College Counseling
Our Mission:
An Oakwood education is intended to guide students in their academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits; to spark passion, and to help students gain self-knowledge. These guiding principles, along with recognizing our students as multi-faceted young people, are the foundations of our college counseling practice.
Through our personalized approach, we seek to connect with every student by encouraging them to lead their own unique college search with parents and counselors in a supporting role. We believe in the importance of acknowledging and stimulating an authentic sense of self in our students, which will allow them to find the college that matches their academic and personal pursuits. Our partnership with students enables us to curate a pragmatic list of schools based on their academic and co-curricular interests. We believe and practice the idea that students should find the college that best fits them not only academically, but also socially and financially. This emphasis on “fit” gives students the best opportunity to be transformed by the power of education. We also believe and appreciate that the pathway to college is not always linear and are here to support students where they are, welcoming all students into the college process as they are.
For College Representatives
Thank you for your interest in visiting Oakwood School. We welcome you to our campus and are currently scheduling visits through Scoir. Please note we are requiring proof of vaccination for all in-person visits.
Parking is available behind North Campus (formerly St. David’s church) in the spaces marked “Visitor” or in the neighborhood (be mindful of street signs). Once parked, security will check you in. We look forward to your visit!
If you have any questions, please email Diane Wymer.
Click here to view Oakwood School's 2020-2021 profile.
Alumni Transcript Requests
Alumni transcript requests can be made by completing this Transcript Request Form. Provide full information as to where the transcript should be submitted. The Registrar is not responsible for incomplete or inaccurate information provided. Please allow up to one week for processing from the time of request.
Meet the College Counseling Office
Melissa Palmer
Co-Director of College Counseling
818.732.3007
I am a huge fan of the annual Arts Festival. It’s a daylong celebration of performing and visual arts at Oakwood featuring a tie-dye station, a giant potluck lunch, and brave and brilliant music performances, just to name a few of the highlights. I used to get super into the Silent Disco event (everyone’s favorite) until my daughters announced that it was too embarrassing to watch me dance. When my youngest graduates soon, I plan to disco hard again.
Fun fact: I was raised on a cattle ranch in rural Alberta, Canada, just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.
Steffany Perez
Co-Director of College Counseling
818.732.3006
Oakwood’s commencement ceremony is my absolute favorite. In any given year, our graduates might perform an original composition, choreograph a dance routine, or deliver a compelling speech on climate change. It’s a true celebration of our students’ creativity and convictions.
Fun fact: On the weekends, you might find me at hip-hop class or eating dumplings with my family.
Carolyn Starks
Associate Director of College Counseling
818-732-3145
My knowledge of the kinship that comes with being a member of the Oakwood community was what preceded my time at Oakwood and it’s lived up to the hype! Every person on this campus is happy to be here and does what they can to support each other while keeping the Statement of Philosophy at the forefront.
Fun fact: I’m on a mission to find the best bean and cheese burrito in LA County.
Diane Wymer
Registrar
818.732.3003
One of my favorite Oakwood memories is getting crowned prom queen…. in my 40's! Yes, you read it right! I accepted the "promposal" when asked to be the faculty prom advisor because relationships between students and adults at Oakwood are so fundamental to our community that it was another significant way I could have an impact in a student's life and get to know them outside of the college process. It's an important piece to my continued love for the work I do.
Fun fact: every winter, you can find me enjoying raclette with family and friends.