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one student one teacher
mission statement The mission of The Oxford Academy is to provide young men with a successful educational experience through one-to-one instruction, a structured boarding environment and a close, caring community of teachers and peers. Oxford seeks to help students develop both the academic and social skills necessary for future success as citizens of the world.
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table of contents
3. From the Headmaster
14. Art Program
4. The Oxford Student
16. Athletics
6. The Oxford Method
18. Residential Life
8. Academics
20. Admissions
10. Course of Study
21. Directions
12. College Guidance
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know thyself
Self-knowledge builds confidence. Through positive relationships with adults in the classroom, dormitory and on the playing field, students learn about themselves, their strengths, weaknesses and needs.
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An Invitation from the Headmaster
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It is our belief that the most important part of your life is ahead of you, not behind, and we are far more interested in where you want to go than where you have been. Oxford isn’t just a school; it is a community with one purpose: your success.
from the headmaster
As you make your way through the pages of this view book, I believe you will come to the same conclusion so many have before you, that Oxford is a special place. An extraordinary opportunity awaits you here if you choose to take advantage of it.
I hope that you enjoy learning more about Oxford Academy and how, for over one hundred years, our school has made a difference in the lives of so many young men. I look forward to your visit.
Philip Cocchiola Headmaster
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The Oxford Academy Student The Oxford Academy student is one who seeks an alternative to the traditional classroom environment. Through individualized instruction in a one-to-one classroom, the Oxford student can achieve his academic goals. By proceeding at his own pace and level in each course, he can accelerate in areas of strength and/or remediate weaknesses.
Our Goals for All Students • To increase confidence and motivation through successful academic experiences. • To improve study habits, strategies and time management. • To identify and remediate gaps or deficits in core subjects and skills. • To prepare students for college-level expectations. • To foster personal responsibility and positive decision-making.
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Over the past 100 years, Oxford has developed a program for students with many learning and emotional profiles, including poor self-concept, lack of motivation, slow processing, ADHD, and difficulty initiating, planning, organizing and completing academic tasks.
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the oxford student
one-to-one classroom
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A curriculum rooted in core academic subjects with an emphasis on strategic effort and critical thinking helps students learn to learn.
core beliefs
ABout Teaching and Learning
Students learn best when the materials, content and pace of instruction are appropriately challenging. Thoughtfully designed coursework, based on regular assessment, increases motivation and ensures that success is attainable. 6
All students deserve legitimate opportunities to demonstrate learning; there are many valid forms of assessing progress.
The Oxford method of IndividualiZed Instruction
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Understanding the individual begins with the admissions process. We first get to know the young man, his experiences, interests and goals for the future through one-to-one interviews with the Headmaster, Dean of Studies, and Dean of Students. Parental input, along with a review of records, including learning profile and previous academic performance, helps the Dean of Studies determine curriculum needs. Based on this information, as well as initial testing, a program of coursework is planned that suits the student’s goals and academic skills.
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the oxford method
Personal efficacy is essential to the development of self-confidence and motivation. Students who feel they are partners in their education will learn to connect individual behavior with academic outcomes.
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Adolescents need to practice the skill of self-advocacy by articulating their needs and confronting problems in socially acceptable ways.
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“The education my son received was something like laying bricks, one upon another. The solid base was laid by Oxford and he is proud to have attended this school.”
Once a course assignment has been made, the teacher reviews the student’s profile and assesses his skills in the subject. Together, teacher and student set the direction of the course by choosing textbooks and other materials. Oxford teachers are experienced at working with students of varying backgrounds and needs, and student input is integral to this process. Time management, organization, and other learning strategies are incorporated into every course. Oxford teachers work with students not just to cover course content, but also to improve reading comprehension, written expression, research skills, problem solving, and critical thinking.
In order to grow and flourish, young men need clear parameters; a structured and consistent boarding environment that emphasizes personal responsibility allows them to establish productive habits and attitudes. 7
a structured approach A DAY AT OXFORD
7:00-7:40 Breakfast 7:50 Announcements in Study Center 8:05-3:00 20-minute class periods including a morning break and 40-minute lunch 3:30-4:30 Sports 5:35-5:55 Newspaper Reading or Newswatch 6:00 Dinner 7:30-8:45 Evening Study Hall 10:30 In dorms 10:45 In rooms 11:00 Lights out
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Effort Leads to Achievement
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Frequent feedback helps students see a direct link between effort and achievement. Based on weekly tests and assessments, teachers compose comments reflecting progress, lauding accomplishments, and making suggestions for improvement. These comments are shared with students through the advisor system, and with parents via email. Independent study privileges are awarded for consistent effort.
