Matt Burgy, Head of School

August 22, 2025

Dear Oakridge Family,

For me, the start of any school year is a time of incredible promise—a fresh canvas for learning, growth, and brand new friendships. And while every new beginning brings its own set of excitements, it also comes with those inherent, beautiful challenges that are simply part of a child's journey of development.

I truly believe that every student walking onto our campus carries within them an extraordinary, innate genius—a unique blend of talents, curiosities, and capabilities just waiting to be discovered and celebrated. Our most cherished role at Oakridge is to create a truly special environment where this individual genius can not only be seen but can absolutely flourish. We deeply embrace the understanding that each child’s path is distinctive, and our heartfelt commitment is to nurture and challenge them precisely on their unique journey. By helping them unearth and develop their personal strengths, we allow their potential to shine in ways that are authentic and true to them.

As parents, I know you entrust your children to us with immense hopes for their success, their happiness, their well-rounded development, and their readiness for an unpredictable future. It's such a natural and powerful feeling. Alongside these hopes, however, often lie understandable fears about the challenges they might encounter—fears about navigating an ever-changing world, facing setbacks, and finding their unique place within it all.

Our mission is so thoughtfully designed to address both these hopes and fears. We promise to nurture our students first and foremost, ensuring they feel secure, deeply valued, and truly known. It's this warm, safe foundation of genuine care that provides the courage for them to be challenged—to stretch beyond their comfort zones, to grapple with complex ideas, and to learn from mistakes, knowing they are fully supported.

These aren't just abstract ideas; they are the active traits we strive to cultivate every single day—in our classrooms, on our sports fields, on our stages, and within every interaction across our community. They're designed to prepare our students to be resilient in the face of adversity, adaptable to new circumstances, and empathetic leaders who contribute meaningfully to society.

As we embark on this new school year, we recognize that the journey of child development is wonderfully complex, filled with both triumphs and those natural growing pains. These challenges, whether mastering a new academic concept or navigating new friendships, are truly opportunities for profound growth.

To bring this mission fully to life, your partnership as the Oakridge family is more vital than ever. We genuinely encourage open communication, active engagement, and a collaborative spirit. Together, we can ensure that every Oakridge student is prepared not just for college, but for a life of purpose, boundless possibility, and true joy. We are so excited to witness the incredible potential that will unfold this year within each of our students.

Welcome home, and let's make this a magical year, together!

Warmly,

Matt Burgy
Head of School