Residential Life Curriculum

Introduction
At the Oxford Academy, we focus not only on the improvement of academics, but also
on our students’ personal development and individual well-being. As a small boarding
school community, there is a great opportunity to focus on improving upon personal
habits. In addition, faculty members at Oxford strive to create a positive community in
which all students feel safe and supported in their efforts to better themselves.

Foundation of the Residential Life Curriculum

The residential curriculum is based on the Core Values of the Oxford Academy. Each of
these values carries a set of expectations for each student. As Oxford is a one-to-one
learning environment, we recognize the need to differentiate expectations for students to
help them achieve their individualized goals. As a community, we have a shared focus of cooperative and
positive living.

Goals
At the Oxford Academy, there are three goals of the residential life curriculum.
We strive to create positive citizens who are aware of the impact of
their actions, appreciate their community, and do their best to self-actualize
while at the Oxford Academy. After Oxford, a student should feel prepared to
encounter the world as an educated citizen who understands the value of
perseverance and hardiness.

Goal 1) Understand Oxford’s Core Values and use them as guiding principles in
decision-making.

Goal 2) Foster a student’s positive personal development.

Goal 3) Create a community that students are invested in and care about.

CORE VALUES

Community
This value reflects the desire for the school to be a positive place to live. Oxford is a
tightly woven campus and our actions affect each other. Therefore, it is important to
weigh decisions carefully. In order to be a community, we must act with the interest of
all in mind.

It is supported by, but not limited to, the following principles:

Appreciating others

Being responsible for your areas; both communal and private spaces

Making the decision to help, not hinder, the cause of others

Spending quality time with faculty and peers alike

Working together to preserve a positive culture

Respect
The Oxford Academy welcomes students from many parts of the world, as well as many
walks of life. Having an understanding and acceptance of these differences is paramount
to the success of our community.

It is supported by, but not limited to, the following principles:

Helping students understand the uniqueness of the individual

Acting in a polite manner towards faculty and staff, as well as your peers

Properly maintaining private living spaces and common areas

Kindness
The Oxford Academy’s community size means our students and faculty learn and live together. Treating
each other with kindness is a basic building block to positive personal growth. Lending a hand and
offering support to each other fosters a sense of comfort and belonging.

It is supported by, but not limited to, the following principles:

Speaking to and treating each other in a positive manner

Having the ability to address issues with faculty and peers respectfully

Reaching out to offer help to others

Displaying empathy and acceptance to all

Promoting volunteerism

Integrity
This value drives our students to hold themselves accountable to honesty in regards to
academic and personal endeavors.

It is supported by, but not limited to, the following principles:

Trying one’s hardest and putting forth the best effort possible regardless of
circumstance

Finding motivation and success through the positivity of honest work and
perseverance

Appreciating the quality of life led by not taking shortcuts

Diverting from paths which may compromise the value of one’s positive personal
journey

Having the ability to admit and atone for mistakes

Civility
This value reflects Oxford’s desire to instill a sense of formal appreciation and politeness towards each
other.

It is supported by, but not limited, to the following principles:

Being mindful of one’s manners

Creating a positive perception to others in the community

Continuing to be a positive representative of our community away from

Oxford’s campus

Maintaining a dignified manner regardless of the situation

Community Values Program

Periodically, over the course of the school year, we bring in guest speakers to talk about subjects ranging
from sexual education to digital citizenship. This helps our students receive a more well-rounded
educational and social awareness experience from experts in our surrounding community..

Conclusion
By highlighting one of our Core Values each term, using dorm meetings strategically, and utilizing a
delivery method for both upper and lower class meetings, The Oxford Academy takes it’s students
personal development and individual well-being seriously. Staying true to each of our three goals helps us
maintain a positive energy, foster emotional growth, and keep focus on a successful school year for all
community members.