Oakstone Academy

2655 Oakstone Drive

Columbus, OH 43231

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on December 18, 2021

This school is not the best…it’s not diverse. I’m the only dark skinned girl in my grade. They make racist comments to black people telling them they should “rap” and they also don’t care about masks. They get all up in ur face without a mask. They also have stupid rules. Dress code is out of hand. Dress coding ppl for their body size and the way their clothes fit. They also favorite all the staff kids. A staff kid was wearing shorter shorts than me and i get dress coded, they always talk about how amazing staff kids are. The teachers also find making students mad is funny. They also said they’re gonna measure girls shorts if they look too small. They teach the autistic kids that the way they act is unacceptable and yell at them when they do something like repeating a word over again. The middle school math teacher does not help at all. She never answers her emails and then yells at us for not emailing her. LIKE WE JUST DID. Also the teachers only pay attention to who they want to. When serious problems are going on they ignore, but when something tiny happens it’s a big deal. Last thing is, whenever we have a party and we can choose songs, they don’t allow any black songs. No matter if they’re clean. They see a black person and instantly thinks it’s wrong.
Submitted by other on October 14, 2021

As a former student at this school, I can say there are a lot of flaws about it. Starting off, dress code. My last year that the school, there was one person in particular that they were calling out about not following the dress code. Because of that persons body type, finding clothes that fit the dress code was hard. They kept making it a bigger thing than it was, and it was not only annoying me, but other students talked about it. Secondly, teachers helping students. Teachers would tell us to email them/send private comments on Google Classroom if we needed help. Some teachers would never reply, and then act like I was the one who messed up on the homework. I asked for help like they told me to, and it was their fault to that not mine. Third of all, diversity/racism. I've had racist comments said to me since the 3rd grade, and we would tell the school, but they would do nothing. For 3 years straight, things happened and they were not of help at all. Also, more recently, I was informed there was a school dance, and children could select music. On of my siblings who goes there, showed me the playlist. For context, I am African American. We looked down the playlist, but could not find anything by a African American artist that was not over 40 years old, while there were TONS of recent songs by White artists. My sibling has also seen examples of this in class, like a teacher joking with an African American student about rapping for extra credit. Fourth of all, Covid guidelines. Teachers have made it clear, they are literally not wearing masks. That should tell you all you need to know about that. And lastly, fifth of all, irresponsibility. There have been weekly occurrences, where some teachers would show up anywhere from 5-20 minutes late, and not even apologizing for it. There have also been instances, where my class would be testing, and teachers would be talking loud, as if we didn't need to focus on our work. It was very distracting. Also, a lot of the teachers do not know what they are teaching. There have been times, where teachers would admit to not knowing the questions on our homework. They said they just uploaded a PDF and that was it.If i were you, do not send your children here. It is not an ideal learning environment.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2021

My son went here for years and years and they didn't fix his inner demons which took over his mind and made him yell out loud
Submitted by student on December 13, 2016

I absolutely love Oakstone. I've been going there for about eleven years now, and I'm thirteen currently. I'm not autistic myself, but my oldest brother is, and (according to my mom) was struggling in other schools. When he first came to Oakstone he (once again, according to my mom) had tantrums daily. He gradually improved however, and now he speaks like a "regular" person. He's graduated now, and has a job. He still takes a college class at school, though. He's busy, and I can tell this is really stressful for him sometimes, but he's managing. He sometimes talks like a small kid would (as in "potty talk" and whatnot), though, which disappoints me, because he often does it to annoy me or my other brother. But I understand that he grows much slower than others, I think I mainly understand because I'm growing up with people with so many different personalities. My non-autistic brother and I are still going to Oakstone. The teachers here are absolutely wonderful and dedicated, despite how difficult it is to work at this school. When I see my previous teachers, we greet each other, and (if we have time) ask how things are going. It's true, some teachers are 'sour' and strict, but that makes them respectable in my book. Most teachers are friendly, however, which is why I love the community we have. I'm even able to act like a friend towards some of my teachers, which I would've never have thought of until I went into middle school, and started talking to my teachers more often because of some things set up to help me, and just because the teachers were so friendly.What really makes me sad, though, is that amazing teachers are often let go, and the students aren't told why, or in some cases, that the teachers are being let go at all. Which brings up another point. There seem to be so many secrets, sometimes ones that teachers have to keep, other times ones that students are keeping. I completely understand students keeping secrets, that's just a part of school, but teachers? From what I've read in the other reviews, teachers are forced into keeping things from students. I find that unfair. But what I find more unfair is that, apparently teachers are forced to do things that the teachers wouldn't typically do. Extremely unfair.I've been here long enough to see some of my favorite teachers be let go, and it makes me sad to think that even more will leave.
Submitted by teacher on May 07, 2016

