honor, the Volunteerism at its Best Award, which includes an additional $1,000 stipend for the school. Carolyn and Allie have asked that the funds be used to purchase a mini-library of books about mental health awareness to be located for student access in the Student Center. Please help us celebrate this fantastic honor for Carolyn and Allie and recognize their impact on the Oakwood community. Visit the Family Portal for details.

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Oakwood High School Cross Country Team Finishes Season Strong

Neither heat nor pollen nor dust can stop the Oakwood Cross Country team from racing their appointed course! Wednesday, March 31, the Oakwood Cross Country team finished their season with a meet with Live Oak High School on a 2.65-mile course at Live Oak. Ellis Richardson finished first overall in the Boys Varsity race, setting a School Record on the new course with his time of 15:33. Jullea Powell finished first for Oakwood School in the Girls Varsity race, also earning a School Record on the new course.


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My daughter's going to Cal Poly. She got so many scholarships and grants that she's going to go there cheaper than San Jose State. It's amazing that she got in. It's amazing that she had such a stellar education. It's amazing that she got free money. And I attribute it to this school and the staff and the focus that they give our kids.

Oakwood Parent

My son has been a student at Oakwood since kindergarten. He is graduating from Oakwood HS next month. Oakwood is absolutely the best school in this area - maybe in the whole county. It has been worth every penny. I can't say enough good things about the school, staff, faculty, facility, owners. Oakwood is exceptional in every way.

Oakwood Parent

Oakwood provides me with much more opportunity to participate than I would get at a larger school. It amazes me that I can be on the soccer team, the tennis team, Student Council, Speech and Debate, Model UN, a service club and in a play all in the same year.

Oakwood Student

The teachers are so dedicated at a personal level that you will not find anywhere. That is so important, because going into college admissions you need those references, and these teachers know these kids.

Oakwood Parent

College & University Acceptences

Here is a partial list of where some of our graduates have been accepted:
Visit our College & University Acceptances webpage for a more complete list.