Admissions Process
I want to go to Oak Grove School because the teachers are really inspiring and the kids were really nice during my tour. I loved the music room. I have had five years of piano, and music is something I listen to and move to every day. I loved the art room! I’m very creative and I love art. I think Oak Grove School could bring out the best in me.
—Junior High Applicant
The application process includes a campus tour, completion of the online application, teacher evaluation forms, previous school transcripts (if applicable), a parent interview, and in most cases, a student visit. Applicants who have completed the admissions process by February 1, 2022, are given priority consideration. Please contact the Admissions Office for details: 805-646-8236 x109.
Criteria for admission include student interest and character, academic aptitude and achievement, recommendations, and interviews. In addition to evaluating individual merit and the appropriateness of an Oak Grove education for each student, the composition of each class and what a student will bring to that dynamic is also considered. There are a limited number of spaces available throughout the school. Some classes may only have spaces available based on attrition.
Where to start?
1) Campus Tours
We are excited to show you our beautiful, expansive campus. We recommend that tours be attended by parents only for grades Preschool through 5th. Students entering grades 6th-12th are encouraged to attend the tour. Tours are held on several weekdays and are posted at the link below. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please contact the Admissions Office if an alternate date is required.
We will confirm your tour appointment by email. An application should be started, but does not have to be complete before taking an orientation tour.
2) Evaluation Forms and Transcripts
Teacher evaluation forms and transcripts for children applying for grades 1 through 12 are to be completed by your child’s current school. These forms are available upon initiation of your application. They can be returned to Oak Grove School electronically, or by mail.
3) Parent Interview and Student Visit
Once you have toured and submitted your completed application, an admissions associate will reach out to you to schedule a parent interview and a student visit.
Whenever possible, both parents are asked to attend the parent interview. Parents will meet with the Director of Admissions and occasionally a Program Director to discuss Oak Grove’s philosophy and educational approach and to explore what an Oak Grove education might look like for your family.
When possible, your child(ren) in grades 1-12 will visit with their current peer group and have a chance to experience a full day on campus, including lunch and specialist classes. Preschool and Kindergarten applicants will be invited for a parent-child visit in February. This one-hour visit provides an opportunity for you to meet our wonderful teachers and observe how they support children’s play, navigate conflict resolution, and facilitate a group circle.
4) Notification of Application Status
Acceptance letters are sent in mid-March for enrollment the following school year. Applicants after February 1st are considered if space becomes available. Once accepted, we require a non-refundable tuition deposit, a signed enrollment contract, and a completed set of enrollment forms to reserve a place for your child.
Because we cannot make an offer of enrollment to every applicant, we maintain an active wait pool. To be in the wait pool, a family must have completed all application requirements and received a wait pool decision from the Admissions Committee. Applications in the wait pool are non-prioritized and are considered based on our need to balance class groupings. The wait pool does not, however, automatically roll over to the next year.
Immunization Requirements
Immunization documentation is required with a submitted enrollment contract. Recent state legislation requires that California school children are fully vaccinated, have a physician-signed plan to become current with vaccinations, or have a valid Medical Exemption. This document explains the new laws and answers frequently asked questions.
Non-Discrimination
Oak Grove School does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, creed, religion, national origin, cultural heritage, age, gender, marital status, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or family style in its admissions and employment policies and procedures.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Oak Grove School does not discriminate on the basis of any individual or group identity characteristics, such as but not limited to race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, differing mental or physical abilities, or family structure in the administration of its educational or admissions policies, employment practices, scholarship, and other school-administered programs. View the unabridged policy.