It's unfortanate but I guess necessary that soured staff and soured parents have to release their frustrations on what is truly a great school for children with autism. While I understand that bitterness comes when your child doesn't succeed as expected, or a teacher does not work out due to the high standards that Oakstone upholds, in reality, those of us know that 95% of the students at Oakstone are thriving. Here is the thing. There is a reason for everything and the reason for Oakstone is about the kids and only the kids. They never promised a cushy job. I've seen the staff work there and they are constantly on and they know that these kids are what its all about. But, like all other jobs, you either do it right and to their expectations or unfortunately your out. Once again, its about the kids and that is the way it should be.
Submitted by student on February 08, 2016

I went to this school from 7th to 12th grade (2009-2015) and still go there to take college courses in the morning and work at the bakery in the vocational building from Monday to Thursday and just to take college courses on Friday. If you are considering enrolling your developmentally disabled child in this school, I'm going to list the good and bad things about this school. First, I'll tell you the good things. Schoolwork isn't overly challenging for the grade levels and homework is rarely given out. If you want your child to do sports or other extracurricular activities, they have a brain games club, anime/manga club, Magic the gathering, choir, swimming, girls volleyball, boys basketball, cheerleading, ultimate frisbee, and track and field. There are also plenty of nice, friendly teachers. However, there are also bad things. There are also some very rude, snappy teachers. I can understand why some of the teachers aren't very patient with students because they tend to be younger and less experienced than most teachers at public schools, with some being just fresh out of college. I remember that we had to do self assessments at the end of 7th period. I don't know if they still do it, but I just warned you. They have also got a lot stricter since when I first started here in 2009. I remember in my first 3 or 4 years at school, we could do a lot of things that could land you in restricted lunch or detention now, such as using the school computers for non-academic purposes, using I-pods and I-phones during lunch or study hall in a manner that now violates the school rules, and saying curse words to other students. They also have gotten a lot stricter with the I-Pads since it was discovered that someone had hacked into the filter. Now, if you want an iPad, a teacher has to sign it out before the class period starts. I also heard that earlier this year, a girl who was a junior at this school got expelled for saying the f word to the CEO who was a chaperone on a field trip. I also don't like that they do nothing to prepare you for college in your senior year. In fact, I'm currently taking college prep, which is a college course and I think this school is why I'm not really prepared for a for a 4 year college like OSU or otterbein. Again, if you're considering enrolling your child in this school, please make an informed decision.
Submitted by other on August 19, 2015

The true friends I made are the only reason I don't rate this worse! The time I spent there was not worth it! Very few teachers there do their job right and help! Most are very rude and snappy! Some of them even put you down when you really don't need it! When I was forced to get an internship the job coach constantly followed me, would not leave me alone, and eventually said I wasn't going to last long! Then she constantly bumps into me and never says anything! Extremely rude! I was even lectured about not getting into college! My life has changed very nicely since I left! I have a nice job that I absolutely and although I haven't applied to college yet I have gotten the attention of some well known colleges! That includes Denison, St. John's, Virginia Commonwealth, Rutgers, Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Miami (Florida), Northwestern, Southern Cal, and even Georgetown! And I didn't even need this place to accomplish all that! They seem to be very impressed with kids who will struggle in life even though they treat them wrong! But they completely ignore and shut out the students who do some amazing things! If I was a parent I would never send my child here! Another thing I have to say is the good teachers seem to quit or be fired while the rotten ones stay and make things harder for the students! before you send you're child here think twice about what you are doing! And there is another thing! They are really getting out of hand with the fire wall! they won't block useless crap like Disney Princess, SpongeBob, and other garbage! But yet they block sources that can actually have very useful information! Another thing I will say is keep you're belongings in a safe place! DO NOT trust a teacher when they say they will take care of it! About 70% of the time you're things will disappear or be badly damaged! And the teachers will give you a pathetic and untrustworthy excuse like that it was you're fault and not take any blame! The last thing I'm going to say is this! My personality has significantly changed since I went there! Mr. Nice guy is no more! I am not as forgiving and I will never change! Not after what they did to me! Going there was one of the biggest mistakes I have made in my life! And I will never forgive them for what they have done to me and a few of my friends! Everyone has a different opinion and this is mine!
Submitted by teacher on August 07, 2015

Administration lacks the fundamental skills needed to run a school. They routinely make decisions on staffing or student placement based on a quick glimpse of events when they have been out of a building for days if not weeks at a time.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2014

