Oxford Academy (Connecticut)

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The Oxford Academy
Oxford academy.png
Location
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
Westbrook
,
Connecticut

USA
Information
TypeBoarding
Established1906
HeadmasterPhillip Cocchiola
Faculty26
Enrollment45 total as of 2019-2020 Cap. 48
Average class sizen/a
Student to teacher ratio1:1
Campus14 acres (57,000 m2)
Color(s)Blue/White
MascotThe Charge
Websiteoxfordacademy.net

Oxford Academy, located in Westbrook, Connecticut, is the only independent college preparatory boarding school offering individualized one-on-one classes to boys who wish to accelerate their high school programs or who need individualized instruction in the classroom setting to advance their learning.

History[]

The school was founded in 1906 in Pleasantville, New Jersey, by Dr. Joseph M. Weidberg, a psychologist. Weidberg was concerned that many students were falling through the cracks of traditional education systems and not thriving due to academic learning differences.

In founding the Academy, Weidberg looked to the great educators of the past: the lessons of John Dewey and Socrates were central to the creation of the Oxford Method. The Oxford Method was also based heavily on the tutorial system of Oxford University: Weidberg believed that a unique curriculum personally designed for each student would allow academic and social success. By utilizing the Socratic method of question-and-answer education, these students were observed to display remarkable talent.

In 1941, school enrollment was limited to a maximum of 15 students but has since grown to 48 students. In 1947 Dr. Edward R. Knight was selected to succeed Dr. Weidberg as Headmaster followed by Frank Effinger in 1973, Dr. Jonathan A. Woodhall in 1975, and Philip H. Davis in 1983. In 2010, Philip B. Cocchiola was appointed Head of School.

In its present iteration, Oxford Academy is the only all boys boarding school in the world providing a college preparatory education in a one to one setting. Students enroll from both the United States and all over the world, included Japan, Rwanda, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Ecuador, Spain, Egypt, France, England, Saudi Arabia and China. Students find that Oxford is a place where they can thrive in their preparations for college.

Oxford Academy's popular Summer Session is offered to both boys and girls offering one to one learning for students wishing to continue their studies in an individualized format. Course offerings include customized classes in all subjects, ESL, marine biology and credit recovery. Many students attend to improve their reading and writing in preparation for university studies. Afternoons are camp style and include swimming, fishing, sailing, archery, soccer, tennis, horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding and extensive outdoor adventures.

Athletics[]

Oxford's athletic program offers interscholastic competition in soccer, basketball, and tennis, as well as several intramural sports including outdoor club, airsoft, sailing and weightlifting. Competitive teams play in the Shoreline league and frequently participate in the season finals with teams from Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York.

Notable alumni[]

  • Wayne Huizenga is an American businessman and entrepreneur.
  • Michael Armand Hammer oversees the Hammer International Foundation, the Armand Hammer Foundation, and owns numerous businesses that include Hammer Galleries, and Hammer Productions, a television and film production company located in Los Angeles, California.
  • Robert Allbritton is the owner and founder of Capitol News Company, the parent company of Capitol Hill political newspaper and website Politico. Allbritton also served as the chairman and CEO of Allbritton Communications, which owned several ABC-affiliated television stations in Washington, D.C.
  • John Pritzker is an entrepreneur whose endeavors include Ticketmaster and Mandara Spa, a chain of 72 resort spas.
  • Fabien Cousteau is an aquanaut, ocean conservationist, and documentary filmmaker.
  • Félix Serrallés is a Puerto Rican racing driver.

Faculty[]

The Academy is currently administered by Phil Cocchiola,[1] who is only the sixth head of school.

As of 2020, the faculty of Oxford consisted of 23 full-time members and three part time teachers; 75% of the faculty held master's degrees. Oxford boasts a most settled community of educators most of whom have served the Oxford students for 15 years or more. Most members of the faculty live on campus.[2]

References[]

  1. ^ Courant, Hartford. "A New Headmaster for Oxford Academy". courant.com. Retrieved 2021-04-14.
  2. ^ School Close-Up, Peterson's Guide

External links[]

Coordinates: 41°16′55″N 72°26′35″W / 41.282°N 72.443°W / 41.282; -72.443

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