Our Mission
Mission & Philosophy
Educating young women in freedom, truth, joy, and friendship.
Why We Exist
Every young woman is uniquely created by God
Oakcrest welcomes girls of every faith, and of no particular faith, into a community animated by the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. We believe every young woman’s search for meaning is worth honoring, wherever she is on that journey.
Each student is uniquely created by God, with gifts, talents, and a vocation that are hers alone. Because no two young women are alike, discovering who she is becomes a lifelong adventure — one that unfolds through growth in virtue and a deepening relationship with God.
An Oakcrest education provides the academic, spiritual, personal, and physical formation she needs to pursue that discovery with confidence and authenticity. Our goal is to help each student become the woman God created her to be, and to live out that calling with excellence, generosity, and joy.
Mission
Oakcrest School in partnership with parents challenges girls in grades 6-12 to develop their intellect, character, faith and leadership potential to thrive in college and throughout their lives.
Philosophy
Oakcrest, an independent school, educates the whole person. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the spirituality of Opus Dei, we weave together a rich liberal arts curriculum, one-on-one mentoring, character development, and service to create a vibrant environment that graduates confident women who will make a difference in all they choose to do.
If you are who God created you to be,
you will set the world on fire.
— St. Catherine of Siena
50
Years of Education
In the autumn of 1976, a group of families and educators came together to establish an independent all-girls school in Washington, DC, that would give young women an integrated education of mind, body, and soul that would prepare them to be forces for good in society.
Oakcrest was founded after the Second Vatican Council’s call in Gravissimum Educationis (“on the utmost importance of education”) for schools that serve the whole person in the light of faith.
What began as a small school on Idaho Ave, has grown into a vibrant community in Northern Virginia, remaining faithful to its founding commitment to academic excellence, mentoring, faith, and partnership with parents.
“Dream big, and your dreams will fall short.”
St. Josemaría Escrivá
Reading the Crest
Hover any part of the crest — or a card — to preview it. Click to keep it highlighted; click the crest background to clear.
Green evokes the vitality of a life that is growing, flourishing, and filled with hope. White points to the pursuit of truth, purity of heart, and the light of Christ. Together, they symbolize the beauty of a soul that is firmly rooted in God and continually growing toward the fullness of its calling.
Since ancient times, the oak tree has been a symbol of wisdom, strength, and prosperity. Christian tradition further associates it with Christ, Our Lady, and the Cross. At Oakcrest, the oak tree embodies the journey of our students: rooted in truth and their identity as beloved daughters of God, strengthened in character, intellect, body, and heart, and branching outward through friendship, apostolate, and leadership to bring their gifts to the world.
Virtus et Veritas, Latin for “Virtue and Truth,” captures the heart of an Oakcrest education. At Oakcrest, these are not antiquated terms, but words full of life and creativity. Virtus reflects our commitment to forming students in character and virtue, while Veritas expresses our dedication to the pursuit of truth. Together, they symbolize the harmony of faith and reason, inspiring students not only to seek the truth, but to live it.
The rose, a beloved symbol of St. Josemaría Escrivá, reflects the spirituality of Opus Dei and a profound devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. During his escape across the Pyrenees amid religious persecution, St. Josemaría found a wooden rose in the ruins of a church, a sign of Our Lady’s comfort and protection. At Oakcrest, the rose reminds students of Mary’s constant presence in their lives and her role as a loving mother who guides them closer to Christ.
