We chose Oakdale after visiting several other schools in the area - such as Bloomfield Christian, Oakland Christian. Those were good schools, too, but Oakdale was different. We chose it for the emphasis on classical education and specifically the small class size, which for many parents, is a win. While class sizes shrink as the kids go up in grade (larger classes in Kindergarten, smaller classes in 12th grade), curriculum is challenging for the upper school, so I would think the small class size would be a benefit to the student - especially if academics are important to your family. As mentioned, Oakdale provides a classical education. This was not something we were initially seeking out, but I did want a school that taught math as I learned it, and I wanted a school to focus on mastery of the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Oakdale has 100% literacy rate. Is there a public school with the same? They also teach all students Latin, so they have a much better grasp of vocabulary for English speaking, romance languages, and scientific terms--most of which are in Latin. The previous headmaster left for a dream job at Hillsdale, and the well-qualified Head of the Grammar school became his understudy before he left. There was no lack of communication between his transition to hers. Since Mrs. Bredow has taken on the role fully, we have enjoyed more transparency, care, and community. She has done an excellent job, is level-headed, focused on the mission, and committed to doing her best work each day. Most of the teachers we have had over the years have remained. We have had some retire, another left for the opportunity to lead at a school out of state, and some were unable to stay when enrollment dipped during a year of transition in leadership. I think some of those families who left because of change were shortsighted. Any issues with the statement of faith have been resolved, too. For us personally, we like that the school is small, clean, and safe - and not overly focused on tech or being "state of the art." They are really focused on building a solid foundation, and encourage thought and debate so that your child will thrive no matter what road they choose after school. Families vary in size, age and profession and yet for the most part, it feels like a family. No school can possibly meet every one of our individual wishes and whims, but we're very pleased overall and it's obvious that the staff care deeply about the students and are committed. As for the one-star review from AL: I was at Oakdale during the time they referenced, and can say the school definitely had a JK/K teacher - those classes are the largest - so I'm not sure what they are talking about. We have two teachers for JK and K in fact. There was an issue with a book the 4th grade read that had harsh language based on the protagonist's life experience, but I, along with other parents, sat down and talked to the administration. They pulled the book and that teacher left. It was her first year teaching at Oakdale, and must not have worked out for whatever reason. That can happen anywhere. I hope that AL, since their profile indicates they live in California now, finds a better school for their family there. Last time I checked though, we are still in Michigan. read more

Oakdale Academy is one of the best things that's ever happened to our family. We have three kids three very different ages. They were able to spend every single day in the same building. Passing in the halls and having lunch together. Our kids would barely know each other if it weren't for this small close knit community. That's just one of the many blessings we received from From having our kids at Oakdale Academy. read more

Our family has completed almost 6 years at Oakdale Academy (OA) and has had a great experience. We used our eldest daughter as a "guinea pig" to test out a few different schools but looked no further after a year at OA. We now have 3 daughters in the school. We really appreciate the classical education model. A lot of fads may come and go in education, but it is comforting to know that they follow a model that has been tested and proved both relevant and effective for literally thousands of years. It may not have the "bells and whistles" of various programs offered at larger schools but makes up for it where it counts...a great staff, a great environment, and high academic standards. We value their character development that is based on a biblical worldview. "The Mission of Oakdale Academy is to instill Character, Truth, and Wisdom in...students in order to prepare them for a life of service to God, family, community and country through classical Christian education." We also appreciate a more inter-denominational approach when it comes to schooling. They do not teach doctrine so as to not contradict what children are learning at home or at church...which they encourage people to be a part of. I would also like to share a quote from an early 20th century Methodist paraphrase of John Wesley: "I ask, then, for what end do you send your children to school? 'Why, that they may be fit to live in the world.' In which world do you mean - this or the next? Perhaps you thought of this world only and had forgot that there is a world to come; yea, and one that will last forever! ...send them to such masters as will keep it always before their eyes" (On Family Religion, 13). GOD BLESS! read more

My kids are well loved and cared for at OA. They are challenged by the academics and supported in their walks with Christ. Thinking about how much time my children spend outside my care, I'm happy to trust their formation during the time they have at school here. read more

We have been going to Oakdale since 2021. We love this school! This is a school that puts the work into academics and provides a safe and nurturing environment for your children. At Oakdale, you will find a classical education, something truly unique to this school and only provided in a handful of schools in Michigan and throughout the country. The added benefit of providing a christian foundation makes it an attractive choice to families looking for a robust educational environment rooted in faith. Further, this is an environment that honors the family. Academics is the focus, and politics and sociological experimentation is left at the the door. You can feel confident knowing you will be an informed parent as the school strives to build a partnership with its families. Mrs. Bredow is our headmaster, and she comes to us with an exceptional educational pedigree, and has been serving as an educational faculty member close to the school's inception. She understands the mission and most importantly has a teacher's perspective which adds to a well-rounded focus as she helps us grow our school. Definitely come and check out this school. You will not only find a great educational institution, but a community ready to welcome you! read more

The school is great!!!! As a graduating senior it has been very beneficial to learn in an environment where our education is highly valued. The teachers care about our education and put in immense effort to guide and instruct us. Our classes are smaller but allow us to ask more questions and take time to understand the material we are learning. A L's review is not fully true. we have great kindergarten and pre k teachers. our headmaster is great and puts in immense effort to help us out. Great school. read more

We have been at Oakdale for 4 years and love it. It's a great school with families who desire to be in community and teach their children, character, truth, and wisdom. We are so grateful we found Oakdale Academy. read more

We had a great year last year, but this year the headmaster moved to another position and the school has gone downhill. The new head is not impressive and was chosen in a way that lacked transparency and the partnership that was a selling point for the school disappeared. So many long term families are leaving the school and the head of the board was rude to anyone who questioned some of the changes being made to the statement of faith, certain books being read to our kids and decisions about the school grounds. The staff have also been leaving the board treasurer quit and pulled her kids, there is no JK or K teacher right now and they have lost several other teachers and staff. The class sizes in the upper grades are so small 5 kids or so that we worried as our kids got to those grades would there be that many even with all the people currently leaving. For the tuition being charged compared to other schools in the area the value is not there. The teachers have been the only good thing at the school and many of the best are leaving. Don't waste your time on this school, if we had met the head of the board in any capacity before going there we would have gone to another school. For the money, spend a little more and get more value or find another school that is run well and do your research and talk to the families that go there before making your decision. read more