Academics
Academic Program
Elizabeth Black, Dean of Faculty & Curriculum
The liberal arts student sees the big picture. The individual facts and subjects that she learns find their broader meaning when seen in light of the true, the good, and the beautiful.
The educational vision at Oakcrest is grounded in a deeply Christian understanding of what it means to be a human being and a woman, as presented in Sacred Scripture and developed in the teachings of the Catholic Church. With decades of experience in single-sex education, we are uniquely suited to help young women flourish.
Our liberal arts curriculum is at the core of our person-centered educational endeavor. Liberal arts, as their name suggests, are the studies that free a person from ignorance and uninformed opinion by training her to inquire into and understand the very principles of knowledge: to think logically, to look carefully and listen reflectively, to dialogue with others, and to discern the essential from the inessential. The student of the liberal arts is not content to assimilate facts and information presented about a subject, for this is to be dependent upon the understanding and judgments of others; rather, she has the discernment necessary to evaluate sources and to think for herself.
Thus, educated as a whole person, an Oakcrest graduate knows who she is, and is thereby prepared to accompany others, and to live a life of self-gift in her work, family and civic life. She learns how to be a good friend, a serious thinker, and a woman eager to engage in solving problems in a person-centered way. Having encountered the beauty of Truth and firmly rooted in the confidence that she is a child of God, the Oakcrest graduate is sent out to the world to live virtue in the Truth (virtus in veritas) and to invite others to do the same.
Outstanding All-Female Faculty
Approximately 80% of our faculty hold advanced degrees in their fields or postgraduate certifications. The student/teacher ratio is 6:1. Our teachers are chosen because of their expertise in their field of study as well as for their ability to serve as role models and mentors to our students. Faculty meet regularly with students outside of class time to answer questions and to offer guidance.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising at Oakcrest begins in 9th grade. Students plan their path to graduation with the help of the Director of Academic Advising, who helps them think through their academic strengths and their interests as they consider their course options. Given the rigor of our course requirements and our appreciation for a whole person educational experience, we recommend that our students enroll in no more than two AP courses per year. This focus allows them to participate in extracurricular activities, have time for home life, a job, and generally to learn well and with depth and enjoyment.
Why Do All Oakcrest Students Study Physics?
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives—choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
—Aristotle
What makes Academic Advising at Oakcrest So Special?
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Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI), Oakcrest School is a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).
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Academic Support
Oakcrest provides a comprehensive academic support system for our students. Oakcrest faculty are dedicated to promoting engagement and understanding in the classroom. In cooperation with the Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, our Learning Specialist works with teachers to support students with a variety of learning styles, and social, physical and emotional needs. We aim to build resilient students who:
- Engage actively in the learning process
- Believe learning is based on personal motivation, perseverance, and effort
- View mistakes as part of the learning process
- See the teacher as a supporting adult
- Understand their unique learning styles
- Proactively seek help when they need it