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A Structured Approach to Academics
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The Oxford Academy is unique in more ways than its hallmark of one-to-one instruction. Equally important is the structured schedule of class time interspersed with study time. The academic day is organized so that each student has one hour between every class. By completing homework directly after it is assigned, the student practices newly learned concepts and effective time management.
academics
In the Donald K. Miller Study Center, each student is assigned his own desk with a bookshelf and computer access. During school hours, the Study Center is proctored by faculty who track each student’s work and maintain a quiet and orderly environment. Access to the Internet is monitored during study periods.
“Oxford has an unbelievable group of teachers who have the ability to educate in a compassionate, flexible, personal way while instilling the importance of respect and responsibility in their students.�
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course of study Time to Learn One reason students thrive at Oxford is because they can work at their own pace. Our teachers adapt coursework so that it is suited to each student’s aptitudes, interests and needs. Rather than teaching a one-size-fits-all course, we have an array of texts for each subject. Additionally, teachers work with students to identify the most appropriate starting point and pace. Regular assessment provides each teacher the opportunity to make adjustments as necessary.
Summer Program Oxford offers a five week summer term that can be geared towards many different needs. Students already enrolled may use summer term to make up time or accelerate. New students may enroll in summer term to get a head start to the regular year, or for remedial work. Our Study Skills course for one-half credit is also offered. A unique feature of our summer term is the half-credit Marine Biology Summer Course. Unlike most classes at Oxford, Marine Bio is taught in a small group of approximately six students. This hands-on course meets for one hour daily, and takes advantage of the school’s proximity to Long Island Sound, including trips to Mystic Aquarium and with Project Oceanology out of Avery Point, CT.
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english
mathematics
Oxford Academy’s English teachers seek to foster appreciation for language and literature and encourage insightful interpretation of all literary genres. Students practice critical thinking, effective communicating, creative and analytical writing, and discerning research. They learn to develop their intellectual voices in a trusting one-to-one environment. Oxford’s English teachers work to build each student’s confidence and help all to reach their potential with a tailored and appropriately challenging curriculum.
The mission of The Oxford Academy Math program is to cultivate in each student a methodical, deliberate, and logical approach to problem solving that may be used throughout his math career. Two main areas of focus support this mission: first, the identification and remediation of gaps in students’ knowledge and skill base, and second, an emphasis on time management, study habits and learning strategies. Furthermore, by tailoring classes to the individual student’s abilities, needs and interests, Oxford’s mathematics teachers strive to make math more approachable and relevant.
Social Studies Oxford’s Social Studies courses provide each student with an understanding of the importance and impact of the events of the past, convey cultural respect and appreciation, and hone the various skills necessary for successful academic endeavors. Oxford offers an array of social studies courses designed to appeal to the individual. Students are encouraged to pursue their own interests through course design and research projects.
Science The Science program of the Oxford Academy strives to educate students using a variety of learning strategies. These include traditional instructional methods, relevant technologies, and the integration of hands-on lab based and outdoor activities. By adjusting classes to meet the unique needs of each student, Oxford’s science teachers aim to help individuals grasp diverse science concepts, and achieve competence in problem solving and laboratory skills.
The Post-Graduate Program
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For students who would like an additional year to prepare for a successful college experience, Oxford Academy offers a program of individualized instruction geared toward building confidence. With a high school diploma in hand, PG students have the freedom to design a curriculum that focuses on their interests and helps them meet college entrance requirements, while practicing higher level reading, writing, research, critical thinking, and study skills.
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Study SKills The Oxford Study Skills course is designed to ensure that a student has the appropriate tools to learn. Taken for one to two terms, for one-half credit, students proceed through seven areas that teach students the skills to be active learners, specifically, to improve reading comprehension and to organize and retain information for tests or written work.
english as a Second Language Oxford offers ESL instruction at the intermediate to advanced level. ESL students typically take two one-to-one English classes per day with weekly group instruction included as appropriate. The goals for the program are: to build English communication skills through written and oral expression, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and knowledge of American idioms; to improve TOEFL scores; to develop cultural and social awareness. Math, history, and science courses are offered at a level suitable to the individual’s English proficiency.
diploma ReQuirements Students who hope to attend college must meet or exceed the 16 credits required for an Academic Diploma with the following distribution: • 4 English • 3 mathematics (including Geometry and Algebra II) • 3 social studies (including U.S. History) • 2 science (including one lab science) • 2 courses in one foreign language • 2 electives
course of study
Students with weaknesses in reading comprehension and written expression often benefit from an additional English class. Oxford’s Language Arts course is designed to remediate skills based on individual needs and to complement what is covered in the regular English curriculum. Language Arts is required for those studying Englishas-a-Second-Language.
