Twice a year, on crisp October and March Saturday mornings, families step through the doors of The Oaks Academy, carrying backpacks, breakfast treats, and a spirit of curiosity. They aren’t just attending school on a Saturday — they’re stepping into one of our most cherished traditions: Saturday School. More than just a morning of lessons, this special event is a vibrant intersection of education, family, and community. And as a bonus, students earn a well-deserved break the following Monday!

The day begins with Lauds, a time of morning worship that gently ushers in a sense of reflection and gratitude. From there, classrooms transform into spaces of shared learning, where students and parents collaborate on engaging activities. A Pre-K parent helps their child piece together a colorful tissue-paper shamrock, while a 1st grade students beams with pride as they present their research on African wildlife. Fourth-grade families huddle over blueprints for medieval castles, and in the Middle School hallways, students confidently showcase their studies on groundbreaking scientific achievements.

By mid-morning, parents transition to thoughtfully designed seminars led by faculty and staff. These sessions reflect The Oaks’ belief that parents are their children’s first teachers, equipping them with insights into educational philosophy, habit formation, and the distinctive approach of our curriculum.

This year’s seminar offerings ranged from practical strategies for supporting student’s reading and math development at home, to deeper discussions on topics such as engaging with technology and our mission as a Christ-centered school. Parents also enjoyed hands-on experiences of their child’s education like Parent Choir, practicing a picture study, and even an art class. One parent leaving a seminar summed up the spirit of the day beautifully: “It felt like a group hug where we were focused together on how to best help our kids.”

Meanwhile, students were just as engaged, with even middle school students excitedly expressing how much fun they had. As one group of 8th grade girls left for the day, they gushed, “It was so fun! I loved it.” Seeing that enthusiasm — especially on a Saturday morning — was a powerful reminder of why Saturday School remains such a meaningful tradition at The Oaks.

At The Oaks, we view education as a partnership, one that extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of each family. Saturday School is a testament to that philosophy — a time to explore, discover, and grow together. It’s an opportunity for parents to experience firsthand what their children are learning and to celebrate the joy of lifelong learning as a family.