OUR PROGRESSIVE MISSION
Our Mission Statement and our Seven Core Principles of Teaching and Learning guide our daily work at Blue Oak, and they make our school a distinctive learning environment.
Inquisitive Minds, Inclusive Hearts, Purposeful Lives
Blue Oak School is a dynamic community of students, educators, and families. We provide an exceptional learning experience that cultivates the skills, habits, confidence, and sense of belonging needed to shape the future in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Values and Core Principles
Our mission is a reflection of our commitment to the holistic development of our students, and is rooted in our values and core principles of learning.
Our Values
Community
Community is at the heart of our school. We develop strong, supportive relationships, and promote a sense of belonging among students, educators, and families.
Curiosity
We ask questions, seek knowledge, and constantly explore new ideas. In that process, we develop creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
Joy
Kindness
Respect
Responsibility
We believe that each student, family, and educator is accountable for their actions and contributes to our community and beyond. Through this shared commitment, we can positively impact our world.
Our Seven Core Principles
1. Children “learn by doing.”
At Blue Oak, students don’t just study concepts—they bring them to life. They experiment, design, problem-solve, create original stories, compose music, and conduct their own research.
2. Curriculum is child-centered and developmentally appropriate.
Learning at Blue Oak is rooted in meaningful, relevant experiences that spark each child’s natural motivation to explore and grow.
3. The curriculum builds from a foundation.
Lessons build on what students already know, meeting them in their zone of proximal development to extend learning and deepen understanding.
4. True understanding, rather than memorization, is stressed.
When students truly understand, memorization follows—and they can confidently apply their knowledge in new situations.
5. The process of learning is emphasized.
When the focus is on learning, there’s no need to cheat or avoid challenges. Risk-taking—and even failure—is embraced as part of growth, what Madeline Levine calls “the blessings of the skinned knee.”
6. The curriculum is integrated.
Blue Oak faculty integrate disciplines to deepen understanding and connect learning to real-world experiences—through literature, music, art, science, math, and physical education.
7. Inquiry is at the heart of the curriculum.
At Blue Oak, learning begins with meaningful questions—because as John Dewey said, “We only learn when confronted with a problem.”
Get to Know Blue Oak School
Come visit us! Please contact our Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management. Meredith Wilson.
What They Call 21st-Century Skills, We Call Tradition
At Blue Oak, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication aren’t trends—they’re the foundation of how we teach. Through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, students ask questions, solve real-world problems, and bring ideas to life. From building blocks in TK to original research in Middle School, our classrooms are vibrant spaces where curiosity, confidence, and capability grow.
Let me know if you want to lean more into innovation, joy of learning, or specific examples.
Our Educational Philosophy
Blue Oak School is grounded in a student-centered approach that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Our methods draw on decades of research and best practices in child development, emphasizing hands-on exploration, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. We believe education should empower students to understand themselves, work with others, and confidently meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Let me know if you’d like it to sound more experiential, emphasize your TK-8 model, or spotlight specific core strengths.