Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a tour or visit to campus?

Please call (817) 454-4994 or email admissions staff to set up a campus tour.

When is the best time to tour? 

Parents love to tour during the school day to see students in action. Please call to arrange an individualized tour.

For parents looking at preschool thru 4th grades, we invite you to an Admissions Coffee and Tour.

Parents’ work schedules don’t always allow for that opportunity, so we have evening and weekend events for prospective families. See the admissions calendar for details.

I just want to receive a copy of your "Admissions Viewbook." How can I get a copy mailed to my address?

By clicking the "Inquire Online" button and entering your contact information, the Admissions office will mail a copy of the Admissions Profile booklet to you via snail mail.

Do parents need to file an application for admission before their child visits for the day?

Yes, prior to the classroom visit, an application should be submitted by clicking the "Apply Online" button.

What time does school begin and end?

Will my child fit in at Oakridge?

Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and welcomed. The application process is designed to determine if Oakridge is a good fit for you.

Is The Oakridge School a diverse community?

We have students from 30 cities in Dallas-Fort Worth as well as 10 foreign countries. Our students represent various racial/ethnic, socio-economic, religious, and national backgrounds.

From where do new students come?

We have students enroll from a variety of area private and public schools. Students relocate from out of state each year, and even from abroad. 

The Oakridge School in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State enrolls students from foreign countries as part of the student visitor exchange program.

Each year about 125 to 150 new students join the Oakridge family as new Owls.

Does Oakridge have a bus service?

Yes. The bus travels each morning and afternoon to 3 locations:

When should I start the application process? Is there an application deadline?

We suggest you begin the application process in the Fall or early Spring. The first group test date for admissions testing is the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

March 1st is a recommended application deadline. However, we complete application files and start offering enrollment to new families as early as February. Since space availability impacts enrollmment, it is best to start the process early.

What if I have multiple children? Could they all be admitted?

When a family applies, we assess each student individually.

What is the age requirement for entering Preschool and subsequent grades?

A student must be 3 years of age to start preschool.

Our birthday cutoff date is July 31st, however, the Admissions Committee will consider August birthdays.

How many spaces are available by grade level?

When does Admissions testing begin?

We offer individual testing for grades 1-12 on weekday mornings, or group testing on designated Saturdays. Call to reserve a spot.

Students testing on Saturday for grades 5-12 will take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). The deadline for reservations is 21 days prior to the test date. Visit www.iseetest.org to sign up and learn more about the test.

How can I prepare my child for test day?

Admissions testing is meant to assess the current academic level of your child, so no extra studying is needed for the exam. Your child will benefit the most from a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast.

We tested for admission last year. Do we have to re-test for admission this year?

More than likely, the answer is "yes." Depending on the date and type of the most recent achievement testing, this requirement may be waived. Usually, students need to retest, just like we need to receive updated grades and recommendations from the current school year.

If a subject area teacher other than Math or English knows my student (grades 5-12) better, can one of them complete the letter of recommendation?

Additional subject area teachers may certainly write recommendation letters or complete the Teacher Recommendation Form. We are still required to receive recommendations from Math and English teachers (grades 5-12) in order to best assess those crucial subjects. The recommendation forms can be found here: http://www.theoakridgeschool.org/page.cfm?p=368.

Is a student interview required? Is a parent interview required?

Yes, a parent interview is required for the Early Childhood Center and Lower School (grades 1-4), and a combination parent-child interview is required for Middle School (grades 5-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12).

When will we find out if we have been accepted for the Fall?

The Admissions Committee begins making decisions in January and sends out notifications of acceptance starting in February.

If my child is accepted, can we defer his/her admission for a year?

No, he or she would need to re-test and re-submit an application for the next year.

Is there a waitlist?

Yes, we will begin a waitlist when we have more accepted students than spots to fill. The sooner your application process is completed, the better.

How are Admissions decisions made?

The final decision on admission is determined by the Admissions Committee’s evaluation of several factors:

If I apply for financial aid, does it have a negative impact on my child’s chances for admission?

No, admission is based on your child’s academic quality and overall fit with The Oakridge School. Financial aid is not awarded until after the student is enrolled and you've paid a $50 non-refundable enrollment deposit. This holds a spot for your child pending the outcome of the financial aid process.

Are any merit scholarships available? What constitutes a complete financial aid application?

We only offer need-based financial aid. Financial aid applications must be filed by new and returning families each year. The information is due in the Business Office by March 1st. A complete financial aid file consists of the full tax return, 1099’s or W2’s, and the parents’ financial statement submitted via www.sss.nais.org/parents.

How can I be involved as a parent in my child’s school?

There are many opportunities for parental involvement at Oakridge. More information can be found here: http://www.theoakridgeschool.org/page.cfm?p=477.

How does Oakridge help new students feel welcome?

Each new student in grades 5-12 receives a buddy who will meet with them during orientation prior to the first day of school.

Each new student (grades 1-12) will be placed in an Oakridge Owl Connect family, which meets monthly during the school year. It allows students to get to know a faculty member and students from other grade levels.