Oakwood Friends School

Oakwood Friends School Founded in 1796, Oakwood Friends School is the first coeducational college prep school in New York. Oakwood rings out with voices.

Throughout campus, student voices fill the air. We foster an environment where students are encouraged to try without fear and learn without apprehension. In classrooms, the voices of primary texts from many cultures and eras mix with the voices of students interpreting those texts and forging new ideas. At athletic contests, many voices become one to support and lead one another. Oakwood was foun

ded on Quaker principles that emphasize the importance of individuality, not uniformity. Our vibrant community life nurtures the academic, athletic, artistic, and spiritual voice in each student. The collective power of Oakwood is dependent on the sum of all of our voices; we can't wait to get to know yours.

Oakwood's summer BBQ was a great opportunity for the Oakwood community to catch up before another exciting year of schoo...
08/22/2026

Oakwood's summer BBQ was a great opportunity for the Oakwood community to catch up before another exciting year of school kicks off in just three weeks!

It was a wonderful reminder of what makes the Oakwood community so special. Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the fun as students reunited with friends, families and faculty, shared stories from the summer, and welcomed new faces into the community. It was especially fun to see how much our students had grown and changed over the summer.

Head of School Chad Cianfrani welcomed everyone back, and the Dining Hall team served up a delicious BBQ that gave us all a chance to slow down, share a meal, and enjoy those familiar questions: “How was your summer?” and “What did you do?”

We’re grateful for these moments of connection, laughter, good food, and friendship. And now, we’re counting down the days until we’re all together again.

See you in three weeks!

Members of the Class of 2027 got a head start on their future last week through Oakwood’s College Application Camp!Durin...
08/21/2026

Members of the Class of 2027 got a head start on their future last week through Oakwood’s College Application Camp!

During the camp, students completed their Common Applications, began drafting college essays, and received individual feedback from an admissions counselor from Marist University. The program gives students dedicated time and support to break down what can feel like a daunting process, tackle the details, and put their best foot forward.

We’re proud of the Class of 2027 for getting an early start and taking this important next step in their journey! 🎓

This past weekend, Vickie Riccardo Spencer, parent of Alyssa Spencer ’13, graciously opened her NYC home for a wonderful...
08/20/2026

This past weekend, Vickie Riccardo Spencer, parent of Alyssa Spencer ’13, graciously opened her NYC home for a wonderful Oakwood alumni gathering.

Thembi Dube ’85, Rachel Towle ’85, Estare Alston ’90, and Zac Federbush ’08 joined Vickie and Chad for an afternoon filled with more than 40 years of Oakwood memories, yearbooks, gratitude, laughter... and delicious food from Zabar’s!

The connection and impact of the Spencer family can still be felt every day on the Oakwood campus, from Alyssa’s time in the dorms and on the stage, to Don’s leadership on the Board, to the family’s continued friendship, generosity, and support of the Oakwood community.

And looking ahead, it’s not too early to start thinking about joining us in the Spencer Family Theater for this fall’s production of Almost, Maine. Details coming soon!

Thank you again, Vickie, for bringing everyone together for such a special afternoon. 💙

Alumni

Students at Oakwood experience sustainability firsthand!Last night, a flock of sheep from Snook Farm joined our solar a...
08/20/2026

Students at Oakwood experience sustainability firsthand!

Last night, a flock of sheep from Snook Farm joined our solar array, where they’ll naturally help maintain the vegetation around the panels while becoming part of our sustainability curriculum and programming.

The sheep will be on campus through November, offering students a unique opportunity to see how agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship can work together.

We’re looking forward to welcoming our newest residents and learning from them alongside our students when school begins. And yes, we think that’s pretty baaaa-rilliant. 🐑☀️

There is something special about reconnecting with Oakwood alumni and friends, no matter where in the world those conver...
08/05/2026

There is something special about reconnecting with Oakwood alumni and friends, no matter where in the world those conversations take place. During a recent visit to Seattle, Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Amy Solis had the opportunity to spend time with members of our community, sharing memories of Oakwood's past while reflecting on the experiences of today's students.

