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Krishnamurti School
OAK GROVE---OJAI, CALIFORNIA, USA
"This is an essential part of education; to learn to stand alone so that you
are free of the collective will and are therefore capable of discovering for
yourself what is true" Founder J.Krishnamurti, On Education.
Oak Grove High School offers a small, intimate, highly personalized day- and
boarding-program that blends college preparatory academics with deep exploration
of life’s issues. The curriculum meets or exceeds the University of California
accreditation standards with the additional benefit of providing the context and
skills for exploring the whole of life. Graduates go on to college having
developed a global perspective, sensitivity toward the environment and human
relations, and exceptional critical thinking skills.
The 13,000-square-foot high school is a separate complex of
classrooms, laboratories and a student resource center situated in tranquil
surroundings. With an average of 13 students per class, Oak Grove’s high school
teaching staff maximize in-class learning opportunities in the sciences, foreign
language, mathematics and language arts through a rigorous, engaging
college-preparatory program. Teachers support open-minded, and spirited
discussion, encourage inquiry, and strive to develop in each student a
self-reflective capacity that leads to inner honesty, independence and
integrity. High school classes meet from 8 am to 4 pm, with noon dismissal on
Wednesdays.
Oak Grove High School has a noted fine-arts program, which provides the tools
and guidance for sophisticated artistic expression and understanding. Facilities
include a photography lab and darkroom, a weaving and textile workshop, ceramics
studio, a music recording studio and professional slide-making equipment for
portfolio preparation. Dramatic arts are an integral part of the high school
curriculum, with performances taking place throughout the year on the school’s
outdoor stage under the oaks. A full-year digital filmmaking elective merges art
and technology as students learn film production and techniques, film history
and appreciation, and collaborate on film projects. Oak Grove’s new high school
multimedia lab allows students to produce graphic visualizations for assignments
across the curriculum, participate in website development and global
communications.
Domestic and international travel, opportunities have included visits to India,
Italy, Mexico, Big Sur and the California desert. These trips enhance the
student’s global education and bring an essential dimension to classroom
learning. Outdoor education trips build community, develop physical skills and
provide opportunity for introspection. As members of the interschool Condor
League, Oak Grove offers opportunities for competitive play in basketball,
tennis, volleyball and soccer. Through Oak Grove Cycles, students can build and
repair bikes, join for bike tours, and promote local bicycle commuting.
Fulfillment of Oak Grove's graduation requirements exceeds standards of the
University of California and other highly selective schools around the country.
Recent graduates achieved mean SAT scores of 627 verbal, 580 math (617 writing),
and have been accepted at the following colleges and universities: Boston
University, Swarthmore, Yale, University of Redlands, University of Southern
California (USC), Tufts, Cal Arts, Mount Holyoke, New York University, College
of the Atlantic, Wellesley, Vassar, and all campuses of the University of
California.
College counseling begins when sophomores and juniors work with core academic
teachers and the college counselor to prepare to take the PSAT test. Individual
college guidance is provided to juniors and seniors in addition to college
counseling workshops. Students are encouraged to take responsibility in the
college search process in order to meet their needs and interests. Seniors are
required to apply to four-year colleges and universities of their choice.
Assessment is designed with a view to determine how students analyze problems
and present ideas. Students are encouraged to reflect on how they learn, and
through self-evaluation, develop a sense of responsibility for their own
learning. Essay exams, pop quizzes, research papers, laboratory reports, oral
exams, and participation in class discussions are used as indicators of the
learning that takes place. In addition, students keep portfolios and reflective
journals, and prepare exhibits. Assessment at Oak Grove is more than just a
grade on a transcript – it is an important part of the learning process.
Besant House, Oak Grove's high school boarding facility, offers a family-like
environment that can quickly become a home away from home. At Besant House, each
of 20 residents can feel comfortable and secure as an active participant in our
inquiry-based, college-preparatory high school program. Adding to the
family-like atmosphere at Besant House are nurturing houseparents, carefully
selected for their ability to guide and support, while acting as positive role
models. Hearty vegetarian meals are served daily on campus, many of which
include fresh produce grown in the school's organic gardens. Renovated
facilities include an expanded common room and new student computers. During the
week, students attend high school classes, often participating in after-school
programs, sports and special school activities. On weekends, residents take
regular group excursions to the beach, movies, art exhibits and music events.
High school students come to Besant House from near and far, all adding to the
rich diversity of Oak Grove School. English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring
allows students to participate fully in the high school program and equips them
to succeed with their plans for further education at the university level. The
comfortable boarding facility and friendly staff put students at ease as they
acclimatize to living and learning in America.
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