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The Foreign Language Department offers introductory through advanced study in Spanish, French, German, and Latin. Oxford’s one-to-one classroom allows the teacher to adapt instructional strategies to meet the needs and learning style of the individual, with the aim of bringing each student to a novice level of language competence. Additionally, students are exposed as much as possible to the culture of the language studied.
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For a General Diploma, less advanced mathematics courses may be chosen and the foreign language requirement may be replaced by academic electives.
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college guidance Over the past several years Oxford Academy students have been accepted to the following colleges and universities:
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Alfred University American University American International College Arcadia University Arizona State University Bard College Boston University Brevard College Bucknell University Case Western Reserve University
Cazenovia College Centenary College Champlain College Clark University Colby-Sawyer College Colgate University College of Notre Dame de Namur Connecticut College Cornell University Curry College Daniel Webster College
Dean College DePaul University Dickinson College Elon University Emmanuel College Emerson College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Endicott College Evergreen State College Fairfield University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College
Franklin College, Switzerland Franklin Pierce University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Goucher College Green Mountain College Guilford College Gustavus Adolphus College Hartwick College Hawaii Pacific University Hendrix College Hofstra University
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“Before I came to Oxford I didn’t even want to go to college because school just didn’t interest me. Now I realize the importance of a good education.”
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Skidmore College Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Suffolk University Syracuse University Trinity College Tulane University University of California University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Hartford
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Roanoke College Rhode Island School of Design Roger Williams University Rollins College St. Anslem College St. John’s University Saint Michael’s College Savannah College of Art and Design Schiller International University
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Marymount/Manhattan College Mitchell College New York University Nichols College Ohio Wesleyan University Pace University Penn State University Pratt Institute Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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Indiana University Ithaca College James Madison University Johnson State College King Fahd University Lafayette College Landmark College Loyola University Lyndon State College Lynn University Lynchburg College Manhattanville College
• Offers advice about postsecondary educational options that best fit a student’s individual interests and needs • Provides education regarding the procedures of admission • Supports and encourages students as they complete applications
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“I wanted to thank you for helping our son believe in himself ! Oxford provided the positive support, the structure, the discipline, and genuine care that he needed in order to move forward.”
Our counselor:
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Oxford Academy’s College Counselor works closely with students and families, offering support, information, and encouragement as they navigate the exciting but complicated college admissions process.
University of Maine University of Massachusetts University of the Pacific University of Pittsburg University of Tampa University of Wisconsin Utica College Westminster College Wheaton College Widener University Wittenberg University
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“Oxford made it happen for me, before I was a puzzle, and right now I’m a picture, and I’m confident.”
Rotunda Art Gallery
Art & Photography The Art and Photography program aims to cultivate a student’s ability to communicate through visual language, foster creative thinking and innovative problem solving, instill confidence, and challenge him to make improvements to his work regardless of the outcome.
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art program
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Athletics at Oxford The primary goal of the Oxford Academy athletic program is to give every student the opportunity to focus on and improve his mental and physical fitness. Throughout the three seasons, students may join one of the varsity teams (soccer, basketball, tennis) or participate in either competitive intramural activities (flag football, floor hockey, paintball) or the weightlifting/conditioning program. The Athletic Department believes that these experiences enable the Academy’s students to develop leadership skills and self-confidence, as well as promote teamwork and the importance of healthy living through regular exercise. All of these activities offer Oxford’s students countless occasions to learn and appreciate the lessons for life that sports provide.
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“My son found the perfect place for himself at your school. He learned so much, matured, became so confident. He really expanded his social skills, learned incredible study habits, learned how to relate to and appreciate his teachers.�
life at Oxford 18
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Residential Life
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Oxford’s Activities Director organizes trips to concerts, sporting events, and places of interest, as well as regular outings to the movies and local malls. Outdoor activities include skiing and snowboarding in Vermont, and kayaking and fishing on Long Island Sound. After fulfilling their commitments on Saturdays, students are permitted to travel home or visit friends and families.
