Oak Grove Classical Academy opened it’s doors on August 12, 2008. But that is far from the beginning of the story. In the spring of 2007, a group of families came together to discuss the possibility of starting a Classical, UMS school in Albuquerque. Initially, it felt like a task far too big and too daunting. But we kept meeting maybe, because we all shared a common vision for a school not yet born, or maybe we just didn’t want to be the first one to quit. For whatever our reasons, the Lord kept solidifying our dreams and desires for what Oak Grove would become.
A real turning point in the planning of Oak Grove came in the fall of 2007. Three of us visited a sister-UMS school in Austin, Texas named Veritas Academy. Veritas has the same distinctives that we had been planning for: Christ-centered, Classical and UMS. Their school was full of students and families that testified of the great benefits to this partnership between home and school. It was so inspiring to see in action, the very model of school we had spent so many months discussing and planning. The staff at Veritas has been more than gracious in sharing with us their experiences with starting a school, as well as providing resources, and answering our questions. At that point in the planning process, we were 4 moms, meeting at Burger King and doing the best we could to accomplish our “to-do” lists between meetings. The enthusiasm we came home with was contagious, and at that point the husbands felt the need to get on “board.” Now, the Board of Directors consists of 4 families, coming from a variety of business and educational backgrounds.
The Spring and Summer of 2008 consisted of what seemed like a dozen Informational Meetings, various publicity efforts, meeting with potential families, conducting teacher interviews, finalizing curriculum and training teachers and parents. Amazingly, it all came together in time for school to start on August 12.
We are more than humbled by the success and learning we’ve experienced this first year. We know that we’ve only scratched the surface of the potential and responsibility that we have as a school. We are excited to see the next chapters unfold. Solo Deo Gloria.