Oak Knoll prepares young women to live lives of purpose and set the standard of excellence in any setting. Through our carefully crafted Upper School signature programs, your daughter will grow to become an empowered leader who challenges herself, steps outside her comfort zone, and makes the big moves.
A unique Oak Knoll program that teaches girls to take risks, build confidence, and be themselves. The workshops are designed to inspire, empower, and boost confidence, especially through failure. Workshops include lessons on the importance of building trust, friendships, how to identify and fix failures, and how to risk plan. The program is facilitated by grade 7 and 8 teachers and incorporates a variety of class bonding and self-discovery activities. Learn more.
In partnership with Columbia University, all Oak Knoll seniors participate in this program to ensure our graduates enter higher education with enhanced leadership confidence. In a collaborative learning environment, students develop an understanding of leadership theory and practice by working in learning teams on projects. They reflect throughout the process on their individual strengths and areas for development as well as reflect on the process of working collaboratively. By increasing confidence in utilizing self-knowledge and fostering higher-level leadership skills, participants better serve their community both now and in the future.
Throughout their senior year, students participate in a monthly synchronous two-hour online learning session with Dr. Rebecca Stilwell, Ph.D., an Organizational Psychologist and professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Students individually benefit from three one-hour executive coaching sessions with Dr. Stilwell, and they collaborate in smaller groups on their monthly Learning Team projects.
Leading in a continuously changing globalized world can be a challenge for even the most experienced leaders. This program is designed to support the further development of emerging leaders for existing leadership roles and those in the future.
The Leadership Evaluation and Development (L.E.A.D.) Program aims to teach and discuss leadership with student athletes at Oak Knoll. Through speaker series, team workshops, and an extensive Captains Academy each summer, Oak Knoll students are exposed to leadership teaching throughout each season that transcends the playing surface. Learn more about L.E.A.D.
During the month of May, as the final “cap” to their high school experience, seniors independently explore different areas of interest to them, whether it is academic, creative, career or service-oriented, and students are challenged to demonstrate their passion for discovery beyond the limits of the curriculum.
As part of Oak Knoll’s endeavor to promote the growth of the whole child, the Senior Capstone Project helps to further the development of mature students capable of making and acting upon responsible choices, which enrich their lives and contribute to the lives of others. By engaging in a meaningful “capstone” to their education at Oak Knoll, seniors set reasonable goals, manage time wisely, act responsibly, and demonstrate initiative, which are all key skills necessary for success in future educational endeavors and beyond.
Through a partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and Schoolyard Ventures, Oak Knoll offers students in grades 10-12 the opportunity to participate in a 12-week virtual program where they can experience social entrepreneurship first-hand while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from UPenn.
During the program, students learn how to launch ventures of their own that create value and a positive impact on society. Students learn in small online classes and through engaging interviews and case studies with young entrepreneurs, with personalized one-on-one guidance and support along the way.
Because students choose their own projects, each student’s experience in the program is unique. The program runs from November to February, with classes meeting virtually one evening per week. At the end of the program, students will present their work and participate in a virtual graduation. More on the program can be found here.
