Oakwood Friends School

I am a graduate of Oakwood, and even though I then went on to an excellent University and two graduate schools, I have to say that most of the education that I use on a day-to-day basis whether is proper English, basic concepts of biology and physics, math, and just social interactions, I learned at Oakwood. It completely changed my outlook on life and set me up in ways that I was not getting in an above-average NY suburban school system.

Oakwood Friends School was a terrific experience for my daughter. Thanks to Oakwood she grew academically and as a more social person.Oakwood has a close community of parents, students, and faculty which makes it a unique environment. Many of the teachers are very caring and supportive.The best programs were in theater, social studies, English, and the humanities. The art program could have been better. My daughter participated in six plays and was active on the judical committee and on issues such as free trade. We had to change her advisor in senior year and the replacement advisor was great. Oakwood's college preparatory program prepared her well for the future. The school has some parent involvement but could improve. Part of this is because of the large number of international students.
--Submitted by a parent

The English and History teachers were superb. My son got college level material in some of his classes which he found quite stimulating. Some of the staff members are very caring and made a big difference in my sons life. However, both the dorm program, communication and support for special needs (which parents pay extra for) was negatively affected by teachers who are spread too thin, overburdened by extra duties. We were disappointed with the dorm program and day time supervision. Boys and girls lived in the same building and shared lounges often with no adults around, except in their apartments or on on duty downstairs. There were problems with meanness and bullying some years. More care could have been given to blending in the first year students who tended to be the meanest.
--Submitted by a parent

Oakwood Friends School is truly a wonderful place. It is located on a beautiful old farm, has about 1/3 - 1/2 boarding students and one of the most diverse student populations I have ever seen. The students are mature and generally forbearing of one another and the teachers and administrators are supportive of and interested in each student that attends. Two strengths in addition to their college prepartory programs are the drama program which presents 3 plays a year and their sports program which requires after school attendence for everyone. The sports focus is not only on excelling, but developing a life long enjoyment of sports activities.
--Submitted by a parent

My little sister goes to this school.It is an excellent school for people who are gifted or average.However,avoid this school if you have special needs.The extracurricular activities and sports are excellent and my sister is more confident and has more friends.The parents are involved in this school.Many kids live in dorms and are from Asia,so you get the experience of a different culture.My sister is on the Basketball team and the kids treat her nice,even though she isn't the best on the team.Overall,this school is an Awesome school from the private school my sister went before.
--Submitted by a student