Frequently Asked Questions 

We suggest you begin the application process in the fall. 

February 1 is the recommended application deadline. Since availability is limited, it is best to start the process early.

We understand that the cost of attending an independent school requires making a significant investment in your child’s education and future. Recognizing that every situation is unique, we are committed to working with each family to find ways of making an Oakridge education a reality. The Oakridge School's Financial Aid Committee seeks to assist qualified students whose families could not otherwise afford a private school education.

Financial aid is a grant, not a loan, given to qualifying families based on financial need to offset the costs of an Oakridge education. The grant does not have to be repaid. Families who have students entering first through twelfth grade are eligible to apply for need-based assistance. 

Financial grants are applied to the basic tuition and fees. Costs not included in tuition and fees include uniforms, lunches, fees for optional clubs/activities, and textbooks for grades 5-12.  Based on a family’s demonstrated financial need, textbook awards may be offered to help offset the costs of textbooks. 

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

• The application form
• Previous school transcript(s)
• Completed recommendation form(s)
• Entrance examination results
• School visit
• Interview

Our students come from public and private schools. Each year, students relocate from out of state and abroad. 

The Oakridge School cooperates with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enroll international exchange students.

Each year roughly 120 to 140 new students join the Oakridge family. 

More than likely, the answer is yes. Depending on the date and type of 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.

Admissions testing is meant to assess the current academic level of your child, so no extra studying is needed for the exam.

Finding the right fit, at the right time, for your child is very important to us. 

• Students should be 3-years-old to start preschool.
• We use the birthday cutoff date of August 1, although our Admissions Committee will consider possible candidates with later birthdates.

• Admission is need-blind and is based on your child’s academic and overall fit with The Oakridge School. Financial aid is not awarded until after the student is enrolled and you've paid a reduced, non-refundable enrollment deposit of $100. This holds a spot for your child pending the outcome of the financial aid process.

Yes! Each year, Oakridge makes grants of various amounts. We recognize that every family situation is different and that even a small amount of assistance can make a critical difference for many families.

We only offer need-based financial aid. Families filing for financial aid must re-submit their applications each year. Financial aid may be filed by new and returning families, each year. The information is due in the Business Office by March 1. 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.

Families interested in applying for financial aid should indicate their interest on the Application Form. Oakridge uses the calculations provided by SSS, a third-party, as a starting point in determining the demonstrated need of a family. Other factors taken into consideration include the information provided in the Self-Report of Monthly Income, tax forms, the number of children in tuition-bearing schools, as well as extenuating circumstances.