Academic support for the next generation of Adventist leaders.
The Oakwood Academic Center is pleased to offer a new approach to education — one that not only satisfies all Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements but is carefully designed to inspire the next generation of service-minded Adventist Christians.
It’s a little-known fact that in Michigan, students don’t have to actually attend a “brick and mortar” public school to graduate. Instead, they can enroll as a virtual student. Students who exercise this option — known as the Seat Time Waiver — take their courses online at the location of their choosing. Since there’s no set classroom schedule, students can take classes at their own pace. This frees up time during normal school hours for volunteering, service projects and other beneficent activities that are not typically part of the public-school curriculum.
While the Seat Time Waiver affords tremendous flexibility, there’s no substitute for taking classes in a shared environment with board-certified teachers and other same-aged students. The OAC bridges this gap with its pioneering Oakwood Academic Center (OAC). Instead of going to “school” every day, students will come to the OAC, where they will take their courses online with teachers, mentors and other support staff there to support them.
The OAC was founded to inspire the next generation of Adventist leaders. To meet this goal, time will be dedicated each school day to educating students about the doctrines, traditions and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Learners will…
What will truly distinguish this program is a concerted effort by all staff to nurture our students’ commitment to service. To foster this mindset, students will take philosophy of service courses, which will require them to develop service projects that support others in their community, school and church. The skills these courses impart will empower students to turn ideas into actions and give them the tools and confidence to become future leaders.
The Lord calls for strong, devoted, self-sacrificing young men and women who will press to the front and who, after a short time spent in school, will go forth prepared to give the message to the world.
-COUNSELS TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS. 549. {C HS 64.4}
The OAC will provide students with several opportunities to advance their education, get a jump-start on college and even save money on tuition.
More than 35 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses will give students an opportunity to earn college credits and placement while still in high school.
Through our Dual Enrollment program, students can earn up to 45 college credits, at no additional cost, by taking courses at a local community college.
A highly qualified network of tutors will support students both spiritually and academically. Tutoring will be conducted in-person or via full-immersion telepresence technology. Additionally, we’ll tap into our team of volunteers to aid in service projects, transportation, extra-curricular programming and more.
To ensure each child is ready for the next step in their education, the OAC will evaluate the college readiness of each student three times per year. Students will be assessed utilizing the PSAT 9, PSAT 10 and SAT. These are the same college readiness exams most colleges and universities require for application.
Since no two children are the same, the OAC will individualize each student’s educational experience using Educational Development Plans (EDP). All students will complete interest and career inventories through our Career Cruising application. We’ll then use the results to identify specific elective courses that benefit each student’s goals.
We are excited to offer students this new way to meet their traditional educational requirements, while at the same time strengthening their bond with their Adventist Christian identity. For enrollment details or other information about this program, contact the Adventist Academic Centers Ministry Initiative.