Oakwood School

Posted: October 30, 2024

Our son has been at Oakwood for one year and we are so pleased with his progress - both academically and emotionally. His transition to Oakwood as a middle schooler was seamless - it was almost like he'd always been there. The small team structure and support has helped him make great strides academically and we've seen his confidence grow along with it. He looks forward to school, homework is no longer a struggle and he is learning strategies that will help him as he continues his academic journey. The teachers and staff are so welcoming and friendly - it seems that they really love what they do and it shows. There is a real emphasis on community and families are engaged. There are numerous events throughout the year for parents and families to meet and support the community through various different Oakwood traditions. Overall, we are so grateful we found Oakwood. It's been a great fit for our family!

Posted: October 30, 2024

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Posted: October 8, 2024

After being home schooled for 4 years, we chose Oakwood to prepare our son for high school in 7th and 8th grade. Oakwood partnered with us to prepare him academically, cognitively, and socially to succeed in high school and beyond...and they did not disappoint! Our son has ADHD and language processing challenges. The teachers and faculty at Oakwood not only equipped him with the tools and strategies he needed to navigate a college prep environment, but empowered him with the confidence he needed to thrive in the academic world. The executive functioning strategies Oakwood instilled in him were instrumental in his success in high school and (as of this review) his sophomore year in college; he has NEVER missed an academic assignment! As a college freshman and sophomore, he insists on using the annual Oakwood student planner he became familiar with, and he has made the honor role/deans list each quarter. Even now, 6 years after leaving Oakwood, he still visits the school and his core group of teachers. For those reading this review, know that our son has surpassed our expectations for his academic achievements. We knew he'd graduate high school; we never dreamed he'd graduate high school with honors. We're not bragging...we're humbly indicating that we owe a large part of that success to Oakwood.

Posted: October 8, 2024

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As a former public school special educator with over twenty years of experience, Oakwood is the clear choice for students with learning differences. Contrary to many public schools that make accommodations for students, Oakwood uses tried and true multisensory methods to teach children reading, writing, and math, while helping them build strategies they'll keep and use in high school and beyond. Oakwood truly employs the “It takes a village to raise a child” approach, where teachers, students, and families come together to help students learn, and build confidence and friendships to last a lifetime!

Posted: October 8, 2024

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Posted: October 3, 2024

I cannot say enough good things about Oakwood! My daughter started here in seventh grade and had a wonderful middle school experience! I feel that she is prepared for high school and has learned how to navigate for learning differences with a sense of joy and confidence. Before we came here, her academic confidence was very shaken, and as we’re preparing to finish her time at Oakwood and move onto high school, she feels equipped and empowered.

Posted: October 3, 2024

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Posted: March 18, 2023

Oakwood is a very special place. My child is thriving after being discouraged and underestimated in public school. The public school system is not equipped to provide adequate support and academic rigor for children like mine, with high intellectual ability and learning disabilities.
Oakwood challenges my child while providing the scaffolding they need to succeed and rebuild their love of learning. The instruction and approach to remediation are highly effective, delivered by caring teachers. Simultaneously, the curriculum content presumes my child's capacity for higher level thinking and future education. After years of ineffective IEPs and unkept promises in public school (for both of my children,) we recognized the need for a change.
While our family has had to sacrifice and re-prioritize in order to make an Oakwood education possible for our child, we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Posted: March 18, 2023

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Posted: February 8, 2022

After years of struggling through the public school system, we are so thankful to have found the Oakwood School! Small classroom sizes, multisensory teaching programs, and focused help not only ensures our daughter learns the content, but it also gives her tools and techniques she can use for a lifetime of learning! The Oakwood approach means that she is not only learning the way she needs to she is also thriving and gaining educational confidence. The entire school is supportive and kind...administrators, teachers and peers. In our experience, when a child comes home from a happy day at school, the whole family benefits...being at Oakwood School has been such a positive experience for our whole family.

