From the Principal
William Perkins Tift,
High School Principal
Welcome to the High School – the final step of the Oakwood journey, where our students truly learn to become themselves. In this diverse, vibrant environment, we strive to constantly expand the POSSIBILITIES of what becoming yourself means. Our graduates may differ in their passions - academic, athletic, service or the arts - but they all share the incredible gift of having found their voice, of emerging into the world with a sense of purpose and a deep-seated confidence in their capacity to
pursue it.
Through a carefully composed balance of constructivist pedagogy, individualized instruction, and INTELLECTUAL RIGOR, classes at Oakwood go beyond the limiting notion of “college preparatory.” The academic experience at Oakwood builds a foundation that allows students to excel in any future pursuit. But more importantly, we strive to ensure that the daily experience of life at school is rich, inspiring, and, above all, joyful. Whether they are building a 3D printer in our iLab, playing the trumpet in our Brass Band, running cross country, arguing before the Supreme Court in a Social Studies simulation, or revisiting the march of civil rights leaders through Immersion – there is a relentless murmur around our campus as students and faculty engage in PASSIONATE EXCHANGE.
It is this very exchange that truly defines what our school is – a COMMUNITY. The authentic, trusting relationships that our students build with our faculty foster a nurturing environment where teenagers can safely take measured intellectual risks and grow as unique individuals. And, in the process, they become aware of their role in our community and the world at large.
Please peruse this section of our website to get a sense of the program that shapes this incredible learning community. Yet, be aware of the marked limitations of the digital medium to transmit the depth and VIBRANCY of the Oakwood experience. For this, I invite you to come on campus and feel first-hand what this colorful, intellectual, student-centered education is all about.
See you soon,
William
High School Office
 Debby MathisAssistant to the High School Principal 818.732.3001 |