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“When Alex entered Oxford, he did not have the benefit of a positive academic experience. School was a daily dose of what Alex once sadly described to us as torture. Alex’s experience transformed at Oxford due to the talent and thoughtful engagement of his teachers. Alex’s journey to find his mojo and believe in himself has been a series of thousands of steps. Through his tenure at Oxford, Alex evolved in the most dramatic and tangible ways. We observed his growing confidence in tackling his academic challenges and saw him persevere. He found his voice and his academic chops. He learned to express himself and state his mind and so much more. This is a testament to the success of your program model and the talents of the Oxford team.”
— Deb T., mom of Alex
Founded in 1959, www.oxfordacademy.net has been providing individualized learning programs for over 60 years. The school’s mission is to help each student reach their full potential through personalized education plans tailored to their unique needs and learning styles. This approach has proven successful, as evidenced by the many positive reviews from current students, alumni, and parents.
One parent describes how the 1:1 approach allowed her ADHD son to get the focused support he needed: “My son is truly happy at Oxford Academy. Academically, it is a dream! His teachers challenge him but are willing to slow things down if it appears he is struggling (you won’t find that in a traditional school). This can allow for extra review in an area so that the concepts become clearer before moving on (that is key to a student with ADHD).”
An alumnus reflects on how the school gave him the confidence to graduate and succeed: “This is 100% the place that changed my life. I struggled in school for as long as I can remember, up until I started at Oxford. It was the first place where I felt like somebody was giving me a chance to be different in a long time, and that’s what gave me the confidence to graduate and make it through college.”
In just the past few years, Oxford graduates have gained acceptance to impressive colleges and universities including:
Babson College, Bard College, Bishops College, Bryant University, Chapman University, Clark University, Creighton University, Curry College, Dickinson College, Drew University, Duquesne University, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Gettysburg College, George Mason University, Gonzaga University, Hamilton College, Ithaca College, James Madison University, Lawrence University, Lynn University, Manhattan College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Pennsylvania State University, Quinnipiac University, Rhode Island School of Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University, Rollins College, Savannah College of Art and Design, Skidmore College, St. Andrews University (Scotland), Syracuse University, Temple University, Tulane University, University of Arizona, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, Villanova University, Wagner College, Wheaton College.
This impressive list demonstrates that Oxford equips students for success at top institutions. Between 2018-2022 alone, Oxford graduates were accepted to over 50 colleges and universities across the United States and abroad.
Several key elements of the Oxford approach enable this level of college preparation:
Planning Each Student’s Curriculum
The curriculum planning starts early, with in-depth interviews between the student, parents, and staff including the Head of School, Dean of Studies, and Dean of Students. These interviews explore the student’s learning profile, background, experiences, interests, and goals. Parental input and a review of records supplement this process. The result is a customized program of coursework designed to meet the student’s learning objectives and prepare them for college.
One-to-One Learning
With a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:1, instruction is tailored to the individual student. There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum; instead, the course is adapted based on the student’s specific background knowledge, skills, interests, and needs. Oxford teachers have the experience to work with diverse students in this personalized way. The teachers for each student work as a team directly with the student to ensure ongoing progress and engagement.
Individualized Pace
Students can work at their own pace, without the pressure of competing with classmates. Regular assessments allow teachers to adjust the course level and pace as needed to provide an appropriate challenge. Students who need additional support can request it without embarrassment.
Weekly Feedback
Frequent and detailed feedback from teachers allows students to see their progress and make improvements on a weekly basis. In addition to daily in-person conversations, teachers provide comments reflecting accomplishments, suggestions for improvement, and an overview of what was covered in each class. This close communication facilitates the bonding between teachers and students.
Academics and Beyond
Oxford provides development in fundamental skills needed for college and career readiness, including:
- Effective written and oral communication
- Use of technology to find and demonstrate knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Organization of time and materials
- Retention and application of new knowledge
These skills are woven throughout the curriculum. Students needing extra support can enroll in a Study Skills course.
The Oxford curriculum goes beyond textbooks to offer real-world applications. Classes feature a variety of literary works, hands-on projects, educational games, and more. Field trips to museums, businesses, and educational events provide interactive learning. Guest speakers share their expertise and career advice throughout the year in the Character and Leadership Curriculum Program and club events.
The immersive approach fosters engagement across subjects. A marine biology lesson might involve analyzing real ocean data. A history course could feature building a model village or an interdisciplinary study of the seacoast. Math and physics come alive through robotics competitions and real-world applications. This passion-based learning sticks with students long after graduation.
At the core is Oxford’s methodology of individualized instruction. Each student has a profile outlining their knowledge, skills, interests, and goals. Teachers then adapt the curriculum based on the student’s needs. There are no rigid requirements; the individual student is met where they are and engages in the direction of the learning experience. Weekly assessment and feedback enable ongoing calibration to keep students challenged but not overwhelmed.
Neither a traditional classroom nor one-to-one tutoring can match this level of personalization. Students are empowered to advocate for their education, build their self-determination, and seek help without judgment. They compete only with themselves instead of their classmates. This builds confidence and nurtures a lifelong love of learning.
The success of Oxford’s methodology is evidenced by its many distinguished alumni. Graduates have gone on to careers in fields including business, entrepreneurship, law, journalism, architecture, filmmaking, and more.
For example, alumnus Julian Ungano (class of 2010) is now an award-winning filmmaker, creative director, and visual storyteller. The individualized instruction, tailored pacing, and emphasis on art and creativity provided by Oxford equipped Julian with the skills he needed to thrive in his career.
Fabien Cousteau (class of 1986), grandson of Jacques Cousteau, is an ocean conservationist, aquanaut, and documentary filmmaker. No doubt the project-based learning and passion for discovery fostered at Oxford led him towards his unique underwater explorations and environmental activism.
Lachlan Markay (class of 2006) struggled in traditional schools but found his voice at Oxford. He gained the skills and confidence to graduate and attend college, leading to his successful career as an investigative journalist. Markay now reports for Axios and is frequently featured on major media outlets.
Cary Pew (class of 1982) leveraged the strong academic program at Oxford to pursue his interest in psychology. After obtaining advanced degrees, Pew now serves as a therapist at the University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry.
The individualized approach focuses on each student’s talents and interests. For Rob Howland (class of 2002), this meant nurturing his passion for art, gaming, and computer science. Today Rob is a successful indie game developer, credited for creating the 3D language learning game Influent.
These are just a few examples of how Oxford Academy’s methodology empowers students to pursue their passions. By starting with each student’s learning profile and goals, the school can pave a customized pathway to success. The one-to-one learning model provides the focused support and flexibility students need to reach their potential. Please visit our website at: https://oxfordacademy.net/about/notable-alumni/ to see more of our alumni success stories.
Conclusion
For over 60 years, Oxford Academy has been transforming students’ lives through individualized learning. The student-centered approach unlocks every learner’s unique potential. Personalized curriculum, flexible pacing, teacher mentorship, and real-world application equip students with the skills to excel in college and career. Oxford graduates attain acceptance to top universities and go on to achieve their dreams.
If you want your child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, consider Oxford Academy. Call us at (860) 399-6247 or visit our website today to learn more about our programs, meet our faculty, and schedule a tour. It’s time to discover what personalized education can do for your student’s future. At Oxford Academy, we empower students to pave their path to success.