Posted: February 8, 2022

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Posted: June 8, 2020

That's the whole point of Oakwood. After struggling at a public school, Oakwood has made a huge difference for my son in its multi-sensory approach. They use neuro-science and years of experience to identify multiple ways for kids to learn and to help them identify the strategies that work best for their individual brains.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Posted: June 8, 2020

Oakwood is an amazing place. My son has been there for 4 years and has loved every minute of it - I've seen his confidence in himself and his schoolwork grow each year. And even with distance learning this year, he continued to learn and engage. The teachers made the transition to distance learning in partnership with the kids and parents. There was continuous communication with parents, and a lot of working through any technology challenges with the kids during class. My son had classes, with appropriate breaks in between, for nearly a full day every week day - including art, music and PE. He was engaged in online class conversations, could easily navigate classes and the classroom homework and lessons, and was learning new material. Oakwood made the best of a tough situation and because of it my son had a standard schedule and could see his friends and teachers regularly and didn't feel like he was missing out on learning. We even continued OT virtually and they sent materials home so he had all the tools he needed to be supported during online classes.

Oakwood was a game changer for us when we started and it has continued to be a wonderful place for my son to learn and grow...even from a distance.

Posted: June 8, 2020

There is homework, but it is not too much for my son to handle and is enough to challenge him but also to let the teachers see how much he is retaining from the lessons and where they need to continue to help him.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Every year we've had amazing teachers. They challenge my son, help him find the best strategies to learn, and are patient with him as he works through social-emotional challenges and learning challenges. And they made the transition to distance learning easy and effective. He loves his teachers.

Posted: June 8, 2020

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Posted: June 4, 2020

This was our first year at Oakwood, and the first year that my daughter didn't melt down doing her homework. She came home every day, pulled out her homework, and finished it with out any trouble. If she didn't understand something, sometimes she would ask me, and other times she would just say that she needed to talk to her teacher the next day. There was no drama!

Posted: June 4, 2020

Her teachers were amazing. My daughter finally felt heard and understood. They took the time to get to know her and build a relationship of trust with her before they started to push her academically. It made all the difference.

Posted: June 4, 2020

There is a heavy evidence on learning to value and respect peers. I saw my daughter become more supportive and concerned with others and how they were feeling.

Posted: June 4, 2020

The leadership is outstanding. From the Head of School, the Admissions Director, the Academic Team and the teachers, you are dealing with professionals who love children and who celebrate their differences.

Posted: June 4, 2020

They not only support students with learning differences -- they celebrate them! After feeling "dumb" for four years in public school, my daughter is now proud of the fact that she has dyslexia and that her brain "learns differently."

Posted: June 4, 2020

We didn't have any cases of bullying, but when children in the class had conflict, her teachers and the counselor helped them to work through it in a healthy and respectful way.

Posted: June 4, 2020

This was our first year at Oakwood, and it was LIFE CHANGING! My daughter is a different little girl -- happier, more self confident and more out-going. She now believes in herself and her ability to learn, and celebrates her dyslexia as something that makes her "more creative." My only regret is that I didn't enroll her earlier.

Posted: June 4, 2020

The best of the best. We are grateful each and every day to have discovered Oakwood School.

Posted: June 4, 2020

Finally, homework that is meant to compliment what has already been learned, can be completed independently, and doesn't take hours.

Posted: June 4, 2020

The best of the best! Highly educated and qualified.

Posted: June 4, 2020

My child has grown in all aspects in just the first year enrolled. Even with the Covid-19 interruptions, their wasn't really any interruptions or hiccups, learning and character building classes continued online!

Posted: June 4, 2020

Administration is absolutely approachable and friendly. Can't ask for a better team!

Posted: June 4, 2020

The perfect fit for students with a unique academic profile. My child is strong in certain areas, below grade level in others, borderline ADD and anxiety and this was his best school year yet! I can't wait to see the gains he'll achieve in the years to come at Oakwood!

Posted: June 4, 2020

Students across grade levels have opportunities to work together. A close community feel. There is no room for bullying, and should any concerns arise, they are in the know and on it!!

