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2014-2015 School Profile 3151 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33409 - (561) 972-9600 www.oapb.org CEEB Code: 102381
William I. Koch
Founder Dr. William I. Koch founded Oxbridge Academy in 2011 to provide students with the tools they need to develop bold and imaginative solutions to challenging issues; to demonstrate a global perspective on their world; and to graduate prepared for college placement and successful lives. Dr. Koch, the founder and CEO of Oxbow Carbon, graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana before receiving his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from M.I.T. Dr. Koch’s father had been given the opportunity to attend M.I.T 40 years before his son, thanks to the generosity of a local businessman. In a certain sense, Oxbridge Academy and its ground breaking need-based financial aid program is Dr. Koch’s way of repaying that act of kindness.
Robert C. Parsons President & CEO
Mr. Parsons has an exceptional record of allocating and managing the resources an educational organization needs to thrive. Prior to joining Oxbridge Academy, he served for 12 years as the Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the United States Naval Academy. In this capacity he was responsible for planning, programming, budgeting, and execution for federal appropriated funding, as well as all private funding from the United States Naval Academy Foundation and the Naval Academy Athletic Association. As the school leader, Mr. Parsons primary focus is to build the school culture and lead the implementation of the Oxbridge strategic plan. He is excited to inspire students to be more involved in the Oxbridge community.
David Prutow Director of College Counseling & Student Services
561-972-9629 [email protected]
Steve Peifer
Assoc. Director of College Counseling 561-972-9635
Leena Hasbini
College Counselor 561-972-9824
MISSION Oxbridge inspires wisdom through learning in an environment that fosters inquiry, collaboration, innovation, and personal discovery.
VISION Oxbridge graduates’ inspired love of learning will guide them to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future in life, business, and world citizenship.
CORE VALUES • Cultivate discipline, perseverance, confidence, and
personal responsibility • Serve the school and society with integrity, respect,
and compassion • Value individuality and honor different perspectives • Model kindness, courtesy, and awareness of self and
others • Encourage creative exploration, collaboration,
community, and enthusiasm for learning
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY Located in beautiful West Palm Beach Florida, Oxbridge Academy began operation in September of 2011. In a very short period of time Oxbridge has obtained a reputation for excellence. With the difficult but enviable position of having many more applicants than we can accept, we focus on admitting students of exceptional quality and character while embracing diversity.
Our 545 students come from every walk of life. Students are from 34 towns and 70 different schools. Oxbridge has a diverse community with 29% being students of color. We are one of the few schools in the nation that meets a high percentage of calculated need. We want our students to obtain wisdom by experiencing a variety of perspectives.
Oxbridge currently consists of a 56-acre campus. The continually expanding facilities include a 163,000 square foot state of the art academic facility. Current athletic facilities include six lighted tennis courts, a softball field, gymnasium, 25-yard pool, three lighted multi-purpose fields, and one stadium field with artificial field turf. This year we added 63,000 square feet of building space with expanded academic, athletic and visual and performing arts facilities. Future plans include an additional gymnasium, baseball field, and a new 50-meter pool.
At Oxbridge, the average class size is 12, the student to faculty ratio is 9:1, and student to computer ratio is 1:1. The school operates under a block schedule.
Our accrediting body is the Florida Council of Independent Schools. We are meeting or surpassing all requirements of the three-year accreditation review and will complete the accreditation process this year.
STAFF Recruited from all over the country and world, Oxbridge’s 54 teachers inspire students to fall in love with learning. While 40 have advanced degrees, all went through an exhaustive screening process, had prior teaching experience, and are among the most renowned in their fields. We have hired an additional 11 teachers for 2014-2015 in order to accommodate growing enrollment and to maintain small class sizes.
