About Us

Character Development

Our founders designed the mission of an all-girls school with elements that bring out the best in girls: personal mentoring, an all-female faculty with excellence in content and delivery, virtue-based character education, a loving and practical instruction in the faith, and parent collaboration. This wise plan comes from a deep understanding of women and what they need in their formative years to gain the best foundation. 
Character Development is woven throughout our curriculum and program, but here are some essential aspects:
 

Mentoring

The cornerstone of an Oakcrest education is our mentoring program. Mentors meet regularly one-on-one with students, and girls can seek them out for encouragement in academics, friendships, and service to others. Acting in partnership with the parents, the mentor guides each student as she works on her own personal growth. At Oakcrest students develop the lifelong habit of seeking good advice from the wisdom of others and working on personal goals for growth.
 

Service

Service lies at the heart of leadership and character education at Oakcrest. All girls fulfill a specified number of hours serving others in their homes and communities. Working with the student council, girls can initiate school-based service programs. The school community also comes together throughout the year to work on projects that assist people and programs in our local communities. Learn more about service at Oakcrest here. 

 

St. John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, n. 30

The moral and spiritual strength of a woman is joined to her awareness that God entrusts the human being to her in a special way. Of course, God entrusts every human being to each and every other human being. But this entrusting concerns women in a special way - precisely by reason of their femininity - and this in a particular way determines their vocation. 

Grade Level Virtues

The cultivation of virtue is woven throughout our curriculum. Each grade focuses on specific virtues throughout the year. 

  • Sixth Grade: Order, Generosity of Heart, Attitude of Wonder 
  • Seventh Grade: Friendship, Kindness, Perseverance 
  • Eighth Grade: Reflection, Loyalty, Justice 
  • Ninth Grade: Self-Knowledge, Sporting Spirit, Fortitude 
  • Tenth Grade: Discernment, Empathy, Authenticity 
  • Eleventh Grade: Constancy, Gratitude, Prudence 
  • Twelfth Grade: Seeking Good Counsel, Patriotism, Courage 

Leadership Workshops

Leadership Workshops engage students in discussions that foster ethical, reflective thinking and moral decision-making. Leadership Workshops encourage personal growth in virtue, and empathetic understanding  of the viewpoints of others.  Past speakers have included Jennifer Pharr Davis, author and renowned hiker of the Appalachian Trail, and Immaculée Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor.  
 
Associate Head of School and Director of Parent Support Terri Collins has four daughters who are Oakcrest alumnae. Here, she talks about why they are grateful for their Oakcrest education.  
1619 Crowell Road, Vienna, VA 22182
703-790-5450