Posted: October 4, 2018

After 8 years at Oakwood, my son recently started 9th grade at an area college prep school. Although I already thought the world of Oakwood, I was thrilled and amazed to see how well prepared he was for high school. I am now able to "norm" his skill level against "typically developing" students, and am so grateful to realize his abilities are certainly on par with, and in many areas beyond, those of his peers. Oakwood is an excellent educational experience for any student. We initially went to Oakwood to protect my son's self-image and grow his confidence as he learned to cope with his learning differences, and we ended up with a strong learner well-equipped to handle the demands of a college prep curriculum.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Homework is designed to accomplish the educational goal of providing students with practice to master new skills, and teachers with feedback on the effectiveness of their teaching. It is never "homework for homework's sake," and is geared to the capacity of the individual student. The emphasis is on effort, and on gaining mastery; it is never punitive.

Posted: October 4, 2018

The teachers are the heart and soul of the school, and are what makes it truly exceptional. They are incredibly skilled, and incredibly compassionate. They teach because they have a strong commitment to transforming students' lives, and to making a difference. These teachers could teach anywhere (probably for more money) but they choose Oakwood because they know they can make a difference.

Posted: October 4, 2018

The Oakwood staff models integrity, compassion, and respect, and the students absorb the culture they are surrounded in. The school thoughtfully and deliberately creates opportunities for the children to grow and develop their character. The school will pair older children with younger; provide leadership opportunities; focus on acts of kindness, and emphasize the importance of resilience and a positive mindset.

Posted: October 4, 2018

The McIntyres are the most remarkable educators. They have a very clear vision, and they are able to translate that vision into a concrete educational program that is very effective. Everyone at the school - from the head to the janitorial staff - understands the mission, cares deeply for the students, and works every day to bring out the best in everyone.

Posted: October 4, 2018

This, of course, is the school's entire mission, and one they execute to perfection. Their staff is constantly training to stay on top of the latest developments in the growing understanding of brain development and how to best incorporate those understandings into sound educational practices.

Posted: October 4, 2018

The school community is very small, and the faculty teach the idea that everyone is different, and everyone has value. Since the faculty and staff are involved with every aspect of the students' day -- from supervising morning drop off to recess to lunch and after school - they are very aware of the interrelationships between the students. The don't just stop bulling, the actively teach the students how to be good friends and good citizens.

Posted: June 2, 2016

Oakwood is absolutely a life changing school for a child with dyslexia. The academic and emotional difference in my intellectually gifted child with a specific learning disability was profound within weeks of starting school. We feel so very fortunate to have found such an amazing school that fosters my childs self confidence, accelerates his strengths ( he is doing 3rd grade math in 2nd grade) and remediates his weaknesses. A mom told me when I interviewed that attending Oakwood was like sending your child to "Pleasantville". It is completely true. The children are taught compassion for each other and learning differences because everyone has a learning difference but they all have learning strengths as well. All the parents have been tortured in one way or another by the failures of the other school systems to either diagnose or help treat their child before finally reaching Oakwood. So we are all just blissful to be at Oakwood and watch our children be truely LOVED by their teaches, not reprimanded. Our kids are accelerated in learning not shoved to the back of the class. The student teacher ratio is amazing. My son learns all day long in every subject at his level reinforcing all the things that he is taught in each class. He could not be more happy at school while learning far more in a year than he did int he previous two years. I cannot thank the staff enough for the gift they give each of their students. Not to be dramatic, but it really is the gift of your students reaching their true amazing potential with a strong sense of self confidence and compassion for others.

Posted: June 2, 2016

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Posted: September 25, 2015

My son spent 3 years in the public school system. His confidence and self esteem were completely taken away and that was with an IEP which got him services. He is Dsyexic and has learning disabilities. We are now into his first 2 weeks at Oakwood School and he is already becoming a different learner; more confident, engaged, and excited about his day. I can find no greater gift or value than one that gives my child an ability to see his full potential. He is an amazing young boy who can now reach his full potential...and he is starting to see it :) We are very blessed to have this school in our lives! Thank you Oakwood!

Posted: September 25, 2015

We spent 3 years in the public school system and my son's self esteem and confidence was completely taken away and that was with an IEP. We are now at Oakwood School and after only 2 weeks I am seeing a different child in regards to his confidence and abilities. He is Dsylexic with learning disabilities but his potential can finally be fostered and his abilities fully attained. We are blessed....Thank you Oakwood!

