Oak Grove Classical Academy

Posted: May 31, 2024

Oak Grove is okay for elementary, but quite lacking for middle and high school. The STEM program is abysmal, and the student's standardized test scores in math and science attest to that. Grammar and writing programs are excellent, but the subject matter and reading material as the students progress to higher grades are boring and tedious. Many of the teachers do not use the classical method to teach, and there are teachers who are not certified to teach at all. Sports and arts programs are pretty much nonexistent. The school has been renting space in a church for like 15 years now, with no hope of ever having a permanent building, so students never get to hang their artwork on the walls, leave their science projects on display, etc. They have to schlep all their books and materials back and forth between school and home, and the "sentinels" have to police every piece of loose paper or pencils, water spilled, or anything left behind they aren't allowed to leave one shred of evidence that they were ever there, lest the church has a fit. The headmaster came from another school that had no strategic plan, and he brought that same lack of skill and planning to OGA. So there is really no plan for a permanent school. The description of the school is grossly inaccurate also. This is not a non-denominational Christian school. This is an Evangelical church ONLY school. Families will be looked down upon for being Catholic, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc. Evangelical students will make negative comments to non-Evangelical students, how they are wrong, etc...and there is very little done about it, bc the teachers and admin agree that there way is the only "right" way. There is a strict, but unspoken but very thinly veiled code there that if you aren't part of a working dad, SAHM trad-wife family, you are lesser. There is also a very strong current of right wing political sentiment, and quite a bit of hierarchy among students whose parents are deemed more important due to money or having a special standing in church, etc.

Posted: May 31, 2024

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Posted: December 29, 2021

"Hired" for teaching science but quickly discovered they wanted a baby sitter, not a teacher. First clue was when they switched books mid-quarter. Most students had dismal math skills and with no prerequisites, they struggled with fundamentals. Second clue surfaced when no course standard could be found. The school had no standard. The accrediting agency had no standard. And State standards did not apply to a private school. Therefore, anything could be taught for high school graduation. Ironically, the school was applying for dual-credit status where a course would count as college credit for those who wanted to pay for it. In practice, teaching an AP level curriculum to some while instructing others in rudimentary math would have been impossible. In addition, sports took priority - pulling students from class, keeping them out late and missing class the next day, and injuries requiring doctor visits during class time. I lasted six weeks but the die had already been cast. Most students were granted mask and vaccine waivers, thus alienating students under restrictions. One student was clinically depressed, another had Lupus, and a third hyper-sensitive to noise. Achievement goals of the school listed on the website are outstanding ... if only the administration followed them. I am now tutoring students struggling in various classes at this school. I am a retired military officer, retired STEM educator, and > 1800 tutoring hours. I volunteer and never took a penny.

Posted: December 29, 2021

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Posted: April 24, 2018

For grammar school, the students do not have homework. The school understands and places value on family and community time, and does not expect students to spend 10 hours per day in school and another 3-4 at night doing schoolwork at home. In the higher grades (mid and high) the students are assigned more in-depth projects which may require independent work outside of the classroom and home days, but the focus is on learning and not on demanding that students spend time with hours and hours of homework in addition to classroom (or home classroom) learning.

Posted: April 24, 2018

MOST teachers are effective, but I have found that when the school is in urgent need of a teacher, they will hire any "teacher" who has experience just to fill the slot. I was incredibly disappointed in my student's 4th grade teacher this year. The school hired a teacher who was not classically trained and had experience teaching middle school in Albuquerque Public schools. She admitted many times that she did not understand the lessons herself, and how to teach some of the subject matter. More times than not, my student came home on Mondays and Wednesdays having not completed the in-school lesson plan - they would either skip entire lessons or come home with incomplete work. This teacher also teaches math outside of how the book and lessons for the school are outlined, stating "I don't like the book way so we are doing this my way." This has resulted in delays moving through math lessons, and a disconnect between what the students get in class vs. at home. She does not have a grasp of how to teach the lessons or how to manage the students and the time. She is clearly unprepared, and the onus is then on the parents to teach more. There is no partnership when the coteacher cannot keep up with the lesson plans and teach the lessons appropriately. My child, who is a straight A student and has struggled very little with concepts, has come home confused by his teacher and is very disinterested in classroom education in general. This is a direct result of the teacher skipping lessons, not understanding the subject matter to teach the lesson, and rushing through the work because she does not take the time to plan her lessons, giving forethought into how to "go deeper." which is a key to classical education.
Unfortunately this teacher also doesn't teach the bible in her class. Of course the bible is part of the lesson plan, but her rules and discipline are lacking biblical foundation. There is clearly a bully in the classroom and he is more or less allowed to behave this way. The teacher simply does not expect or model Christ-like relations in the classroom, probably because she can barely get through the lessons.

