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Christian Mentoring: This is God’s world and we are responsible to him
We start with the “inner man” because we believe that sin distorts everything and denies our responsibility to God. Education that prepares a boy for life outside his parents’ home must introduce him to the concepts of sin and redemption and to the Creator Himself. Students not only hear the gospel taught at Oakland Collegiate School; they also see how it is lived out by sinful-but-faithful men and women. Most of the teachers are family men who are models of Christian manhood and mentors for boys in the 24/7 of boarding school life.

Individualized Learning: We don’t all learn the same way
Within the boarding school environment, we get to know our students as individuals, each with his unique spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical make up. Teachers are, therefore, better equipped to help them master a college preparatory curriculum that facilitates academic success in university. The OCS teacher-student ratio, computer-adaptive assessments, and appropriate use of technology allow students to work at a level precisely matched to their needs, giving students the opportunity to advance at their own pace (especially in math) and catch up on areas that need remediation, or to dig deeper into areas that catch a particular interest. Using the “Harkness Table” model in English and social studies encourages collaborative learning, the development of research skills and analytical thinking, and oral communication. Teachers take every opportunity—both formally and informally—to enhance the theoretical with outdoor activities that explain and demonstrate.

Nurturing Family Atmosphere: We live in community
God did not design man to live in isolation. Living together in the OCS community requires accepting responsibility to get to know and appreciate others. Informal conversations as well as specific instruction help to free your son to live in society. When a boy arrives at boarding school, he knows immediately that he is no longer home. “Mama” is not there to pick up after him and remind him of his duties. He is confronted by new and unfamiliar activities, customs, and people: Will he cower in fear, or will he step into the challenge? Will he be easily led by others, or will he have the strength to stand his ground? OCS staff and teachers provide safe boundaries and godly discipline for boys as their character is tested and shaped by real-life responsibilities.

Life-Skills and Recreation: We live active and healthy lives
At OCS, “school” is not merely academic and theoretical. God gave us physical bodies and placed us in a physical world, and we use our 24/7 life together to help our students achieve optimum health and fitness. The physical education program uses best practices to help boys gain improved health and coordination, increased strength, stamina and confidence. Many young men have a passion for athletics, competition and challenge. Sporting activities include basketball, soccer, tennis, cross-country, track and field, golf, archery, shooting and fishing. OCS meals meet the particular nutritional needs of growing teenage boys, and the daily schedule (including meal times and sleep time) is designed for a boy’s maximum benefit.

Service and Excellence: We are responsible to others
Students may obtain certifications useful in community services such as First Aid/CPR/AED, lifeguarding, rescue diving and firefighting. Clubs, also learning opportunities, round off the week. Students may participate in clubs such as model building, computer building, agriculture and farming, guitar, music theory, chess and origami. Outdoor exploration, including hunting and fishing, will be a hallmark of the OCS experience. The OCS voluntary military program provides additional opportunity for teamwork, challenge, achievement, and accountability. The century-old Corps of Cadets is a leadership program for boys who aspire to prestigious colleges and universities, a career in the military, enjoy the adventure and activities of military life, or simply want to instill within themselves a greater degree of discipline and self-government through arduous challenges.

admissions@1830.org | 601-437-8855