Posted: November 23, 2014

Oakwood is the place to be for children with learning and/or attention issues. Both our sons are now happy, thriving and achieving their full potential both academically and socially. The teachers and trained and equipped to help children with issues like dyslexia, executive functioning, ADHD, etc. Very small classes sizes, loving staff, highly professional teachers and administration. They also instill principles of leadership, responsibility and kindess.

Posted: June 19, 2014

My son graduated last week after spending 3 years at Oakwood. He's on to high school next year. I hate to think about what my expectations were for his future when he started ... this positive experience has turned everything around for him and given him confidence as well as a good education. We're so grateful to the teachers and staff!

Posted: October 28, 2013

Oakwood is a wonderful school for children with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The unbelievable talent of the teachers and administrators is second to none. Oakwood concentrates on not only providing the children with life time strategies to learn but to accept and embrace their differences which in turn bolsters their self confidence. The change in my children has been remarkable. I highly recommend this school to any parent struggling to find a place where their child may realize their limitless potential.

Posted: October 26, 2013

We are extremely pleased with Oakwood School. The school has been a savior for our dyslexic daughter who was not getting her educational needs met in the public school system.

Posted: October 25, 2013

Oakwood is my son's first school (other than preschool), and I am so thrilled because he now has only positive experiences with going to school. He absolutely loves it. And this is a child for whom school is not easy. The only part that he does not like, he tells me, is having to leave at the end of the day. As parents, we are also thrilled with the educational program and with the social and emotional skills that are fostered in the classroom. The teachers and the administrators are top notch, and the extent to which they care for the students is evident every day. They all go the extra mile and make the kids feel great. I would give more than five stars if I could.

Posted: October 25, 2013

Speaking as a parent, this is the perfect environment for a child who is average-to-bright intelligence, but has some learning challenge such as dyslexia or ADHD. My son attended for 5th and 6th grade; my daughter is currently enrolled for 8th. Also, our home environment is much happier when my children feel understood and nurtured at school! They learn MUCH more here than at public school, and Oakwood helps them with organizational skills. I found the other private schools, Christian, and Catholic schools are not prepared to support the child with Learning Disabilities. We decided to spend some of our college savings HERE at Oakwood, to bolster our childrens' education and learning abilities, is these earlier critical years.

Posted: October 24, 2013

I am in my 38th year as a staff member here at Oakwood School. If I did not think this staff was of the highest quality I would have left many years ago, BUT, the quality of the teaching staff is outstanding and Oakwood's students are the direct recipients of this superb, energetic, enthusiastic staff. Great, supportive parents, motivated, hard working students coupled with dedicated staff - all necessary ingredients for a highly successful school.

Posted: October 24, 2013

We have been thrilled with Oakwood - and have noticed a tremendous difference in our son who attends, both from an academic perspective and in terms of personal confidence. We recommend Oakwood highly and feel so fortunate to be part of the Oakwood Team.

Posted: October 23, 2013

What a blessing this school has been. Our child was "falling through the cracks" in the county school. He is a smart kid, not a problem, but has learning differences. Thank goodness he was accepted at Oakwood! We have been at this school for 6 years now, and it has been worth every penny. I would highly recommend this school for bright children with learning differences who need small classes and individualized attention and who function best in a caring, nurturing learning environment.

Posted: October 23, 2013

This school changed the academic futures of our two children. They started in second and third grade not reading at all, frustrated, not feeling confident about their abilities, and we were flummoxed by a public school ( and private ones!) that didn't know how to help them. Now in our third year, our smart kids are now reading, happy, confident, learning, thriving, and excelling. Oakwood unlocked the treasure inside our children's brains and the kid we knew was inside. The best part is that Oakwood agreed to partner with us as a team. Each of their staff understands what your child needs and their methods/lessons tailored to the child are synchronized across the team from the principal, to each teacher, and speech and OT professionals so each time a child works with a different person those lessons are reinforced throughout the weeks activities. We also have to note, we have never had such open and frequent communication with teachers or principles like we have had at Oakwood. I wish every child who learns differently could have a school like Oakwood. The world would have access to a lot more brain power.

