Our school is intentionally small because we believe young men thrive when the adults around them know them well, not simply their grades or their names, but their strengths, their challenges, their interests, their personalities, and their potential.
Phil Cocchiola
Degrees: M.Ed., University of New Haven
Biography: Philip B. Cocchiola was appointed the sixth Head of School at Oxford Academy in June 2010. Born in Connecticut, Mr. Cocchiola graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. As an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, he studied history and played varsity basketball. He went on to earn his Masters in Education from the University of New Haven. Mr. Cocchiola is not new to Oxford Academy, having joined the faculty in July of 1998. He has held many positions at the school, including social studies teacher, dormitory supervisor, Department Chair, and Dean of Students. Mr. Cocchiola is a graduate of the NAIS Institute for New Heads, a former board member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools(CAIS) as well as a participating member of NEASC, NAIS, SBSA, TABS, IECA Foundation board member, and Westbrook Park and Recreation board member. He also serves as co-chair of the Westbrook Division of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cocchiola resides with his wife Tracy and twin sons, Drew and Dylan at the Headmaster’s House on the school’s campus. His interests and activities center on community service, reading, and sports.
My motto: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Blog Posts
Why One to One Education Is Superior to Traditional Teaching Methods
Over the years, numerous teaching methods have evolved, ranging from large, lecture-style classrooms to more personalized approaches. Among these, one-to-one education—where a teacher works directly with a single student—stands out as a superior method compared to traditional classroom teaching.
The End of Average, The Celebration of Diversity
The Oxford Academy was founded on the principle that truly individualized learning provides the highest level of engagement available and accounts for the unique cognitive profile of each student.