Character, truth, wisdom. These are the pillars of Oakdale Academy, a private Christian school in Waterford serving children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Oakdale Academy opened in 2011 with 32 students, after a group of parents visited Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, and came away wanting to bring the same type of school to our area. Today, Oakdale Academy has 200 students with 23 faculty and staff.
Based on Hillsdale Academy’s model for private education, Oakdale Academy uses a model focused on classical Christian education. This learning process puts a priority on the appreciation of “Truth, Goodness, and Beauty using the Greco-Roman Trivium and Quadrivium to support a distinctly Christian worldview.” According to the school, “This process aims to inspire students to develop a life characterized by intellectual and spiritual pursuits and a sense of wonder.”
Erika Walker, Director of Marketing and Development, emphasizes the classical nature of Oakdale Academy. “Classical,” she says, “refers to the ancient thinkers of Greece and Rome, who laid the foundation of Western Civilization and articulated philosophical ideals [which] are still relevant today. At Oakdale, we are to be actively engaging our intellect with the Good, the True, and the Beautiful, which Russell Kirk referred to as the ‘permanent things.’”
A variety of courses are available to students at Oakdale Academy, including Latin, math, language arts, history, science, art, physical education, and music. Oakdale Academy’s curriculum differs from what is typically offered in public schools, says Erika, in that it is designed to stand the test of time and is “not focused on a job for tomorrow, but on developing a whole person.” Additionally, Oakdale aims to “teach students how to think well, write clearly, and speak eloquently.”
Oakdale Academy is a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the Society for Classical Learning. Says Erika, “Oakdale Academy exists to instill Character, Truth, and Wisdom in our students in order to prepare them for a life of service to God, family, community, and country through Classical Christian Education.”
Open Houses are offered each fall and spring, but applications for admission are accepted anytime, and there are currently spaces available at some grade levels. For more information, visit oakdaleacademy.com.
