Reasons to enroll

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1. Four Day Week 

The Oaks School meets Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Fridays set aside for students to pursue their own interests. With the rise of travel sports and competitive dance, cheerleading, theater, and other commitments, many students spend long hours in extracurricular activities. We believe these opportunities build discipline, teamwork, and character. Having a four-day week gives families breathing room and allows students time to grow their God-given gifts. Older students often use Fridays for ACT prep, college visits, or part-time jobs. 

2. Limited homework

Students at The Oaks School work hard during the school day so evenings can be spent enjoying family time and participating in music, sports, dance, and other activities. While students do need to study for tests or complete reading at home, homework is kept at a minimum. This is possible because we maximize learning during the school day. Students have 90-minute class blocks for math, language arts, science, and history daily, allowing time to learn new concepts, complete assignments, and review material through engaging activities. Teachers closely monitor student progress during class time, helping students stay focused and engaged. Over time, students develop strong work habits, learn to focus for extended periods, and take pride in the results of consistent effort.

3. Spiritual Growth Through Daily Chapel Services

Each school day begins with a 30-minute chapel service that includes worship and time to connect with God. Chapel is designed to help students grow in their faith as they learn who God is and how to apply biblical truth to everyday life. Following worship, students break into small groups to discuss chapel message, ask questions, and talk through real-life application. Elementary students meet in teacher-led groups where they are guided through discussion and prayer, while upper school students participate in student-led groups that encourage ownership, leadership, and deeper conversation. Students are encouraged to share prayer needs and pray together, building confidence in talking with God and supporting one another. Chapel sets a positive tone for the school day and helps create a culture of faith, respect, and community. It is a meaningful time for both students and teachers- and truly the best way to start each day.

4. Encouraging and Supportive Teachers

Teachers at The Oaks School are hired with prayer and thoughtful consideration. While strong teaching skills and subject-area are essential, it's also important that our teachers love God and bring His heart into the classroom each day. Our teachers intentionally create classrooms where students feel known, seen, heard, supported, and challenged. They use a variety of instructional approaches- including small-group instruction, hands-on-learning, STEM activities, guided practice, class discussion, group projects, and real-life application- to meet students where they are and help them grow. Teachers regularly check in with students, provide immediate feedback, and take time to reteach or extend learning as needed. Beyond academics, teachers at The Oaks speak life into students by calling out strengths, encouraging perseverance, and walking alongside students through both successes and challenges. They are available to pray with students, offer guidance, and build meaningful relationships that motivate students to set higher goals and develop confidence in their abilities. 

5. Leadership Development 

We desire for students to grow as leaders and gain confidence in who God created them to be. Teachers use personality assessments and other tools to help students discover their strengths and unique gifts. By partnering with parents, we look for meaningful ways students can develop these gifts and step into leadership roles. Opportunities include leading chapel, serving in the classroom, and helping at school events. Through these experiences students learn responsibility and servant leadership. Our desire is for students to grow as leaders and step confidently into who God created them to be. 

6. Athletic Opportunities

While our local public school system offers excellent athletic programs, opportunities can be limited for students hoping to play school sports. The Oaks School provides an alternative for dedicated athletes who want to grow their skills and compete as part of a school team. Students have the opportunity to play and compete in boys and girls basketball, baseball, volleyball, cross country, and flag football, building teamwork, discipline, and school spirit along the way.  The Oaks joined the Alabama Independent School Association for athletic competition in the 2024-2025 school year. 

7. Healthy Relationship Skills

Students at The Oaks School are taught essential life skills for building healthy relationships. This includes learning how to process conflict, walk in forgiveness, honor differences, and communicate well with others. By intentionally cultivating a culture of respect and kindness, students know they are valued for who they are and feel safe, supported, and connected within our school community.