Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) is an independent k - 12 public charter school designed to mold students into future leaders through completion of a rigorous curriculum while focusing on community service and developing an appreciation of the arts. Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) is an independent public charter school that is designed to mold students into future leaders through completion of a rigorous curriculum while focusing on community service and developing an appreciation of the arts. In order to prepare each student for attending the college of his or her choice, OPS cultivates intellectual curiosity by engaging students in critical thinking and experiential learning. The school is committed to serving the surrounding communities of Granville and Vance Counties and to reflect the area’s diversity in terms of gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. OPS has not only set the goal of 100% graduation but will also provide every student with the necessary skills to gain admission to a four-year college/university. Because the most significant way to rebuild and revitalize the local community is to increase access to meaningful four-year college degrees, a challenging curriculum has been created that will develop a student’s ability to critically think, write, and demonstrate what they have learned beyond traditional standardized testing. In order to graduate, all students will be required to earn four credits across each core subject (Math, English, Social Studies, and Science), three credits in the same foreign language, take at least one college level class (AP or Dual Enrollment), and have completed at least sixty service hours in the local community. Traditional “Honors” classes will be replaced with “Scholars” classes. In the ninth grade, students in the innovative Scholars Program will take their first of at least five Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Students that successfully complete this program can potentially earn up to a year’s worth of college credits and have the best chance to gain admission to the most selective colleges/universities within and outside of North Carolina. Finally, robust electives centered about the Arts will support the core curriculum. While many schools are limiting the funding for fine arts programs, OPS looks to develop all students’ appreciation in the visual and performing arts. As OPS grows, classes will be offered in visual arts, band, drama, music appreciation, art history, and others based on demand. By combining a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, service to the community, and an emphasis on the Arts, OPS employs a unique approach to education that focuses on graduating well-rounded students who will someday become the future leaders of this community and beyond.
