FAQ

At Oakwood Friends School, our social, ethical, and intellectual values are deeply influenced by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These principles guide our mission to challenge students to think critically and live purposefully.

Learn more about our Quaker-inspired approach to education here: Quaker Values at Oakwood Friends School

Our student:faculty ratio is 4:1, not including our talented support staff.

Since our founding in 1796, Oakwood has embraced the belief that diversity enriches learning. Our community includes students from a dozen countries, multiple U.S. states, and the surrounding region. With a mix of talents, academic abilities, and religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, we foster mutual respect and understanding. We actively seek diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, family structure, or sexual orientation.

Yes, Oakwood provides over $2.5 million in tuition assistance annually to approximately 60% of our students. Our strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity ensures that families from various income levels can access an Oakwood education.

• A close-knit community where students and faculty collaborate in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

• Quaker values foster inclusivity and personal growth.

• A richly diverse student body.

• A dynamic academic curriculum with numerous electives.

• Passionate faculty dedicated to inspiring and mentoring students.

Start of Day: The day begins with “Collection,” an all-school meeting, at 8:30 AM. Classes begin at 8:45 AM.

Middle School: Classes end at 3:30 PM, with an optional after-school program available until 5:00 PM.

Upper School: Classes end at 3:20 PM, followed by athletics or activities until 5:00 PM.

District buses for students within a 15-mile radius depart at 5:00 PM.

Yes. Students living within a 15-mile radius are entitled to free busing provided by their school district. Additionally, Oakwood operates contracted bus routes serving areas on both sides of the Hudson River such as Woodstock and Rhinebeck. For students commuting by train, the school provides daily transportation to and from the Poughkeepsie Train Station, connecting with trains from Beacon, Cold Spring, and beyond.

Both boarding and day students benefit from the residential aspect of Oakwood’s community. All students participate in afternoon extracurriculars, such as sports and theater, and many day students stay for evening events like performances and games.

Boarding students engage in additional evening programming, including study halls, local trips, and community-building activities. On weekends, both day and boarding students can enjoy a wide range of planned activities.

Oakwood’s College Counseling Program focuses on finding the best-fit college for every student, from small liberal arts colleges to highly selective universities. Alumni pursue a range of majors, including engineering, economics, fine arts, and music, and often report feeling well-prepared for their college experience.

View list of College Acceptances for Classes of 2012-2018

Yes, Oakwood provides over $2.5 million in tuition assistance annually to approximately 60% of our students. Our strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity ensures that families from various income levels can access an Oakwood education.

Oakwood’s College Counseling Program focuses on finding the best-fit college for every student, from small liberal arts colleges to highly selective universities. Alumni pursue a range of majors, including engineering, economics, fine arts, and music, and often report feeling well-prepared for their college experience.

View list of College Acceptances for Classes of 2012-2018

Our student:faculty ratio is 4:1, not including our talented support staff.

Since our founding in 1796, Oakwood has embraced the belief that diversity enriches learning. Our community includes students from a dozen countries, multiple U.S. states, and the surrounding region. With a mix of talents, academic abilities, and religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, we foster mutual respect and understanding. We actively seek diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, family structure, or sexual orientation.

• A close-knit community where students and faculty collaborate in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

• Quaker values foster inclusivity and personal growth.

• A richly diverse student body.

• A dynamic academic curriculum with numerous electives.

• Passionate faculty dedicated to inspiring and mentoring students.

Oakwood nurtures the spirit, scholar, artist, and athlete in every student by offering a wide range of electives.

Middle School: Courses in art, photography, filmmaking, darkroom photography, music, theater, Quakerism, philosophy, and health are offered on a trimester basis.

Upper School: Electives and year-long courses explore traditional subjects and contemporary global issues across disciplines. Examples range from Philosophy of Science, Globalization, Existentialism, to Ceramics, Digital Photography, and Dance.

For more details, visit our Curriculum Guide.

Oakwood does not require uniforms, but students are expected to follow the dress code, which emphasizes being “neat, clean, and covered.”

Start of Day: The day begins with “Collection,” an all-school meeting, at 8:30 AM. Classes begin at 8:45 AM.

Middle School: Classes end at 3:30 PM, with an optional after-school program available until 5:00 PM.

Upper School: Classes end at 3:20 PM, followed by athletics or activities until 5:00 PM.

District buses for students within a 15-mile radius depart at 5:00 PM.

Yes. Each student is paired with a faculty advisor who supports their academic and social growth. Advisory groups typically include five to six students and meet formally once a week, with informal check-ins throughout the week. Advisors maintain communication with families, help set goals, and guide students in developing their academic plans.

Yes, physical activity is an integral part of Oakwood’s mission to nurture the whole student.

Upper School: Students participate in after-school sports or activities each trimester, with at least one trimester dedicated to a team sport. Team sports include soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. Life Sports options include yoga, martial arts, fitness, and more.

Middle School: Physical education classes meet twice a week. Students can also join the co-ed basketball team or participate in certain Upper School athletic offerings.

Oakwood’s active Interest Groups have included but are not limited to the following:

• Academic World Quest

• Anime/Manga Club

• Business Club

• Chess Club

• Climate Club

• Cooking Club

• Creative Writing

• Environmental Club

• Ethics Bowl

• Fitness Club

• Futsal Club

• GSA

• Model United Nations

• Oakword – Literary & Art Magazine

• Prom Committee

• Ski/Snowboard Club

• Student Government

• TableTop Gaming Club

• Yearbook

Oakwood Friends School is located on a peaceful, private, and safe 55-acre campus in the scenic Hudson Valley, New York. The campus features six academic buildings, dormitories, a dining hall, a theater, a film photography studio and darkroom, a gymnasium, tennis courts, baseball, softball, soccer fields. Sustainable features include a solar array that provides 100% of the school’s electricity, wetland and outdoor classroom spaces, and a greenhouse and apiary supplying fresh produce and honey for the dining hall.