Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Oaks Christian School (OCS) is a private, non-denominational, co-educational Christian school located in Westlake Village, California. Established in 2000, Oaks Christian serves students from grades 5 through 12 and is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, artistic expression, and athletic achievement. The school has quickly risen to prominence among private schools in the United States due to its balanced, holistic approach to education.
Oaks Christian provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially. It emphasizes a rigorous academic program integrated with Christian values, preparing students for college and life beyond in a globally connected world.
History and Founding
Oaks Christian School was founded in 2000 with the vision of creating a college-preparatory institution that blends rigorous academics with a Christian worldview. From its inception, the founders aimed to establish a school where students could excel academically while also growing spiritually and morally.
The school opened its doors with 160 students in grades 6 through 9. Since then, it has expanded to serve over 1,400 students across middle and high school grades. Over the years, the school has experienced remarkable growth in both its physical campus and its academic and extracurricular offerings.
Today, Oaks Christian is recognized nationally for its programs and has produced graduates who attend top-tier universities around the world.
Mission and Values
Mission Statement: Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian School exists to "prepare minds for leadership and hearts for service." Its mission reflects a dual commitment to intellectual rigor and character development, grounded in Christian faith.
Core Values
- Faith: Encouraging students to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Character: Cultivating integrity, responsibility, and respect in all aspects of life.
- Scholarship: Pursuing academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
- Community: Fostering a loving and supportive environment that values diversity.
- Leadership: Inspiring students to lead with humility and service.
Campus and Facilities
Oaks Christian boasts a beautiful, state-of-the-art 25-acre campus located in the affluent community of Westlake Village. The facilities are modern, expansive, and designed to support a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits.
Academic Facilities
- High School and Middle School Buildings: Equipped with modern classrooms, science labs, and technology centers.
- Library and Resource Center: Offers extensive resources for research and study.
- Innovation Lab: A space dedicated to engineering, robotics, and other STEM initiatives.
- Learning Center: Provides academic support and tutoring services.
Arts and Performing Facilities: Oaks Christian School
- Bedrosian Pavilion: A 700-seat auditorium for theater productions, musical performances, and guest lectures.
- Music and Recording Studios: Fully equipped for instrumental, vocal, and digital music production.
- Visual Arts Studios: Dedicated spaces for drawing, painting, sculpture, and other visual arts.
Athletic Facilities
- Stadium and Athletic Fields: Includes a state-of-the-art football stadium, baseball diamond, and track facilities.
- Indoor Sports Complex: Houses basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a fitness center.
- Aquatic Center: Features an Olympic-size swimming pool for swim and water polo teams.
- Tennis Courts and Gymnasium: Provide additional spaces for physical education and team practices.
Dormitories
In 2019, Oaks Christian introduced an on-campus residential program with brand new dormitory buildings. This program offers a boarding option for both domestic and international students, enabling a more immersive educational experience.
Academics
Curriculum Overview
Oaks Christian offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum designed to challenge students and prepare them for success in higher education. The academic program is characterized by:
- Small class sizes (average of 18 students)
- Highly qualified faculty (over 50% hold advanced degrees)
- An emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity
- Integration of technology and innovative teaching methods
Middle School (Grades 5-8): Oaks Christian School
The middle school program builds a strong academic foundation while encouraging personal growth and spiritual development. Core subjects include:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- History/Social Studies
- Bible Studies
- Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin)
Middle school students also explore fine arts, physical education, and technology, setting the stage for a well-rounded education.
High School (Grades 9-12)
The high school program focuses on preparing students for college and beyond. Core disciplines include:
- English Literature and Composition
- Advanced Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Social Studies (World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics)
- Theology and Biblical Studies
- World Languages
Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Courses
Oaks Christian offers over 20 AP courses in subjects like:
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP Literature and Composition
- AP U.S. History
- AP Computer Science
- AP Psychology
Honors courses are available for students seeking additional academic challenges.