I have four children that attend Oakstone Academy and although none of my children are on the autism spectrum I would not want my children at any other school. My children range in age from first grade to sophomore in high school and all have thrived. The staff are so caring and loving to my children. My children went from struggling in every class to being so proud every report card. I would never have my children at any other school!
Submitted by student on January 19, 2014

I have been going to this school for a decade and I can both brag about it and distrust it all at the same. The teachers are the best, having real passion in what they teach and care about each student succeeding. The teachers set a high standard of good teaching, higher than any other school. I haven t even considered homeschooling because of them. Our current principals of the elementary, high, and middle school are some of the best leaders you will see, and need more say in matters in my opinion. Word of caution: cronyism and nepotism are the norm (allowed because the school is not public). This is true in most schools, and this school does have a higher staff-kids-to-non ratio, but there are too many instances to mention here of obvious favoritism (strangely enough, doesn t happen very much in the classrooms as far as I see, it is mostly in anything extra-curricular.) The lack of transparency in most of the leadership doesn t help. At least I haven t really been bullied here like I probably would be at another school. Overall, I wish I could be much more proud of my school, but I ll give credit where credit is due and not where it isn t. Also the schoolwork is insanely easy.
Submitted by student on November 10, 2013

My school absolutely amazing. The teachers are helpful. When ever you need help with school work and homework, teachers will help you outside of class time as we'll. This is my 7th year at Oakstone. The principal is really helpful and genuine. Students here are well behaved. If there is a conflict between students, teachers will address the problem to prevent the issue from happening again. I love that Oakstone is small and not over populated like most high schools today.
Submitted by other on January 05, 2013

As a former ASD student at this school, my assertion is that the attention is drawn mostly to the "typical peers." The ASD students are looked down on, not taken seriously, and spoken to as if they are two year olds. This also sends the message to the "peers" that as long as you are society's definition of "normal" you can expect to have everything handed to you and it's alright to treat people with disabilities with disrespect. The teachers tried earnestly to talk me out of enlisting in the Armed Forces-which in the long run, has simply made me more determined. The "vocational" building was a mess. There was nothing "vocational" about this place-it was a place opened up to dumb us down, make us feel degraded and humiliated and show that "disabled" people have NO place in society. The building was cramped, filthy and smelled. The "grad" students were put in with the nonverbal, low-functioning and remediation students and expected to do rudimentary first-grade level work. Several of the teachers were snappish and rude. They were not encouraging of us in any way going into challenging careers, i.e. first responders, the military, etc. Do NOT enroll in the vocational building.
Submitted by teacher on November 19, 2012

As stated by previous posts from parents, DO NOT waste your child's time at this school. Trust your instincts...if things seem too good to be true, they probably are. As a former teacher at this institution I can assure you that this place is toxic and that the best interest of the child is no longer at heart. Teachers are often asked to implement negative and punitive behavior plans and children are treated harshly. As a parent, I would not allow my own children to attend this school based on what I have seen and how some children are treated. The individualized needs of children are not being met at this school. The classrooms are stacked with behaviors that not only impede are their learning, but also the learning of their peers. Great teachers who are willing to go above and beyond, however, with an administration that controls every dynamic of the classroom it is often challenging. Administrators at Oakstone are cold, harsh, and treat their staff like there are disposable at any moment.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2012

While my ASD child attended Oakstone the following problems were observed: lack of security, the receptionist is never at her desk,ANYONE could come in and take a child and they would never know. Parents are not allowed to peek in to the classroom unannounced. Incorrect use of PECS system ,only targeting bad behaviors, not enough teaching of good behaviors. I received no communication about my child'sprogress or struggles, but everyday you will receive at least 3 emails on donating money.Current expenditures per pupil for public elementary and secondary education was $10,297.At OA the current expenditures per pupil for private elementary and secondary education is $28,000. I met a few teachers that left OA and they told me the same thing "Funding is NOT distributed correctly, the principal and directors control the flow of money in the school, cutting supplies and necessary items that teachers asked for.The teachers that left OA have all said that they were asked to do things that went against their better moral judgement. My child has made more progress in 1 mth. at Dublin than she did a whole year at OA. Do not waste your child's time on this school. ASD kids deserve much more.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2012

My son has attended this school for 4 years and has had highly professional and loving teachers. He is consistently scoring in the top 5% of the nation in standarddized testing. His teachers know and understand his personality giving him the right balance of nurturing and challenge. Readers will notice that many of the reviews on here are either excellent or awful. In my opinion, you need to see the program and talk to parents and staff to make your own judgement. No school is perfect, but Oakstone is aplace that makes me feel good about my child's academic, social, and moral development. I feel good leaving him there and know he will continue to flourish.