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Q
Blue Oak School is an independent school. What does that mean?
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A
Blue Oak School is a not-for-profit institution.
The School is governed by a Board of Trustees.
The School is supported by tuition, annual gifts and endowment.
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Q
What do I need to know about kindergarten?
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A
Students come to Blue Oak School from many excellent preschools in the Napa Valley, as well as from communities throughout the North Bay Area.
Kindergarten is a full day program; the school day is from 8:30am–3:00pm. Families needing after-school care may enroll their children in our Neighborhood Program, After-School classes, or in Blue Oak Athletics. For more information visit the After School Programs page in School Programs on our website.
Blue Oak has small class sizes with a rich curriculum in which academic skills are presented and encouraged - reading, writing, math and science are all part of the developmentally appropriate course of study. Using differential education, each student progresses at his/her own pace, with instruction tailored to each child's strengths and areas of challenge. Students meet three times a week for instruction in Spanish.
The fine arts - art, drama and music - are all incorporated into the daily classroom work of our kindergarten students.
We offer instruction in skill development, fine and large motor development, sportsmanship, and team cooperation by having students participate in physical education four times each week.
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Q
Do you have a "cut-off" age for kindergarten?
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A
The Blue Oak School prefers that children be five by September 1st in the year they enroll. However, we have a developmental kindergarten program that is appropriate for a range of children and do not have a formal cut-off date. We encourage you to apply, and through our assessment process, we will be able to provide you with feedback regarding appropriate class placement for your child.
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Q
What do I need to know about Lower School (Grades 1–5)?
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A
The school day is from 8:30am–3:00pm.
The homeroom teacher is responsible for the core subjects of math, science, reading, writing and history.
Blue Oak has small class sizes with a rich curriculum in which academic skills are presented and encouraged - reading, writing, math and science are all part of the developmentally appropriate course of study. Students also meet three times a week in Spanish.
The fine arts are important at Blue Oak. Music meets three times weekly, with instruction in vocal, instrumental and musical performance. Drama is taught in units during the school year, while art is offered weekly in an extended lab section with additional time spent on art in the classroom.
We offer instruction in skill development, fine and large motor development, sportsmanship, and team cooperation by having students participate in physical education four times each week.
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Q
What do I need to know about Middle School (Grades 6–8)?
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A
The school day is from 8:10am–3:15pm.
Wireless laptop computers are assigned to each student for use at school.
Courses are taught in departments as follows:
Humanities – double periods of English and history
Math – pre-algebra in 7th grade; algebra in 8th grade
Science – frequent labs
Spanish – five times a week for all students
Arts – music, drama, studio art
Physical Education – 4 times a week
Electives – three times a year students select courses to enrich their other course offerings. Among the electives offered in the fall of 2011 were:
"Heroes and Journeys: Exploring and Writing Graphic Epics"
"Cut it Up!" An introduction to the procedures of dissection
"Great Women" Explore great women in music, theatre, politics, sports, literature, art, and drama through music, reading, videos/films and more.
In addition to their core academic work, Middle School students participate in a Life Skills/ Advisory Group that focuses on decision making, media literacy, issues related to sexuality, etc. Advisory Groups meet four times / week.
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Q
What are your teachers’ qualifications?
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A
Blue Oak School teachers are highly trained with a wealth of experience and expertise.
Approximately 79% have completed Masters Degrees.
Visit the Faculty section of our website to learn more about this year's teachers.
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Q
When do you accept applications?
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A
We accept applications one year prior to enrollment.
We carefully review each candidate's application and the supporting information that accompanies the application.
First round admissions applicants are due February 1 with decisions being mailed the first week of March. Families who will be seeking Indexed Tuition are encouraged to apply during the First Round.
Second round applications are due April 1 with decisions being mailed the first week of May.
There are limited entry spaces in grades 1 - 5.
Applications are accepted after May 1 provided that there is space available.
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Q
When did Blue Oak School open?
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A
Blue Oak School opened its doors in September 2002 to 73 students in grades K-4. We now serve 167 students in kindergarten through grade eight and are located on two campuses in Napa, California.
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Q
From where do you draw students?
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A
Our students come to us from many excellent preschools, private schools and public schools in Napa County and the surrounding North Bay Area. We also draw students from other states and countries.
We have an international student body and faculty.
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Q
What is tuition at the School?
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A
Tuition is set each year by the Blue Oak Board of Trustees. For the 2011 - 2012 school year, tuition is $19,544. Tuition for the 2012 - 2013 school year will be set by the Board of Trustees in early 2012. Realizing that not all families have the financial resources to allow their children to attend Blue Oak, we offer a need-based, sliding scale tuition that recognizes that each family's financial situation is unique.
Each family's situation is carefully and confidentially reviewed by TADS (Tuition Aid Data Services) and the School is provided with information that enables us to determine a specific tuition level that is appropriate for the family's current financial situation. Families who are concerned about their ability to pay the full cost of tuition are encouraged to contact the Director of Admission to request an Indexed Tuition Packet. All applications for Indexed Tuition are kept confidential and have no bearing on admission decisions. Submitting an application for Indexed Tuition does not guarantee that the School will be able to offer an Indexed Tuition contract.
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Q
How can I learn more about Blue Oak School?
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A
Explore our website.
Schedule a personal visit to Blue Oak.
Attend an Information Session - sessions are available for Kindergarten, Lower School and Middle School. Check the website for upcoming programs.
Attend a Preview Program - a one hour informational session and tour held on weekends.
Talk with current families who have children enrolled at Blue Oak School.
Request an application packet by calling 707.261.4500.