Posted: April 24, 2018

Christlike behavior is modeled and taught at the school. Some teachers are better than others, but for the most part, this is an expectation.

Posted: April 24, 2018

My rating about the leadership is directly related to teacher selection above. I am extremely disappointed that the school leadership did not invest the time in selecting a better fit/better trained teacher for 4th grade and they clearly have not taking the time to appropriately train the new fourth grade teacher on how to teach the subjects and provide learning according to classical guidelines.

Posted: April 24, 2018

It depends on the teacher, once again. I have been extremely disappointed in how our current teacher deals with class bullying. Overall, believe that the school has no tolerance for this kind of thing. They simply need to better train the new 4th grade teacher.

Posted: April 24, 2018

I would give the school an 8 out of ten. The environment is wonderful. The values are in place and the administration and teachers are clearly committed to providing the best education and experience for students and families. The curriculum is challenging and the school gives opportunities to grow in sports and other extracurricular activities. The focus truly is on Christ. Aside from some of the classroom and teacher issues, I'm so very pleased with Oak Grove Classical Academy!

Posted: April 1, 2018

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It's not just a school, it's a wonderful community coming together to teach children.

Posted: October 2, 2017

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Posted: October 2, 2017

We are in our 4th year and love it. Extremely strong academics and large emphasis on character. My children are getting an amazing education. We love the format that allows us to have our home school days.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Great leadership and integrity shown by the teachers and administration.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Our experiences have been wonderful with all of our teachers.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Homework has been minimal in grammar school, outside of home days. Teachers are proving to be efficient with their time.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Great teachers and a clear vision from the headmaster.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Absolutely dealt with promptly by staff. I have no issues.

Posted: February 23, 2017

Posted: February 23, 2017

Very naive statements made by an earlier commenter. Staff has always been very open and transparent. Typically the parents who claim they don't understand the vision are the ones who don't participate in their child's education.

The school holds many open houses and Q&A sessions.

Posted: December 12, 2016

Posted: December 12, 2016

As a private school, this school does not specify a program for SPED.

Posted: December 12, 2016

Poor vision and tight-lipped, closed door decision making.

Posted: December 12, 2016

The school's strongest asset is a focus on student character. Unfortunately this is hampered by lack of administrative leadership.

Posted: December 12, 2016

A few of them are. A few of them are not. There is little supervision to ensure.

Posted: December 12, 2016

Two days a week are home-schooled. Homework is done at this time.

Posted: December 12, 2016

OG is not a classical school, unfortunately. They are a part of the more modern "Christian Classical" movement and subscribe to the pseudo-classical approach embraced by the Circe institute which is really a repackaging of more novel educational theory.
To be more specific, the elementary level education is decent, but the approach is not unified from teacher to teacher and the breakdown is that the early-years students are not taught the classical way. Much reliance on home training lacks expert supervision that would guarantee a classical approach.
As students graduate into higher grades, the disparity between teaching approaches becomes more prominent. By the end of middle school (logic school), the students are presented in a diverse manner.
This school focuses on language to the detriment of numeracy and scientific literacy. The school is bereft of technical training.
There is high teacher and administrator turnover. Individually the teachers and administrators care, but I believe they are subject to a misguided vision passed on by either the board or poor leadership.
The Bible education is minimal when compared to that of other schools. The home-schooling parent would be better off staying at home or finding a co-op. The parent in search of a school experience would be as well off going to public school.
As of this writing, only a few of their best teachers still remain.

Posted: July 29, 2015

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Posted: July 29, 2015

We have had our children enrolled at OG for 4 years and love the school. My oldest son (just finished 3rd grade) learned to write papers last year and LOVES writing... I am convinced that this is because of the classical methods used and challenging, yet interesting topics/literature that they read and write about. The teachers hold a standard and give the kids the tools needed to thrive at that standard. The students come through as confident writers/presenters, competent readers of classical works, knowing history timelines, high standards for math, grammar & science, etc, etc... All with a Christian Worldview.

