Matt Burgy, Head of School

August 21, 2026

Dear Oakridge Family,

And we’re off! What an amazing first few days of school! There are moments as Head of School when you can simply feel the strength of a community. Wednesday morning was one of those moments. The energy on our campus was electric! Cars were pulling in. Teachers and staff were outside welcoming students. Friends spotted one another and immediately ran together. Parents were taking those first-day pictures. Our youngest Owls arrived with backpacks nearly as big as they were, while our seniors walked onto campus knowing this would be their last first day at Oakridge. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles, hugs, high-fives, laughter, and excitement. Oakridge was alive again! And I loved every minute of it!

After a summer of planning and preparation, and an incredible week of pre-planning with our faculty and staff, there was something powerful about seeing our students finally walk through the doors. Because this is why we do the work. More than anything, the first day reminded me of the incredible privilege we have of walking alongside children as they grow.

Some of our students will discover a subject this year that fascinates them. Someone will step onto a stage for the first time. Someone will make a team, learn an instrument, find a new friend, discover a talent, take a leadership risk, or accomplish something they didn't think they could do.

There will also be hard days. There will be mistakes, disappointments, difficult assignments, losses, awkward moments, and times when our students have to try again. Those moments matter, too. Because our responsibility isn't simply to prepare students to succeed. It is to help them develop the confidence, character, curiosity, and resilience to navigate whatever comes next.

I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead, and for us to partner together to help our children become the best version of themselves.

Warmly,

Matt Burgy
Head of School