Some Tips on Choosing a School

Over the years, my wife and I, who are both teachers, have guided our five children through various educational experiences according to their needs and the school choices at the time. Because our family has lived in three different cities as our children have grown up, we have experience with homeschooling, private and public schools, alternative schools, boarding schools and various colleges and universities. We see value in alternatives. It is good to have a wide variety of school choices, and Oakland County certainly provides such variety. We feel strongly in ensuring a"right fit" between a school and a family.

From my experience, here are a few general tips about choosing a school:

Look for a school that:
• provides a safe and positive learning environment
• encourages a love of learning within a strong academic program
• fosters both healthy self confidence and healthy relationships
• balances the "head, heart and hands" of learning
• promotes moral and spiritual values

These are important features of every child's education. And as principal of Oak Arbor School,I 'm proud to say they are all strengths of an Oak Arbor education. Let me explain.

• Oak Arbor School is characterized by a safe and caring learning environment that promotes positive thinking and positive interaction. This, in turn, opens many opportunities for growth and challenge suited to the states and needs of the students.

• Encouraging a love of learning is at the core of why we exist, because we see it as such an important life-long experience. As adult role models, we encourage student curiosity and engagement in learning by our own interest and delight in education.

• Students at Oak Arbor School experience a balance of opportunities to develop their healthy self confidence as well as healthy social skills. Each student gets to feel significant and also develops a sense of belonging within the school and church community.

• An integral aspect of our philosophy of education is to provide a balance for everyone's cognitive, affective and behavioral growth. That is why we say we feed the mind, touch the heart and prepare for life education of the "head, heart and hands".

• Oak Arbor also creates an environment that encourages growth and character development on the moral and spiritual dimensions. Students learn the values of a uniquely Christian perspective and how they can live a principled life that is a positive contribution to their school and community.

You may ask, "Why do other parents choose an Oak Arbor education for their children?" Many of our parents say they were seeking a school small enough to pay close attention to every student's needs and progress - academically, emotionally and spiritually. They also wanted a well organized program with solid academic and religious curriculum, quality instruction and healthy social interaction. In their view, Oak Arbor School blends all these advantages and is a perfect fit for their family.

I honor your search for just the right school for your child, and I welcome your interest in Oak Arbor School. Speaking on behalf of our staff, we believe our school is the place where you child can thrive in a balanced Christian education.

Nathan Gladish
Principal