Posted: November 4, 2013

I love Oak Grove. Today my son said to my husband and I, "I like going to school." That brought joy to my heart. I love knowing he is learning from godly teachers and is being shaped to know and defend what he believes. The model for this school brings a joy to learning. We love participating in teaching our son and look forward to our daughter starting there next year!

Posted: October 9, 2013

We have three kids in the school and have nothing but amazing things to say. The teaching staff and curriculum are incredible in challenging our kids daily. I am amazed at what my 2nd grader is able to do! We are ecstatic that we are not having to choose between a Christ-centered education and a rigorous one.

Posted: October 9, 2013

The best Classical school, without exception. I have tried numerous others schools, including homeschooling and family school, for my children. I can finally say that I have found our home. Oak Grove is truly the best of both worlds, combining Christian and Classical teachings, with the right amount of parental involvement. I don't know what axe the previous parent had to grind in saying this is "not a classical school by any measure." I question if they even know what Classical truly is because that statement couldn't be further from the truth. I would venture to say the opposite is true in that Oak Grove is the most Classical school I have found. Oak Grove takes great care and concern in educating parents like me as to what Classical is (and is not). I have learned so much since starting Oak Grove. The curriculum is exceptional and rigorous. It's clear their curriculum is carefully examined to meet high standards for Classical rigor. I love how it challenges my children everyday in ways I never would have thought. My kids absolutely love this school and enjoy their teachers. Take it from someone who's actually in the school, you will not find a better Classical school.

Posted: October 9, 2013

I came here to leave a great review for my school, because it deserves one. But I find myself wanting to defend it from the one star review left by a "parent". I find it hard to believe that person ever actually attended the school since their comments are, as they say, a "smoke screen". I've been a part of Oak Grove from year one, and currently have three kids in the school. Nothing in that poor review has any truth to it (other than the math curriculum). Math has changed three times in six years (not five), and for good reason someone who attended the school would be privy to. I absolutely love the school's Classical curriculum, and find it challenging on every level. It is a joy to see my kids love school, and I couldn't be happier with the progress they have made at Oak Grove. This school rivals any other perceived "rigorous" school like the Academy. But surpasses them, in my opinion, due to the rigor combined with a Classical, Christian education. This school is preparing my kids in ways I only wish I had at their age. I love this school, and you will to. Take it from an actual parent, and the many others who would agree.

Posted: October 7, 2013

This is currently not a classical school by any measure. 10 nearly identical reviews love it but you can get a comparable education with similarly vague expectations at Fam. school. At least it is free with mixed-age classes allowing advanced children to work at their level without being stifled by inactivity. Oak uses contemporary curricula, and books published mostly in the last 50 years. It's changed math curricula 3 times in 5 years and has a hard time sticking with any. It is a school designed for and by a tightly knit core of families with a Presbyterian outlook, with a token number of other Christians thrown in so they can claim a "broad family base". There is a long, time-consuming and misleading acceptance process reminiscent of initiation, as if to instill a feeling you get prestige by being accepted there after all the pain you're put through. This initiation process offers no concrete information, just the smoke screen that you can read on their site, which has very little to do with what you should actually be expecting. Basically they give a lot of empty promises in the beginning. It does have the potential to be a great school, if they change a few things.

Posted: September 26, 2013

Why anybody would put their kids in any school other than Oak Grove is beyond me. I have been a part of Oak Grove from the day they opened their doors, and I wouldn't even think about working for or sending my kids to any other school in Albuquerque. Other schools may be Christian, or classical, or "rigorous", or parent "friendly". But absolutely none of them combine all these elements. It is the only school that I've found that offers all these components, and they do a great job of balancing them. In a time of short attention spans and electronic overload, Oak Grove is "swimming against the current" by teaching students how to think, not what to think. The things I see my kids learning, and the things I see teachers teaching...I can only say how much I wish I had this when I was their age. It is the education I never had, and my kids are going to be so much further along then I was at their age due to what they're being taught, and how they're being taught.

Posted: September 25, 2013

Oak Grove is awesome! It combines the best of both worlds when it comes to education! The benefits of having intimate/personalized teaching done by a parent on home days as well as the social aspect and classroom experience of a school, not to mention the classical education that is proven and priceless!!!

