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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 entering kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.
Students come to Blue Oak School from many excellent preschools in the North Bay area.
Kindergarten is a full day program; the school day is from 8:30am–3:00pm.
Blue Oak has small class sizes with a rich liberal arts curriculum.
Kindergarten is a developmental program.
Academic skills are presented and encouraged – writing, reading, math and science are all part of the developmentally appropriate course of study.
Spanish meets three times weekly.
Art meets once a week for an extended lab period of instruction. There is also daily art in the classroom.
Music meets three times weekly with instruction in vocal, instrumental and musical performance.
Physical education meets four times weekly, with instruction in skill development, fine and large motor development, sportsmanship and team cooperation.
Drama is taught in units during throughout the school year.
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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.
Spanish meets three times weekly.
Art meets once a week for an extended lab period of instruction. There is also daily art in the homerooms.
Music meets three times weekly with instruction in vocal, instrumental and musical performance.
Physical education meets four times weekly with instruction in skill development, fine and large motor development, sportsmanship and team cooperation.
Drama is taught in units during the school year.
Visit School Programs on our website for more information.
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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 8:00am–3:15pm.
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
Life Skills – focus on decision making, media literacy, sexuality, etc.
Advisory Groups
Wireless laptop computer assigned to each student for use at school
Visit School Programs on our website for more information.
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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 75% have completed Masters Degrees.
Visit Faculty on our website for more information.
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Q
When do you accept applications?
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A
We accept applications one year prior to enrollment.
We do not establish an “ordered list,” we have a pool of applicants.
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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 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
Does Blue Oak School offer financial aid?
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A
Yes. Blue Oak School has a generous need-based financial aid program to help families make a Blue Oak School education accessible to their children. Visit Affording Blue Oak School on this website for more information.
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Q
What is tuition at the School?
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A
Tuition for grades K-8 for the 2010-11 school year is $18,975. Tuition for the 2011-12 school year will be established by the Board of Trustees in January 2011.
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Q
How can I learn more about Blue Oak School?
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A
Explore our website.
Come to an enrollment information meeting.
Take a two-hour tour of the School.
Attend an open house program.
Talk with current families who have children enrolled at Blue Oak School.
Request an application packet by calling 707.261.4500.