Minds Opened Here!

about five oaks

our mission

programs

curriculum

staff

facility

home

frequently asked questions

What is Five Oaks Academy?

Five Oaks Academy is a privately owned and operated pre- and elementary school.
We provide a high-quality educational experience for children between the ages of three to twelve. We've created an environment that allows us to individually nurture each child and believe in achieving a balance between both providing structure and encouraging children to grow in their own way. We do this by following the basic principals of Montessori philosophy.

(top of page)

What is a Montessori Academy?

Dr. Maria Montessori was a revolutionary in the field of education who developed a simple and logical approach to teaching children. This advanced curriculum is based more on the reality of how children develop rather than imposing a prescribed format and allows a child's education to be driven by their own curiosity. This brings out the best in children – their skills and their true personalities. Even more important, it is fun. Which is really what Montessori is all about; taking the drudgery out of learning. If we help our children believe that learning is fun, then they will learn - and we'll all be better for it.

(top of page)

Who is the Director of Five Oaks Academy?

Running the day to day operations is Director Kathleen Trewhella-Grant, a certified instructor with over 15 years experience as both a teacher and Executive Director. In addition, we have twenty-two full and/or part-time faculty on staff.  Collectively the entire staff has over 50 years experience in teaching and caring for children.

(top of page)

What makes Five Oaks Academy special?

A team of attentive and skilled instructors teaching a thorough and creative curriculum in a beautiful and diverse setting. 

• We begin with a deep respect for the child as an individual. We work from a deep concern for his or her social and emotional development, because there is far more to education than mastering facts.  Our goal is to develop students who really understand their schoolwork.
   
• Five Oaks Academy is a warm and supportive community of students, teachers, and parents. You can’t get lost in the crowd!  Five Oaks Academy is an international school. Both our curriculum and student body reflect a global perspective.
   
• We consciously teach our students to be kind and peaceful.
   
• Our classrooms are bright and exciting environments for learning.
   
• Our students learn through hands-on experience, investigation, and research. They become actively engaged in their studies.  We instill within our students a love of the natural world. Ecological studies and outdoor education are an essential part of every student’s life at Five Oaks Academy.
   
• The program at Five Oaks Academy is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles, helping students learn to study most effectively.
   
• Our students develop self-discipline and an internal sense of purpose and motivation. Students graduate from Five Oaks Academy with lifelong leadership and learning skills which will help them in any of their future endeavors.
   
• Our curriculum is carefully structured and integrated to demonstrate the connections among different subject areas. Every class teaches critical thinking, composition, and research. History lessons link architecture, the arts, science and technology.
   
• Five Oaks Academy students are not afraid of making mistakes; they see them as natural steps in the learning process.
   

(top of page)

What courses do you teach at Five Oaks Academy?

Our curriculum meets and exceeds all state guidelines to provide a core course of study allowing children to move seamlessly between Five Oaks Academy and public schools.

Classes are designed for a three-year age mix promoting both individual and social development. At the core of our philosophy is a hands-on curriculum and individualized lesson that cover all of the expected subjects – reading, writing, math, science, social studies, grace and courtesy, geography, and history. Our curriculum extends above and beyond what is required by the state.

(top of page)

What other instruction or activities does Five Oaks Academy offer?

In addition to the basics, each week we offer many activities including:

• Spanish program
• Art history, art instruction, pottery, collage and dance
• Music appreciation
• Cultural celebrations and instruction in foreign languages
• Nature walks, gardening, and other environmental activities
• Guest instructor's
• Several productions each year that are produced and performed by the students.

(top of page)

What is the cost of attending Five Oaks Academy?

Academic Year 2007-2008 Programs

A Letter of Intent and Reservation/Materials Fee reserve a place for your child for the academic year 2007-2008.  The “Letter of Intent” is to be returned with a Reservation/Materials Fee of $265/$200 for Primary Students and $265/$250 for lower elementary and upper elementary.

Upon acceptance into the academy, a tuition deposit is due that is equal to 1/10 of the yearly tuition.  During the academic year tuition is due on the 30^th of the month prior to the month that it is due.  (i.e. – Tuition for September is due August 30^th).  Payment for monthly tuition is due at the 30^th of each month.  If tuition is not received by the 30^th, a late fee will apply.  Tuition payments are made through SMART Tuition Management Services unless you choose to pay the yearly tuition in full.

Discounts are given for yearly tuition of 4% and must be paid by August 30th.  A second child discount of 10% is given to eligible students. 

Probation/Withdrawal: If the school is unable to respond to a child’s academic, social, and/or emotional needs it reserves the right to require a change of environment to ensure the students success and well being.  If a situation arises, the child may be placed on 30 day academic probation.  My “letter of intent” is a commitment to the entire year’s tuition.  In the event withdrawal is necessary, sixty days written notice is required. (This includes the tuition for the sixty days.)  My letter of intent is being signed with the understanding that this program is a 3 year curriculum. 

Scholarship Information: Candidates who meet academic requirements and financial requirements will be considered for financial assistance.  A letter of reference from a previous teacher and a scholarship application must be completed to be eligible for scholarship.

Five Oaks Academy has a nondiscriminatory policy relative to race, color, and national origin with respect to the admission of students and the employment of faculty and administrative staff.  Five Oaks Academy considers the records of all individual students to be confidential information available to a child’s parents or guardian upon request.  Records will be released to other schools upon signed agreement form a parent or guardian and only after accounts are paid in full.

(top of page)

Who can attend Five Oaks Academy?

Five Oaks Academy values diversity and we welcome all children. As with any private school, there is a brief interview process.

(top of page)

What are regular school hours?

Five Oaks Academy can provide care and education between
the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM.  We have also added some after-school
programs for the 2007-2008 school year that run until 5:00PM Monday-Thursday
and until 4:00PM on Friday.

(top of page)

Do you serve meals?

Children are expected to bring their own lunch. We will provide daily snacks.  On Fridays, we offer pizza for purchase for all full-day students (payment to be arranged through Upper Elementary classroom as part of an economics program project). 

(top of page)

What provisions do you have for safety and emergencies?

We start by talking to parents to be sure we are aware of any pertinent medical issues. We then discuss who to contact and how to reach them in case of an emergency. Furthermore, all of our staff is trained in first-aid and we have monthly fire drills.

In addition, we follow the Greenville County School System guidelines for emergency procedure The first line of preventing accidents and emergencies is the watchful eyes of our staff.

(top of page)