Student Profile
Oakland is a highly specialized school devoted to children who learn differently. While many students hail from the mid-Atlantic, students come from all parts of the country, as well as overseas, to experience our unique approach to learning.
Typical Oakland Students
Boys and girls
Grades two through nine (summer boarding begins at nine years old)
Average to above average intelligence
Learning and attention issues like dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD, executive function difficulties, and processing speed difficulties
Neuro-typical or gifted children with no academic difficulties but need a more nurturing and individualized approach to learning
Not for those with severe behavioral, conduct, or emotional issues
Wondering if Oakland School is the right fit for your child? Complete our inquiry form to explore opportunities for enrollment.
Our students are bright and have a wide range of abilities and achievement levels.
Oakland is open to capable, curious children who may not have experienced success, or have fallen short of their potential in traditional school settings. Students may be below grade level and in need of remediation, on grade level but struggling, or even above grade level but have not realized their fullest capabilities. Most of our students are not performing at the same level across subjects but may excel in one area while being several years behind in another area.
Alumni Spotlight: Cruz Mike
“As a student, learning was not easy for me. Public school was hard for me because I learn differently than most students. It was one of the hardest times of my life. My mother saw that public school was not working out, and made the best decision she could by finding better schools I could attend. She found a school called Oakland near Charlottesville, Virginia.Before attending Oakland, I was considered a problem student.
My reading and writing skills were below the level they should have been. I struggled very hard with English class. I felt hopeless, I felt as if even the teachers could not help me.
On top of my problems with learning, I had issues with bullies at public school. Often times, I was teased for my learning differences. Sometimes I even got into fights trying to defend myself, or my brother. I felt so angry and trapped.
Then I got an opportunity that would forever change my life by being accepted to Oakland School.
Within my first year of attending Oakland I was able to read and write at the correct level for my grade. I had amazing teachers who really cared about my education. The teachers made learning fun for me, I didn’t think that was possible. I even began to read on my own free time. The best part about going to Oakland was knowing that I was safe, and there were no bullies.
All in all, I will always think of Oakland as a life-changing experience.
There I was able to better myself, not only as a student, but a person. I made friends, and healed from the bad experiences I had at public school. Oakland prepared me for the real world, and for that I am so thankful.”