The Oaks Academy: Early Education Center
The Oaks Academy Early Education Center provides a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where our Pre-K students begin their academic journey with joy and curiosity. Our rich curriculum lays the groundwork for their education through 8th grade and beyond. Your child will develop essential social, academic, and motor skills through hands-on exploration and play. Guided by experienced teachers, children engage in a time-tested, holistic approach that fosters a love for learning.
Q&A with The Oaks Academy: Early Education Center
What makes The Oaks Academy unique?
The Oaks Academy’s unique approach lies in its blend of rigorous classical education within a Christ-centered environment. With a strong focus on relationships, we build a close-knit school community that embraces diversity. Our classrooms are designed to inspire academic excellence, foster a love of learning, and cultivate an appreciation for beauty and nature. We prepare students for the future by helping them develop perseverance and emotional, social, and spiritual maturity.
Our Pre-Kindergarten curriculum, paired with our experienced faculty, builds a foundation for a child’s academic success by developing critical social, academic, fine, and gross motor skills. We have designed our program based on a time-tested curriculum that inspires a lifelong love of learning in every child. As a result, children master developmental skills as they learn, explore, and play, starting their journey to holistic success.
What ages and grade levels does The Oaks Academy serve?
The Oaks Academy serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. To enroll in Pre-K, children must be 4 years old by August 1st of the academic year.
What is the enrollment process, and are there any key dates families should know?
The Oaks Academy follows a formal application process. Early Education applicants (Pre-K through 1st grade) are required to complete a readiness assessment with our faculty.
Key dates:
- Early Decision Deadline: December 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: March 1
In-person events and tours are available throughout the year. Visit TheOaksAcademy.org/visit to view upcoming opportunities.
What are the standard school day hours, and does The Oaks Academy offer flexible schedules or before- and after-school care?
The Early Education Center has a soft arrival window that begins at 8 am, with classes beginning at 8:45 am. There is a 30-minute dismissal window from 2:55 - 3:25 pm, with aftercare available until 5 pm. Our school meets five days a week, and you may choose either a full or half-day program.
Does The Oaks Academy offer support for children with special needs?
Yes, we provide small-group instruction for students who need extra support. Our team works closely with families to create personalized student learning plans, ensuring each child receives the care and attention they need to succeed.
What enrichment programs and activities does The Oaks Academy offer?
Pre-Kindergarten students enjoy a variety of specials as part of our curriculum, including weekly art, music, physical education, and library time.
In physical education, Pre-K students participate in simple games that build gross motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, all while having fun and staying active. In art class, students explore different materials such as scissors, paint, clay, and yarn to spark their creativity. Music class introduces them to rhythm, melody, harmony, and expressive movement. Our library time in the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar Library builds a love of reading from the start of their educational journey.
What are The Oaks Academy’s safety policies?
A safety officer and a security system secure each campus. A school resource officer also is in place across each of our locations.
What is The Oaks Academy’s educational philosophy?
other/Classical, faith-based
The Oaks is a Christ-centered school that offers a classical education. Our curriculum integrates rich ideas from history, literature, mathematics, science, art, music, nature, and more to develop the whole person. We welcome families of all backgrounds and faiths, focusing on sharing what is true, good, and beautiful to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
How many children are in each class, and how are they grouped?
There are 16 students in each class, with two full-time teachers to support the class. Students are placed based on admissions assessments, and classes are selected with an intentional focus on gender and racial diversity.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
8:1 – 16 students with one teacher and one instructional assistant in each classroom
Is parent participation required?
Parental participation isn’t required, but families are warmly encouraged to join in the life of The Oaks! Many parents get involved by joining our Family Tree Organization, volunteering in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, or joining morning worship at Lauds and Chapel. We also invite families to attend school with their child on two Saturdays each year.
How do teachers communicate with families, and how often do they send updates?
Our school focuses on strong parent-teacher partnerships to prepare your child for success beyond Pre-Kindergarten. Parents are always welcome to connect with teachers before and after school. Teachers also keep parents in the loop with weekly newsletters that share updates and class highlights.
How much time do children spend outside?
At The Oaks, outdoor time is a big part of our daily routine! In addition to daily play, students have two recesses each day. Pre-K students also enjoy 30 minutes of physical education each week, during which they practice fun games that build gross motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Are meals or snacks provided?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are offered, and families can apply for the federal free and reduced meal program. Students also enjoy a morning snack before their first recess, and those who stay for aftercare are provided with a snack as well.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, children must be fully potty-trained when they begin school.
Who should families contact for more information about The Oaks Academy?
For inquiries, contact the Admissions Office by email at [email protected] or call (317) 610-0880.
Families also look at
Weekday Ministries at Geist Christian Church
Faith-based preschool for 18 months through kindergarten at Geist Christian Church's two campuses.
Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center
Child-led, play-based early learning from 12 weeks through Pre-K.
Giving Tree Early Learning
Reggio-inspired, faith-based early learning for 12 months through pre-K, open to the public.