What is a semester program?

A semester school is a school that complements a student's secondary education by providing them with the opportunity to step out of their regular school for half an academic year and step into a uniquely different educational setting while continuing their required academic studies. The academic curriculum at semester schools tends to be college preparatory, interdisciplinary, and experiential.

The Oxbow School is part of the Semester Schools Network.

Will credit from The Oxbow School transfer to my home school and apply towards graduation?

The Oxbow School is accredited by The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and Cognia. Cognia accreditation divisions include: the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Oxbow School is also a member of the International Network of Performing and Visual Arts Schools.

The Oxbow School courses are designed to fulfill the credit requirements for on-time high school graduation.

Will I be continuing with my academic work while studying art at Oxbow?

All students at The Oxbow School are assigned honors classes in US History, English, Environmental Science, Studio Art, and Physical Education. Students in need of Math and Foreign Language credits are enrolled in honors Math and/or language tutorials to cover the material that satisfies their sending school requirements.

Can I graduate from The Oxbow School?

The Oxbow School is fully accredited but, as a one-semester program, does not issue diplomas. Students receive credit for their Oxbow course work and return to their sending schools for graduation. The Oxbow School semester broadens the student’s awareness of college possibilities and enhances college applications.

How many students attend The Oxbow School?

The Oxbow School is intentionally designed for 48 students at max capacity and the teacher/student ratio is 1:7.

Does the tuition charge cover all of my expenses?

Tuition at The Oxbow School is ‘all inclusive’ and covers all costs of the core Oxbow experience: classes, art supplies, academic materials, boarding, food, and field trips. Students electing to take tutoring in a foreign language or math will receive a one-time charge of $1,500 prior to the beginning of the semester.

If my family cannot afford the tuition, is financial assistance available?

Yes, need and merit-based scholarships are available. The Oxbow School works with “SSS” (School and Student Services) of NAIS, a national organization that processes financial aid applications for schools and colleges to help determine a family’s level of financial need. The Oxbow School takes pride in fulfilling its mission of attracting students from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and geographic communities and identities. The Oxbow School is able to provide financial aid at a very high level as compared to the norms for both local and national independent schools.