Oldfields School - Review #1

Read more details about Oldfields School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Oldfields School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2011-2015
Sports and Activities:
I participated in team sports, despite not being a gifted athlete, and I enjoyed being part of a team. At my other schools I wasn't good enough at sports to even be considered for a team. I was in a book club, worked in the after-study hall snack bar, was in the Jewish Student Alliance, and was a stage hand. Over my years at OS I developed the confidence to speak before the school during assemblies and grew into a self-assured person.
College Enrolled:
Brandeis University
Home Town, State:
Knoxville, TN

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
When I attend there were 180 students and it was an amazing experience. The faculty believed in me and that made all the difference. I will recommend OS to anyone, I've never felt so accepted at a school as I did at OS. I got to work at my level in maths and humanities rather than being pushed into all advanced / grade-level / below grade-level coursework.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I found a place that was gone and a community that was a family. I can't a sense of belonging at OS.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Take a chance and try things that you think are out of your wheelhouse. You may decide that you hate theatre or working with animals, but you can't really know until you give it an ernest try.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I loved being at OS. It was a wonderful experience and I'm grateful for all of the support I received from the faculty and staff.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
I took a chance on OS. It wasn't the fanciest school and it didn't have the most up-to-date facilities, but when I was there I had the sense that I was going to find a place to call home. Oldfields was a family and a home and provided me with stability through the years. OS was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved that my teachers could change our course content to fit the students. My maths teacher would sit with me during Extra Help period and with through math problems with me over and over again until I was able to understand them. My history teachers inspired me to pursue a grad degree in history.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved that the athletics were for all students, not just those who were the best players. At first mandatory sports was an adjustment. I'd never been on a sports team before, but over my years at OS I came to really like being part of a sports team. I didn't play sports before OS, but now I'm in my late 20s and am still active in sports.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a stage have during a couple of school plays and loved going up into the loft with the lights and sound system. And I can say with the voice of experience that I am far more suited to being behind the stage curtain than in front of it!

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
If there wasn't a club already in existence, we could easily develop one. During my time at OS I was one of the finding members of a book club and participated in maybe other clubs.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I spent three years in a double room and got a single room during my senior year. I've stayed in nearly all of the dorms and each one had it's own charms and quirks. I had an easy transition into university because OS prepared me to be independent and take care of myself, while knowing when to ask others for support.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining food was delicious. I've never had better for in a cafeteria / dining hall.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
We were close enough to Baltimore and NYC to go on occasional visits. We had opportunities to go to the movies in Hunt Valley almost every weekend. The old railroad trail was walking distance from campus and was a lovely and quiet place to go for walks.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I made lifelong friends at OS.
Read more details about Oldfields School on their 2024-25 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
Oldfields School Alumni #1
Class of 2015
5.00 7/5/2024
Brandeis University
When I attend there were 180 students and it was an amazing experience. The faculty believed in me and that made all the difference. I will recommend OS to anyone, I've never felt so accepted. . .
Oldfields School Alumni #2
Class of 2016
5.00 1/16/2020
Carleton College
I truly do believe that the faculty and staff at Oldfields make this school a unique one. Every member of the faculty and staff are invested in the wellbeing and success of every student here. . .
Oldfields School Alumni #3
Class of 2018
5.00 6/29/2019
Shenandoah University
One aspect that O.S has that no other school is how our school is split into Green or White Teams. These team all year have a friendly competition that not only helps you make friends. . .
Show more reviews (10 reviews)

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 30 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $59,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,000
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update