Oak Grove School

This is our first year at Oak Grove and we are so happy and amazed with this school's approach to education. We came from the public school system and watched the class size's grow to 40 and higher. The curriculum became test-centric and very limited. The food was horrible. Our child was unhappy and getting lost in the shuffle. Oak Grove changed all that. She loves going to school at Oak Grove and she loves the food. It is made fresh and healthy everyday. Her class size is only 17 and her teacher is bright, intelligent and engaged, as all the teachers are at Oak Grove. He stays after school and gives what ever extra help is need to any of his students. Every student is evaluated for who they are and the teaching approach is geared toward what that child needs. The campus is beautiful as is the Krishnamurti philosophy. We have no doubt our daughter will find her greatest skills and true path with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have attended Oak Grove for the past five years. I only wish I could have had such a school experience when I was young. I have done right by my children. The natural environment, the comfortable relationship between the teachers, staff, students and parents are a reflection of the world I want to live in. The lunches are amazing--vegetarian, organic, some of it harvested by the children from the school's garden. I have popped in for lunch many times over the past few years and have enjoyed shepherd's pie, gnocci, veggie lasagna, enchilada pie, curried yams and so much more. I am beyond pleased to have found this small, sane, school in this complex and suffering world. Thank you, Oak Grove.
--Submitted by a parent

My two sons have been enrolled at Oak Grove from kindergarten through their High School Graduation. I can honestly say that Oak Grove was instrumental in forming who they are, and being in such a supportive environment has been crucial in helping them navigate a very challenging childhood. The combination of nurturing teachers, inventive programs, and small class size ensures that no student gets lost. When they needed help we learned about it. The music program, which begins in kindergarten, has given them the gift of musicianship and public confidence, and likely, a career. In the past, the administration was unfocused and ineffectual, but in the last four years the direction and goals of the school have become clear and realistic. Also, the camping/travel program, which starts small and progresses to major backpacking and literally worldwide travel is something that builds confidence and cultural understanding, and close friendships. I only wish I'd been able to attend a school like Oak Grove, and I'm glad to have given that gift to my sons.
--Submitted by a parent

Much has changed at Oak Grove in the past few years - it's now the 2010-11 - and one can sense a much improved faculty, administration and overall direction. The food is excellent, and award winning. I wish I had this quality of lunch at my work place, believe me. The grounds are amazing and well maintained, the staff has solid experience and degrees behind them, too. I really appreciate that Oak Grove also has kept Krishnamurti's philosophies as a guiding light. Oak Grove is the best non-competitive school in the Ojai Valley. :-)
--Submitted by a parent

This is my child's second year at Oak Grove School, and I have to say it has FAR EXCEEDED MY WILDEST EXPECTATIONS! The teachers are as good or better than anything I have encountered at any other school, public or private. As a former Montessori student I was pleased to find that not only did the environment offer my child some of the things that made my Montessori experience such a pleasurable one, including engaging curriculum, but it also includes the added depth of a child lead educational experience. While I'm sure this program may not be a fit for every child or family, I can only speak to the fact that my child absolutely thrives at Oak Grove. Additionally, the vegetarian school lunch program is quite gourmet, and the few meals I've had there with my son included Shepard's Pie, Indian Curry w/ Potatoes and Cauliflower, and Butternut Squash Soup.
--Submitted by a parent

For the first time, by eight grader wants to go to school! I am thrilled. I find the academic expectations uniquely balanced with the sense of community, creativity, and care for each student as an individual. The travel my son has done so far has enriched his horizons greatly, and the meals prepared on campus are some of best vegetarian fare we have ever had. We look forward to many more happy years here and applaud the staff for it's commitment to creating an educational environment that has allowed my son to flourish.
--Submitted by a parent

I had enrolled my children in Oak Grove School after reading the reviews on this site, however, as a parent and as a former Montessori teacher, I was deeply disappointed w/ their lack in quality of teaching and academics were non-challenging for my children. School lunches were horrible and limited, it's veg. diet that consists of either salads, pasta, or cheese pizza. I would NOT recommend any parent to enroll their kids in this school. It's over-priced, paying $$$ for not even meeting expectations. Don't be deceived by their captivating website!
--Submitted by a parent

because it is a good progessive school which teaches kids a consious way to thing and behave.
--Submitted by a parent

Oak Grove School creates an environment of learning-a climate of inquiry- that is safe, friendly, non-competitive & encourages open-mindedness and a spirit of inquiry.
--Submitted by a parent

Oak Grove School assists students in developing those qualities of mind, heart and spirit that will enable them to function with excellence,care and responsibility in the modern world.