Mountain Oaks School

09/01/2026

New Mountain Oaks Administrator - Andrew Gardner

A Message from Andrew Gardner
I am incredibly grateful and honored to join the Mountain Oaks community as your new School Administrator. Having spent my career serving students, families, and educators throughout the foothills, it feels especially meaningful to continue that work in a community that values family, flexibility, independence, and student-centered learning.
For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of working in public education in a variety of roles, including as a teacher, principal, district Career and Technical Education Director, and most recently as the Executive Director of Amador College Connect. Throughout each of these experiences, one thing has remained constant: I believe every student deserves to be known, supported, challenged, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed.
What excites me most about Mountain Oaks is the opportunity to serve students and families whose educational journeys may look different from the traditional school experience. Independent study and homeschooling require trust, partnership, creativity, and a deep commitment to meeting students where they are. I look forward to listening and learning from our families, supporting our incredible staff, and helping ensure that every Mountain Oaks student has the opportunity to thrive.
I feel very fortunate to continue serving the students and families of our foothill communities. I am thankful for the warm welcome I have already received and excited about the relationships, experiences, and opportunities that lie ahead.
I look forward to being part of this community!

Posted 9/1/26

08/26/2026

We would love for our Mountain Oaks Community to come out and support our volleyball team.

08/26/2026

Are you interested in playing on the Mountain Oak CIF Basketball team. If so, please sign up by September 30th. We must have at least 8 committed students to start each team.
Please click the following link for the BOYS' Team: https://forms.gle/ojamXZZSQmJHQmvB9
Click the following link for the GIRLS' Team: https://forms.gle/Nu5wUnnyDdGvYDj77
Posted 8/26/26

08/25/2026

Columbia College Preview Day
Are you interested in taking a Dual Enrollment course this year at Columbia College or are you thinking about going to Columbia College when you graduate.....If so, join us for the Columbia College Preview Day on Thursday, September 24th from 9:00-1:00. This fun-filled event includes campus tours, special presentations, an info-fair, and a free lunch. It's a great opportunity to get a feel for college life and see if Columbia College might be a good fit for you.

Please be aware that you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the event.

Please be sure to sign up for the field trip by September 17th as well as complete the field trip form located in the front office, so we can finalize our arrangements. Please click Here to sign-up: https://forms.gle/uMiJ4LQBq9iUhcsj7
Click here for the Field Trip form: https://tinyurl.com/3cuwjw2p

08/25/2026

Schoolwide Assembly
Come join us for the first Mountain Oaks Schoolwide Assembly on September 2nd at 8:30. The assemblies are to celebrate our Mountain Oaks Eagles' achievements and to get information on upcoming events. It is a great way for us to connect as a community. We hope to see you there! Click on the title for more information. Posted 8/25/26

08/25/2026

Monterey Bay Aquarium Field Trip

Ready for an underwater adventure? Join us for the PTO-sponsored Monterey Bay Aquarium Field Trip on Friday, October 16th! Come face-to-face with playful sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and towering kelp forests with your school crew.
Here is everything you need to know to lock in your spot:
📍 When & Where
Location: Meet us right outside the aquarium at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey.

Arrival Time: High tide waits for no one! Please arrive no later than 10:30 AM.

Important Note: Late arrivals won't be able to enter using our special school discount, so give yourself plenty of time for travel and parking.

🎟️ Tickets & Space are Limited!
70 Spots Total: This includes all students and adults, so space is incredibly tight!
Deadline: Snag your spot before the tide rolls out—sign up by Friday, October 9th.

💡 Giving Back
Science Camp Fund: The PTO is requesting a $30 donation for each adult attending.

Support Our Kids: Every dollar goes straight into the Science Camp fund to help our students go on future adventures!

No Pressure: A donation is completely optional and not required to join the fun.

📋 A Quick Checklist Reminder
Immunizations: To join the trip, all students must be up-to-date on their immunizations or have an official waiver (Medical or IEP) on file with the school.

Click here to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/mpfv7pt5

Posted 8/25/26

08/24/2026

Dear Mountain Oaks Families,

I have accepted a new career opportunity as a Program Manager/Specialist with the Calaveras County SELPA, dedicated to the Adult Transition Program. While I am excited for this next step, it is bitter-sweet leaving Mountain Oaks after six wonderful years.

Please rest assured that I will remain in my role as Assistant Administrator until the position is officially filled, ensuring continuous administrative support and a seamless transition for our school.

Thank you all for the incredible memories, partnership, and support over the years; it has been a privilege being part of the Mountain Oaks community.

Eric Carlson

Assistant Administrator

08/12/2026

Workshop Start Dates Revised
Due to the recent Gann Fire, our Workshop Registration start date has been moved back by one week, which will adjust the start dates for several of our workshops. To accommodate this extended registration period, all workshops shaded green and orange on the Workshop Schedule will now begin one week later than originally planned.

Here are the key details and next steps for your schedule:

New Start Date: All Green and Orange workshops will now begin the week of August 24th – August 28th.

Status Updates: We will begin emailing families on Thursday, August 20th to confirm workshop placements and waitlist statuses.

Action Needed: Please monitor the email address you used during registration next week for these important updates.

Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we navigate these adjustments together.

Posted: 8/12/26

08/11/2026

Just a reminder that the Workshop Registration goes live today, August 11th at 8:00 AM on the www.mountainoaks.org website. You will need to refresh the page if you are on the website before 8AM.

Mountain Oaks offers the best of independent study at home, on-site classes and online educational opportunities.

08/07/2026

California History Day
We are excited to participate in the California History Day in Mokelumne Hill again this year. The event will be on September 9th from 9:00-1:00. Participants will need to meet at the park in downtown Mokelumne Hill. The wonderful opportunity is offer to our 3-5th graders (unenrolled and students outside of this group range cannot attend) to immerse themselves in history. Step back through time and learn some of the trades like black smithing and goldmining. Families are encouraged to come in their best costume form the wild west. Participants must sign up online by August 19th. If you have any questions, please email Kayle at khamilton@mountainoaks. net. Please click on the following link to sign-up: https://tinyurl.com/3skusxkz
Posted 8/6/26