An Oak Grove School Update

In human development, the age of 49 is considered middle adulthood. For adults with healthy development, middle adulthood is typically characterized by a deeper understanding of oneself, financial security (expansion of one’s economic safety net), intellectual autonomy, and a greater sense of competence.

As of this year, Oak Grove is 49 years old and is showing all the signs of a healthy middle adulthood.

Students and Employees

Our student and employee retention is strong (nationally higher than most independent schools). As of this year, our faculty salaries are in line with the high-middle end of the scale compared to teachers at both Independent and public schools. Increasing salaries and benefits are particularly critical, given the cost of living increases over the past few years and the intensifying nationwide teacher shortage.

Capital Improvement Projects

Over the past several years we completed numerous capital improvement projects, including renovating the Main House, building a Reflective Classroom, replacing the Pavilion roof, and restoring the siding of the east campus (High School, Preschool, and Kindergarten) complex, and the Art Building. We converted a previously underutilized area into a 3rd-8th grade Spanish Classroom. We implemented a comprehensive tree care program, maintaining the health of the majority of our oak trees during the most extreme drought conditions during 2017-2022. We added a basketball court and a lunch patio… and are in the eighth year of rehabilitating the meadow at the center of campus.

Learning Resources Program

We have improved our ability to serve our students through the creation of a Learning Resources Program, which includes one-to-one support for students with diagnosed learning differences. We have expanded the Teaching and Learning Department to include a Dean of Studies, Teacher Development Coach, Reading Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Librarian, Child Development Specialist, and Pastoral Care Curriculum Coordinator.

There is More We Need To Do Together

As Oak Grove moves toward the developmental stage of late adulthood – which is marked by fulfillment of purpose, having deep meaning and integrity, and a feeling of peace and confidence with one’s legacy – there is more we need to do. Our staff and faculty benefits are low in comparison to industry standards. There are far more requests for professional development than we have available funds for. The school’s endowments and reserves remain low. There are many needed upgrades to our facilities, including refurbishing our outdated playground equipment, expanding our athletic facilities to meet the needs of our growing sports program, and a Commons building that can fit all our students at once indoors, where theater performances, assemblies, events, and athletics can happen in inclement weather.

Oak Grove can strengthen now and toward late adulthood, because of the generations of families, former students, faculty, and staff who contribute their time and financial resources to support this radical school. We rely on your generosity and commitment.

Recent Update to Our Charitable Status

Another step toward our healthy growth as a school, Oak Grove was recently granted 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Previously, our charitable status was under the umbrella of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America. Although we continue to be one organization with one mission, this shift in our tax status allows us to raise funds from new sources like foundations, government grants, and businesses.

We Need Your Support More Than Ever

Soon, we will launch our annual appeal for your support of Oak Grove and we need your support more than ever. Please join me in being generous.