Margolis Story

A: The process really began after the pandemic. Before then, our kids were at a Waldorf school, but we pulled them out. We were looking for a new school due to the disruption to the education timeline and we had heard of Oak Hill but didn't know much about it. When we visited, we noted the beauty of the location and the amazing facilities, including the theater, the technology room, and the nice classrooms. The school's size felt perfect, not too big, but not too small, and it had a good feel. We enrolled our older kids, who had a wonderful experience before they moved on to public school for high school. Our little ones are there now, and we've continued to enjoy it. While the facilities and environment were the initial draw, we have since really enjoyed the teachers every year, having nothing but really good experiences with them.

A: One thing I really like is the outdoor education program, which is unique and a good experience for our kids. We also appreciate that the class sizes are kept small, allowing children to get one-on-one attention. Teachers develop really close relationships with the students, which is fairly unique and important, especially in the younger grades. This allows teachers to know each child individually, their strengths and weaknesses, and helps them grow in ways not possible with a bigger class size. 

Another thing I would add is that I like the balance they have in terms of the use of technology. While schools like the Waldorf School are very anti-technology, technology is still a part of life today. Conversely, many public schools, especially middle and high schools, are too technology-based where everything is online. Oak Hill provides a good balance; they have a computer class and a nice lab with good equipment, but they are not reliant on it, and it's not the main focus for their daily work.

A: When talking to other parents, the campus and the teachers are the two things I would emphasize. The campus, which is a unique and wonderfully special place, is really the number one thing. I also appreciate that Oak Hill approaches education in a holistic way, looking at the whole child; emotionally, socially, and academically. They incorporate art and music along with strong academics, and there is a real focus on social-emotional learning, particularly in the younger grades, focusing on how to be a good community member, be kind, and be empathetic. This approach creates a really well-rounded child.

A: The staff in general is just really helpful and approachable. This makes it feel comfortable to be there. Everybody really seems happy to be there and works well together, and that energy flows through the whole place. 

A: Yes, I would say our son, who is in fifth grade now, has shown emotional growth that I attribute a lot to the teachers. They have handled his ability to deal with frustration in the classroom. When something is difficult or challenging, the teachers have really shown him how to step back a little bit, take a breath, and learn how to rise to the challenge without becoming overwhelmed by it. This has allowed him to push through and achieve something he can be proud of. He has had really wonderful teachers that have helped him with that growth.

A: I would say one thing that stands out at Oak Hill that I've talked with other parents about is that whenever any sort of conflict arises between the children, the teachers are really good about tackling it head-on. They teach the children how to navigate those difficult times and how to work together and be good friends to one another. They also teach everybody how to advocate for themselves and have a voice, while also being good community members.