Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Oakwood School’s philosophy is simple: every student should reach his potential in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. The components of a successful experience at Oakwood School consist of reaching Academic Potential, learning Appropriate Socialization Skills, utilizing a Transition Plan throughout the educational process, and having Fun! Therefore, along with a strong academic component, we help our students to develop a positive self-image by creating an atmosphere where students can achieve adequate levels of emotional security, self esteem and socialization skills. Our goal is for students to graduate and transition in to the “adult” world with the requisite academic and life skills.
Academic Potential
Oakwood School is certified by the State of New Jersey Department of Education. We offer a comprehensive middle and high school curriculum that is integrated with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. To facilitate the technology component of the Core curriculum each classroom has computers and internet access, and we utilize a computer lab to integrate computer technology into class instruction. Each classroom is instructed by a certified special education teacher and a skilled paraprofessional. Our paraprofessionals hold college degrees and/or Substitute Teaching Certificates. Our Highly Qualified teachers receive professional development in all areas of the Core Curriculum. Our teachers are creative and innovative in motivating our students. In conjunction with the Individual Educational Plan (IEP), they instruct in a self-contained classroom that ensures that students receive an abundance of individualized attention.
Socialization Skills
Some of our students have not been successful in school because of their inadequate social and emotional development. Some don’t understand the meaning of “being reasonable.” Therefore, a major focus of our program is to teach students how to develop age appropriate social skills. Our school day is arranged so there are periods of unstructured time to encourage students to exert their independence by choosing activities and projects. This is accomplished under our “watchful eye,” but allows them to experience the reactions of their peers and the staff to the way they socialize. In our environment where mistakes are seen as a way towards growth and taking responsibility for one’s own behavior, mistakes can become an unexpected treasure. In addition, in more structured play, team sports encourage cooperation, adherence to the rules and the development of self control.
Transition into the Adult World
Transition planning and implementation is a key component of our program. Transition is accomplished several ways. Some students are mainstreamed back into public schools when appropriate, while other students are mainstreamed into their local sending district vocational or county vocational schools. Oakwood School enrolls students in "Fast Start" at Brookdale College. This program is geared toward academically proficient students over the age of 16. Students can enroll in a variety of non-matriculation courses which serve as an introduction to college level course work. Also, in conjunction with sending districts, individual work-study programs, which introduce students to the world of work, are established to ensure a smooth transition into the workplace after graduation.
School can be Fun!
School doesn’t have to be all work and no play! We arrange our day so that students, who are reasonable, follow class rules, and complete their assignments have periods of the day where they have fun. We play baseball, football, basketball and kickball. Each room has internet access and some type of play station. We have a music teacher who teaches guitar at break time. Classes take school trips throughout the year and it’s not unusual to find pizza in the classrooms as a reward for a job well done! We feel very strongly that educationally and emotionally challenged students need to disengage from academics and find time to play sports and engage in enjoyable activities.
