Oak Hill Academy (New Jersey)

Oak Hill Academy
Location
Lincroft, NJ, U.S.
Information
Type	Private
Religious affiliation(s)	Nonsectarian
Established	1981
Head of school	Joseph A. Pacelli
Faculty	58.0 (on FTE basis)[1]
Enrollment	382[1]  (2009-10)
Student to teacher ratio	6.6:1[1]
Campus	Suburban, 20 acres
Color(s)	Red and White
Mascot	Mustang
Website	School website

Oak Hill Academy is a coeducational, nonsectarian private day school located in Lincroft, New Jersey, serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Oak Hill Academy was founded in September 1981 by educator Joseph A. Pacelli.^[2]

The school is academically rigorous and boasts advanced courses in mathematics and Latin. Oak Hill has swimming as a mandatory part of the physical education program. An after school help program and extended day program. Many sports teams and extracurricular activities. It has baseball, cross- country, swim team, softball, soccer, tennis, and basketball as the sports. Also, it has a soccer field, two outdoor basketball courts, and two tennis courts, and an indoor basketball court in the gym. In addition to the academic and athletic programs, many students at Oak Hill Academy participate in extracurricular activities. Student Council provides community service and sponsors social functions at the school. There are many clubs including yearbook, Reflections (literary magazine), homework club, art, drama, chess, Rogate, chorus, fitness, swimming, music, French, Spanish, Latin, science club, forensics, math, computers, PE club, Movie Maker club, nature, mind games, puppetry club, tiny dancers, creative kids enrich the overall experience for students. In addition, instrumental music and band are made available as options beginning in fourth grade. Finally, after school academic support and enrichment ensure that each child is getting the fullest educational experience.

As of the 2009-10 school year, the school had an enrollment of 382 students and 58.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student-teacher ratio of 6.6.^[1] The average student per academic class is 15.

Oak Hill Academy is a member of the Educational Records Bureau and the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools.^[3] The school was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 1986, 1996, and 2008.

Philosophy

OHA believes that all children have a natural need to learn, a natural curiosity, and a desire to do work of meaning. Their intention is to combine the strongest possible academic atmosphere with a supportive, caring environment in an effort to develop self-confident, motivated students who have a love of learning. Their programs are designed to meet the individual needs and unique learning style of each student. Each child is an active participant in a learning process which stresses real-world connections and interdisciplinary experiences. Graduates leave Oak Hill Academy with a positive sense of self, a consideration for others, and a commitment to life-long learning. Each grade does work ahead two grades. For example, 4th graders, would use a 6th grade level book for all subjects. Many of OHA's graduates got accepted into the prime colleges, such as, New York University, Columbia University, Princeton University and Lehigh University.

Academic Program

Upper School

Grades five to eight, separated and departmentalized classes are taught by teachers who are experts in their subject areas. Daily sessions in literature, language arts, math, science, and social studies stress critical thinking, communication skills, writing ability, and good organizational habits. These courses, as well as French, Latin, Spanish, critical reading, music, drama, computer science, art, and physical education provide an excellent preparation for high school years. "Explorations," a research-based program and a project-oriented "math workshop," allow students to work hands-on in cooperative groups using technology.

Languages

For grades Pre-K-8, they all take a language. For grades Pre-K to 4, they take French. In upper school, grades 5-7, French is taken one half of the year, and Spanish is taken the other half. But in 8th grade, the students get to choose whichever language they like best to take for the whole year. French and Spanish 8th graders are ready for French and Spanish 2, 2 honors and at times French or Spanish 3 in high school depending upon the curriculum. Oak Hill Academy offers a two year Latin program in the 7th and 8th grade.

Lower School

Beginning with a full-day kindergarten program, the curriculum is designed with the stages of child development in mind. Traditional areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies are taught in a hands-on manner. These basic areas are complemented by Orff music, drama, computer science, art, library, physical education, French. An innovative enrichment program offers changing themes in a special "HandsOn/HeadsOn" room where real-life activities are based on grade level curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten

Learning and self-confidence are encouraged through discovery and play with an emphasis on all aspects of childhood development. Well-equipped interest areas allow for multisensory involvement of the student in inter-disciplinary subjects. The reading and math programs are an excellent preparation for the lower school curriculum.

Facilities

Commons- lunchroom, full kitchen, nurse, and staff offices.

Library/Arts Building- 5,000 or more books, art, music, and drama room. features a kiln and cathedral ceilings

Lower School- 9 air conditioned classrooms. 16 laptops shared among grades 1-3

4th Grade Building- three 4th grade classrooms, equipped with large plasma screen tv's for heads on

Newman Hall- administrative offices and teacher's lounge

Olympic Hall (in Upper School)- 10 air conditioned classrooms, grades 5-8. Large rooms with air conditioning and plasma screen tv's, 16 laptops shared among 150+ students.

Parentum Hall (gymnasium)- includes basketball court with six baskets, boys and girls locker rooms, full kitchen, stage and physical education teachers' offices

Playground- 14 pieces of equipment on safety ground

Natatorium- permanent enclosure, fully heated, locker rooms

Technology Center- equipped with computers, cable access Internet, CDs, laser videodisc, television, VCR, SIRS, and print research material

Center for Early Learning (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten)(converted donated house)- includes 4 classrooms, office, kitchens, and playground; has own access from West Front Street

Student Activities Center- all assemblies and school plays are held here. Large main room with stage and kitchen, outdoor stage, classrooms for computer instruction, science, distance learning, and media production

The Soler Science & Environmental Center on the Grounds of the Harris Scienceplex - Five Labs for the children Pre-K to 8th grade and a greenhouse

Policy

Dress Code

Oak Hill is a private school with a uniform dress code. For girls, they must wear the navy blue school sweater, skirts (in blue tan or gray), blouses (blue, yellow, pink, white, tan), and shoes. No sneakers permitted. But during the winter, girls may wear pants in the same three colors. For boys, they must wear the school sweater, pants (in blue, tan or gray), shirts (blue, tan, pink, yellow, white), pants, shoes, and a tie and belt.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Oak Hill Academy, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed June 14, 2011.
2. ^ History, Oak Hill Academy. Accessed December 22, 2007.
3. ^ School Search, New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. Accessed July 29, 2008.

External links

• Oak Hill Academy website
• Data for Oak Hill Academy, National Center for Education Statistics

Coordinates: 40°20′38″N 74°07′35″W / 40.3439°N 74.1265°W / 40.3439; -74.1265