Posted: September 24, 2013

We have been so incredibly fortunate to have our children enrolled at Oak Grove Classical. I truly believe that it is the best elementary and middle school in all of Albuquerque if you are looking for a school where excellent academics and character-building are top priorities. We have three students currently attending Oak Grove and we have been pleased at every level- preK, elementary and middle school. The teachers truly care about the students on every level- personally, academically and spiritually. The other families are supportive and there is a great sense of community. The balance between time at home learning with parents and the time spent learning in a more traditional classroom setting has been wonderful. I cannot recommend this school highly enough!

Posted: September 24, 2013

Two of our children currently attend Oak Grove. It is, hands down, the best school I have ever encountered as a student, teacher, or parent. The curriculum is classical, which is really just another way of saying truly developmentally appropriate, and with the goal of forming good men and women who are well-spoken. Oak Grove is not a Christian "bubble," and difficult topics are tackled head on with a Christian worldview. As a university model school, it strikes the perfect balance between parental responsibility and professional guidance. I cannot imagine sending my children to any other school, and that includes full time homeschooling.

Posted: September 24, 2013

Oak Grove is a perfect combination of homeschool and classical private education. The teachers do an excellent job creating the lesson plans, challenging the students and being a wonderful resource to the parent co-teachers. I look forward to many years of watching our sons develop a love of learning!

Posted: September 23, 2013

We have been a part of Oak Grove Classical Academy from the beginning (2008), and it is our desire is to see all 4 of our children graduate from there someday! We see the heart of the school is Christ-centered in all things, in the leadership, administration, staff and even in a likemindedness among families. We love the content of the material our children are learning! In fact, it's a good thing that parents get to co-teach alongside professional staff, because this is the kind of education we wished we had had. We see great formation of their character taking shape, and are expectant to see great things in them in the future as the fruit of a classical education more firmly takes root. We have joyfully chosen this path for our family because it provides the best parts of homeschooling (tightly knit family relationships, character formation, passing on of our Christian values) as well as the best parts of private school (social connections, professional staff, classical curriculum and treasured memories of school). We hearily recommend it to all our friends. The future looks bright for Oak Grove Classical Academy!

Posted: September 23, 2013

Oak Grove Classical Academy was literally the answer to our prayers for our two daughters. Overwhelmed and intimidated by the thought of home schooling our two girls independently, the Lord brought us the amazing Christ centered, University Model school that is Oak Grove. The staff at Oak Grove have come along side me as the co-teacher to help me not only educate my children in Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic but, to teach my children to live for Christ. After 3 years of being a co-teacher with Oak Grove Classical Academy, the Lord urged me to teach there as well. Our entire family has been infinitely blessed by this incredible school.

Posted: September 23, 2013

Oak Grove Classical Academy was the perfect school I never thought to look for. I literally stumbled across its existence through friends. This school's focus is family, Christ, and the importance of wonder and discovery through learning. It is a part-time homeschool/part-time classroom University modeled school. Like all newer schools, it's a work in progress. The beautiful thing is that you can see the Lord's hand guiding this school's direction every year. It continually improves upon its already existing greatness. The most important thing is it excels in the things that matter most. The teachers and faculty care about their calling, (not job,) to teach your children not only subjects like Math or Science, but life skills like kindness, Godliness, and compassion. They do a wonderful job at supplementing what you as parents are already instilling. As parents, you get to be a co-teacher. You are part of the learning process, which is a beautiful, challenging gift. It's not for everyone, but for those parents out there that have considered homeschooling, I encourage you to consider Oak Grove Classical Academy. My child's educational and personal growth has been astounding.

Posted: September 22, 2013

We have had our children at Oak Grove since it opened. They have always maintained their high standard of excellence. The teachers are enthusiastic and love learning. Their love of learning spreads to the children. They also have top notch Music, Art and PE programs. I would highly recommend OGCA to any family who wants something different and challenging. This school is exceptional.

Posted: September 22, 2013

Oak Grove Classical Academy of ABQ has been a wonderful blessing for our family dynamics. Co-teachering is a wonderful experience and the support you get from your teachers is just awesome. They are always trying to improve new things and take the families suggestions into the decision making process. I welcome other families to take the challenge and partake in our wonderful experience.