Posted: October 23, 2013

Oakwood School is a small school in Annandale VA that specializes in helping children with learning challenges by giving them a lot of personal one on one attention. Many years of experience and small class sizes -- one teacher to six children -- help facilitate this process, coupled with a strong administrative and extracurricular team. Only 100 or so children in the entire K-8th grade, the school can focus on each child unlike many private schools. My son has severe dyslexia and ADHD -- just recently - in 6th grade - he said, "Hey Mom, guess what? I can stay at Oakwood an extra year before heading to High School, isn't that great!?" The ultimate complement from a Middle School boy. As a parent, I too really love Oakwood School.

Posted: October 23, 2013

Oakwood School pressed the fast forward button when they met my son! He is bright but struggled with reading, writing and attention. Large classrooms were too busy and made it even harder for him to focus. The worst part was that he was bright enough to understand that he felt "he wasn't bright enough" and that did as much if not more damage then any learning difference. At the end of 4th grade he was starting to fall behind. We started Oakwood in the 5th grade and it was like a magical intervention. Immediately, they had this incredible way of making up for lost time and his reading immediately began to improve. The bar is set collaboratively between child, parents and teachers. At the same time, I think it's important to point out that they challenge the child appropriately. My son needs a lot of help no doubt but he doesn't need to be over accommodated in every area which is what the public school suggested. Oakwood gives a lot of time not just at Admissions but throughout the year to tweak where the child's learning is at. My son is now confident and wants to learn. He no longer has to worry about feeling inadequate and that "freedom" is priceless.

Posted: October 23, 2013

After visiting many private schools on the DC area, we finally found the right fit for our son who is very bright but had fallen behind in reading despite having an IEP in his public school. The Oakwood faculty and staff are truly vested in the success of bright children with learning differences. They apply a wide range of methodologies and techniques that are customized to the student. This is what individualized learning is all about. His teachers are our partners and a great resource since they are highly skilled and kind. I no longer have to advocate for my child. I no longer feel like I need to educate his teachers. Most importantly, my son is thriving.

Posted: October 23, 2013

All three of my children have attended Oakwood. My two older children attended for two years, learned the strategies they needed to succeed academically, and are currently thriving in the public school system! After a break, I returned to Oakwood with my third grader, a smart child with significant visual processing and visual motor integration issues. Even though she was clearly struggling at school and, worse, feeling lousy about herself, the county would not provide any services to her because she was not testing below grade level. Crazy! At Oakwood, she is thriving and her love for learning is back! Her teachers quickly recognized her strengths and weaknesses, and an individual plan is in place to address both and help her realize her full potential. At Oakwood, it is all about figuring out the strategies an individual child needs to learn and helping that child use those strategies to succeed. Oakwood also teaches acceptance, that we all have strengths and weaknesses. A great life lesson for everyone. Oakwood just gets it. Every child would benefit from the kind of teaching and learning that goes on at Oakwood. Worth every penny.

Posted: September 23, 2013

Our daughter attended Oakwood for three years and our son has been at Oakwood two years. Our daughter is dyslexic. Oakwood prepared her well for high school. They taught her how to learn with her dyslexia. She does her own schoolwork and does not need tutors. She stand on her own two feet and is very successful academically. Our son told me recently that his Oakwood teachers know how to teach him so he can learn. He told me he knows now he is smart and not one of the dumb students like he felt at his old school. We are very pleased with his academic success.

Posted: May 7, 2013

I taught in public schools before coming to Oakwood. This school lives by the motto of "children first". It is a place where kids do succeed when every member of the team--administrators, teachers, parents, outside professionals and the children themselves work together toward a common goal.

Posted: October 13, 2011

Very closed, inflexible system to parents. There are channels for communication but they are tightly controlled by the administration. Teachers are pretty competent but once they decide your child is problematic their otherwise warm welcoming manner disappears. They may admit your child, but watch out if the child doesnt fit. The good thing about this school is that they hold the academic bar higher than do most other special education schools.