Oakhill Day School

The Panther Pioneers Program connects K-3 students with real-world experiences, building essential skills like research, prototyping, and problem-solving through hands-on, challenge-based learning that simulates careers like engineering and community planning. Our goal is to expand the program into intermediate and middle school, helping students see how classroom learning applies to real-world contexts while developing empathy for others. This program blends disciplines like math, art, science, and social studies, allowing students to tackle real-world problems, brainstorm solutions, and test prototypes. The focus on empathy encourages students to design projects for specific groups, making learning relevant and impactful. We aim to assess how real-world projects enhance students’ social-emotional development and problem-solving abilities. By connecting students with local professionals as mentors and showcasing their solutions to the community, we strengthen school-community ties.

Oakhill's Health and Wellness Department nurtures each student's well-being, emphasizing a balance in physical, mental, and emotional realms. This holistic approach addresses social and emotional well-being, academic success, and healthy lifestyles, including fitness and nutrition. Abby Pavlisin, our Wellness Counselor, developed Oakhill's Counseling Curriculum, focusing on social, emotional, and academic welfare. She supports students through small group sessions for needs like anxiety and whole-class lessons on identifying trusted adults and character strengths. Delaney Zimmermann, our Learning Specialist, leads a team for academic support, providing small groups, tutoring, and tailored Oakhill Student Success Plans. Under Chris Fernandez, Director of Health and Wellness, the Physical Health Department emphasizes well-being through evaluations, education on healthy habits, and outreach. The HEART Team enhances each student's journey, bridging the gap between school and home.

Oakhill Day School’s summer program offers enriching experiences that encourage growth and socialization. Designed for various interests, it includes activities in science, art, and sports, keeping students engaged while preventing summer learning loss. About 30% of summer attendees come from families who might not otherwise afford Oakhill, promoting inclusivity and community building. This diversity enriches the learning environment, helping students develop empathy and collaboration skills. To further its impact, Oakhill is adding an academic component to the summer program, providing structured learning opportunities alongside fun activities. This comprehensive approach ensures students return to school confident and ready for the new year while fostering connections between families and the school community. Through this initiative, Oakhill continues its mission to inspire and support every student.

Oakhill Day School provides a comprehensive academic program for students aged 18 months through eighth grade, emphasizing a holistic approach to education. The curriculum is designed to nurture each child's intellectual, social, and emotional development, integrating hands-on learning experiences with innovative teaching methods. Our early childhood program focuses on exploration and play, fostering a love of learning. As students progress, they engage in a challenging curriculum that includes core subjects and enrichment in the arts, technology, and physical education. Oakhill prioritizes small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and fostering strong relationships between students and teachers. This nurturing environment prepares students for success in high school and beyond, equipping them with critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for lifelong learning.