When we first set our feet upon the campus of Oak Grove School, we felt an instant knowing. This was over three years ago, when we were searching for our daughter’s future high school. On that day, each of us anticipated that our search was over and that we had finally found the school that aligned with our values. Oak Grove School felt like a home with a chosen family – a family that we could trust to nurture our daughter’s unique gifts. There was also this sense-of-place we experienced while walking among the old, wise oak trees. We walked away with the feeling that Oak Grove School is much more than just an education “facility.” This is a sacred place.

Now that Ella is in her junior year, we clearly see how our first impressions evolved into reality. Of course, Oak Grove School is an environment that embraces academic excellence, but there is so much more. The school’s fundamental basis in the teachings of Krishnamurti gives students the space to question and explore creative expression. On our part, as parents, we are learning too. We are learning to accept all of the struggles that are necessary for growth, learning to be supportive parents, and learning when to step back so that Ella can find her own voice. In all honesty, it’s an odd feeling, but we also know that we are merely reliving what many parents before us have experienced. So, as we observe from the right distance, we know that Ella is gazing out into expansive vistas and making lifelong friends. And we sense that someday we’ll look back at Ella’s time here and see that her experiences at Oak Grove School have gifted her a basis for the discovery of her calling in life.

This is why we believe it’s so important to give back to Oak Grove School. Our time here is limited, but perhaps if we can help the school to thrive in our own way, then we can trust that our small gifts will be amplified through the larger efforts of the community. With all of the accelerating changes in our world, we realize, more than ever, the importance of education with a wide perspective. Certainly, the adults and leaders of tomorrow will need resilience and creativity to adapt to these changes. We are deeply grateful for the people of Oak Grove School and their daily commitment to meeting these challenges and illuminating a path.