Although every generation has its own Oakwood story, one thing remains constant: our commitment to humanity, justice, equality, community, and the belief that every person matters. Those values continue to shape Oakwood today, just as they have for generations.

Thank you to everyone who is a part of Oakwood. Your stories, friendship, and generosity strengthen our community and help ensure that Oakwood's mission continues to inspire future generations.

The transition from Middle School to Upper School is one of the most significant milestones in a young person's journey....
07/14/2026

The transition from Middle School to Upper School is one of the most significant milestones in a young person's journey. It is a time of tremendous growth as students gain confidence, discover their voices, and prepare to take on new challenges and opportunities.

At Oakwood's Middle School Moving Up Ceremony, every student's voice is heard and celebrated with each eighth grader sharing personal reflections on their middle school experience. Some stories are filled with humor, others speak to the deep friendships they've formed, and many reveal just how much they have grown over the years. It is a meaningful opportunity for students to reflect on what their time at Oakwood has meant to them and to express heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and staff who have supported and encouraged them along the way.

We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and are excited to cheer them on as they each begin the next chapter of their journey. Congratulations to the Class of 2030!

07/07/2026

Before the end there was a sparkling night! Prom 2026 was spectacular!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 🎓Beneath the Copper Beech, each graduate stepped forward to share a part of their j...
07/03/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 🎓
Beneath the Copper Beech, each graduate stepped forward to share a part of their journey.

Some spoke of friendship. Some reflected on challenges they overcame. Others shared hopes for the future and gratitude for the community that helped them grow. Every voice was different, but together they told the story of what an Oakwood education makes possible.

These moments remind us that graduation is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of courage, growth, and the confidence to speak with authenticity and purpose.

As we share these moments from graduation, we invite you to celebrate each member of the Class of 2026 and the exciting journeys that lie ahead.
Follow here to view the full album: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-9fwd7s

Congratulations, graduates. May you continue to lead with compassion and the courage to make a difference. We are so proud of you!

We are so proud of our very own Biology Teacher David Love, whose care and commitment to our students has been recognize...
07/02/2026

We are so proud of our very own Biology Teacher David Love, whose care and commitment to our students has been recognized by 92.7 & 96.9 WRRV Homeroom Heroes award. David is always going above and beyond to support and inspire our students, and working alongside them to contribute to the life of our community. Thank you and congratulations David, we appreciate all you do!

You can find the article here:
https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=cnynews.com&t=h.eJxtjksSgjAQRK9iZW0YgoGgK68SMoNEPhOJ4K-8u1LlwrJc9eJ1ve6HmMZO7FaiOZ9D3AG44TbQJSaOe_DXACbVEKDhnkbmXjbvoCjRzh5lxzPJwNOhaYlC9ARivRLtomPbXphRWpzt4AjhONt4mui-_5B69DRgTHg8QEHVZps5lRvttKny0taqLhwaMnlWoQZlyixPU10UydaUWm3KZYiWIRu58_GPdWng15Uf5N9IPV8wB1Ns.MEUCIDSeNUL9g6C7WVZVTxq_xc066WrPyEEMikF41uFFdRLHAiEArrG2Kz1oqMiLvzgKK1wag4DjxePM28Ko1wmEvHqyGxQ

At Oakwood, we believe justice is not a destination - it's a practice. On Juneteenth, we celebrate Black freedom, Black ...
06/19/2026

At Oakwood, we believe justice is not a destination - it's a practice. On Juneteenth, we celebrate Black freedom, Black joy, and the ongoing work of becoming a truly liberated community. Happy Juneteenth. 🖤🌟

Address

22 Spackenkill Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
12603

Telephone

+18454624200

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oakwood Friends School posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category