STEM Program: Oaks Christian School
The school’s commitment to STEM education is evident in its Innovation Lab and partnerships with leading technology organizations. Courses include:
- Robotics and Engineering
- Computer Science and Coding
- 3D Design and Printing
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
College Counseling
Oaks Christian boasts a comprehensive college counseling program. Starting in 9th grade, students receive personalized guidance on course selection, extracurricular involvement, test preparation, and college applications.
Oaks Christian graduates are regularly accepted to prestigious universities such as:
- Stanford University
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
Spiritual Life
Oaks Christian is unapologetically Christian, though it welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. Its spiritual life program encourages students to grow in their faith and integrate biblical principles into everyday life.
Chapel Services
Weekly chapel services feature worship music, student-led discussions, and guest speakers from the Christian community.
Bible Classes
All students participate in Bible classes that explore:
- Old and New Testament studies
- Christian theology
- Apologetics
- Ethical decision-making from a biblical perspective
Mission Trips and Service Projects
Oaks Christian students participate in local and international service projects, including:
- Building homes through Habitat for Humanity
- Working in orphanages in Mexico and Africa
- Community outreach in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Service learning is woven into the curriculum, reinforcing the importance of compassion and servant leadership.
Athletics: Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian is widely known for its outstanding athletics program. The school fields more than 45 teams across 25 sports and has won numerous league, state, and national championships.
Athletic Philosophy
The athletic program emphasizes:
- Character development
- Sportsmanship and integrity
- Teamwork and leadership
- Academic-athletic balance
Varsity Sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball/Softball
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Cross Country
- Track and Field
- Golf
- Swimming and Water Polo
Notable Achievements
The school’s football program has produced several NFL players, including Jimmy Clausen and Malcolm Jones. Oaks Christian athletes regularly earn Division I scholarships and pursue professional careers.
Sports Medicine and Training
Oaks Christian offers a comprehensive sports medicine program, with access to athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and physical therapists.
Arts and Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Department at Oaks Christian fosters creativity and self-expression through visual and performing arts.
Visual Arts
Students have opportunities to explore:
- Drawing and Painting
- Ceramics and Sculpture
- Digital Art and Photography
Performing Arts
Oaks Christian has a robust performing arts program, including:
- Theater and Drama Productions
- Choir and Vocal Performance
- Band and Orchestra
- Dance and Cheerleading
Media and Film: Oaks Christian School
Students interested in media can participate in:
- Film and Video Production
- Broadcast Journalism
- Yearbook and School Magazine
Recognition and Awards
Oaks Christian’s arts programs regularly earn accolades in regional and national competitions.
Student Life
Clubs and Organizations
Students can join over 40 clubs, such as:
- National Honor Society
- Debate Club
- Robotics Team
- Environmental Club
- International Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Leadership Opportunities
Leadership is a core value at Oaks Christian. Students can serve as:
- Student Government Officers
- Peer Mentors
- Chapel Worship Leaders
- Club Presidents
Residential Life
The on-campus dormitories provide a safe, inclusive environment for boarding students. Residential life includes:
- Supervised study halls
- Weekend activities and outings
- Cultural exchange programs for international students
Global Programs and Diversity: Oaks Christian School
Oaks Christian is proud of its diverse student body, including international students from over 20 countries. The school offers:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) support
- Cultural exchange activities
- Global leadership programs and international service trips
Parent and Community Involvement
Oaks Christian fosters strong connections with parents and the community through:
- Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Fundraising events like galas and auctions
- Guest speaker series and workshops
Accreditation and Affiliations
Oaks Christian School holds accreditations from:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
These affiliations reflect the school’s commitment to high standards in academics, ethics, and organizational governance.
Alumni Success
Oaks Christian alumni have gone on to attend Ivy League and top-tier universities, play professional sports, and pursue careers in business, ministry, medicine, law, and the arts. The school’s alumni network provides mentorship and career opportunities for current students and graduates.
Conclusion
Oaks Christian School offers an extraordinary educational experience that balances academic rigor with spiritual and character development. Its commitment to "preparing minds for leadership and hearts for service" sets it apart as a leading Christian college-preparatory school.
With state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, a thriving student life, and a focus on global citizenship, Oaks Christian equips students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.
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