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Free time may be spent socializing in the Walter and Joy Mitchell Student Center where students can play ping-pong, pool, or air hockey, relax in the Senior Lounge, watch movies and events on the flat screen television, and enjoy video gaming stations. A short walk from the school will take students to nearby shops, restaurants, and beaches. Always available for use are the school’s three tennis courts, the gymnasium, and soccer field. Clubs and other activities are organized each year according to student interest.
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Positive peer interaction, cultural understanding, honesty, and respect for one another are integral to Oxford’s close-knit community atmosphere. Consistent and clear parameters promote accountability and personal responsibility, allowing Oxford students to focus on the goals of improving their academic and social skills.
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admissions
Financial Information
Admissions Information Process and Policies: Patricia Davis, Director of Admissions and External Affairs, e-mail: admissions@oxfordacademy.net Ring: (860) 399-6247 Fax: (860) 399-6805 Admission to The Oxford Academy is selective. The school accepts young men between the ages of 14 and 20 whose needs have not been met in a traditional classroom environment, who wish to accelerate or make up for lost time, or who wish to study English-as-a-Second-Language to prepare for entrance to American colleges and universities. The Oxford Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or creed. Application for admission to Oxford can be made at any time, since the school has rolling admissions. The limited number of spaces may necessitate a waiting period, but once a space becomes available, the student begins his program, which is completely individualized. Acceptance is contingent upon a successful interview and a review of previous school records and available testing. Exceptions to the interview requirement may be made for foreign students who cannot travel to the United States.
Because The Oxford Academy depends upon tuition as its primary source of income, scholarship aid is not available. All students, therefore, are treated equally in financial matters. Tuition is prepaid in two installments for a ten-month period. As is the policy in all schools and colleges, records, recommendations, and transcripts are not released until all financial matters have been settled with the school. A five-percent discount in tuition, room and board is allowed a second blood brother enrolled in the Academy at the same time as his sibling.
“Oxford Academy truly was a turning point in my life. I left Oxford a much better person than when I arrived.�
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F O S R S
Route I-91 South to Route 9 South (towards Middletown and Old Saybrook) to Exit 3. Turn left onto Route 154, then right for Route 153 (follow signs for Westbrook.) Take 153 south to the center of Westbrook.
Drive west on Route 1 to Westbrook. Just past the U.S. Post Office, you will see Oxford Academy on the left, opposite the entrance to the Westbrook Public Library and Daisy Ingraham Elementary School (Goodspeed Drive.)
*At center of Westbrook, turn left at the Town Green and left again onto Route 1, the Boston Post Road. Proceed east about 1/4 mile. You will see Oxford Academy’s blue and white sign on the right, opposite Goodspeed Drive (leading to the Westbrook Public Library and Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.) Turn right into Oxford’s parking lot. For admissions, enter the side door of Michael Hill House to the right of the parking lot.
F W Take I-95 North to Exit 65. Turn right at the end of the ramp and proceed from * above.
F E Take I-95 South to Exit 65. Turn left at the end of the ramp and proceed from * above.
F N Y C A Limousines are available for transportation to New Haven, where a cab can be hired to drive to Westbrook, about 25 or 30 minutes of driving.
directions
Photography: Tom Kates Photography, The Oxford Academy Community; Design: Good Design, LLC
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Westbrook is a five-minute drive from Old Saybrook, where Amtrak provides service to Boston and New York, both approximately two hours away. Bradley International Airport, north of Hartford, is just a little over an hour’s drive from the school, as is T.F. Green Airport in Providence, RI.
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The town of Westbrook is a quiet, traditional New England community located on the shore of Long Island Sound near the mouth of the Connecticut River. Summer doubles Westbrook’s population of 6,000 residents and brings to life the area’s tourist industry with seafood restaurants, a four star water-side resort, outlet shopping, and several marinas. Twenty-five miles to the west of Westbrook along I-95 is New Haven and Yale University, and to the east is New London and Connecticut College. North along Route 9 is Wesleyan University in Middletown. Hartford, with Trinity College, the state government, museums, theater and historic sites, lies 50 miles away.
“Oxford is truly a one-of-a-kind place.�
The Oxford Academy is an independent college preparatory boarding school for high school-aged boys located on the shores of Long Island Sound in Westbrook, CT. With a mission to educate each young man to reach his academic potential, Oxford offers a college preparatory curriculum through one-to-one instruction.
1393 Boston Post Road Westbrook, Connecticut 06498 (860) 399-6247 admissions@oxfordacademy.net oxfordacademy.net