LEARNING PHILOSOPHY The Oxbridge Academy goal of being progressive and student centered helps us create a curriculum and learning environment that is integrated, adaptable, and relevant. Oxbridge graduates will not only be prepared for college, they will also have the well-rounded educational foundation to be extraordinary leaders and world changers. Our academic approach focuses on a diverse and rigorous educational experience, enhanced by an interdisciplinary/project-based philosophy that enables comprehensive study through the integration of creative thinking skills and the exploration of real-world problems. Oxbridge is eager to engage and advance student learning through STEAM. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering & Entrepreneurship, Aviation & the Arts and Mathematics & Medical Science as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. In the Oxbridge STEAM lab students take thoughtful risks, partake in experiential project based learning, persist in creative problem solving and embrace collaboration. Like many of the best independent schools in the country, Oxbridge does not embrace or offer the AP/IB curriculum and does not define rigor by the number of AP or IB courses offered. Our faculty is not forced to conduct superficial and mechanical survey courses where the frenetic pace needed to cover required material leaves no time for more effective learning. Instead, they embrace the opportunity to focus on developing curriculum to its full potential.
Our standard curriculum consists of college preparatory rigor. We also offer “Honors” classes for those students who flourish in an environment that moves at a higher pace and demands more responsibility. Our most rigorous courses are “Honors Seminar” classes. These are college-level classes with the rigor equivalent or superior to AP and IB programs.
RELATIONSHIPS & INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR PROGRAM The Oxbridge Academy - University of Cambridge Scholar Program is a unique collaboration between Oxbridge Academy and the University of Cambridge. The only program of its kind in the United States, the Scholar Program identifies those juniors who can most benefit from a significant experience at Cambridge, working with professors to explore topics in the humanities while in residence at the University. Students are selected through a highly competitive process. They are prepared for the Cambridge experience for approximately three months and then travel to England where they study with Cambridge faculty and are evaluated as true Cambridge freshman. In its first year, all Oxbridge participants achieved exemplary assessments with several attaining “Cambridge First” grades.
JUILLIARD JOINT PROGRAM Oxbridge was named as one of only six schools around the world selected to host a Juilliard Jazz Summer Workshop. Aspiring musicians had the privilege and opportunity to train with fellows and faculty members from the prestigious Juilliard School.
SCHOOL AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Oxbridge Academy is a “Palm Beach County Green School of Excellence” and has been named a “Safe Sports School 1st Team” by the National Athletic Trainers Association. Following are some of the awards and recognitions Oxbridge students received in 2013-2014:
• Student winner of Downbeat Magazine's 37th Annual Student Music Awards for blues/pop/rock soloist category and a high school outstanding performances award in the vocal jazz soloist category
• Debate Tournament Of Champions qualifier and national recognition for most outstanding 10th grade performance
• Declamation Octofinalist at the NCFL National Debate Tournament. • ACS ENVR 100th Anniversary Emerging Leader Award for
Environmental Science and Engineering • Two students named to All-State Chorus • Ranked in the top 20 of Florida high school math teams by the
Florida Math League and advanced to the top 25% of all schools in the American Mathematics Competition "Math Madness"
• International recognition attained via award winning performance at the High School Mathematics Contest In Modeling with 581 teams from around the world
• 5 students earned Gold Key awards, 6 were Silver Key winners &16 students received honorable mention in the national Scholastic Writing Competition. One student advanced to win a Gold Key award at the national level.
• 39 Superior Medals and two Excellent Medals in the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo & Ensemble Music Assessments
• Six Gold Key awards, 10 Silver Key awards, and 11 honorable mentions at Regional Scholastic Art Awards
• 1st and 2nd place school awards in Spanish Conferencia the last two-years and a grand prize senior scholarship winner
THE CLASS of 2015 As the first class to spend all four years at Oxbridge Academy, the 112 seniors who comprise Oxbridge’s second graduating class need to be commended for their groundbreaking initiatives. When looking for students who are willing to take a risk in their quest for a quality educational experience, you need look no further. They had many other educational options, yet seized the opportunity to embrace innovation and initiative while laying the groundwork for our future. The Class of 2015 has attained accolades that have far exceeded expectations for student bodies at any school, let alone a brand new one. Future employers, and by extension colleges and universities, want graduates who have a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, utilize collaborative problem solving skills, demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity, display intercultural skills, and have the capacity for lifelong learning. The class of 2015 is a reflection of these characteristics. Immersed in a rigorous project-based and interdisciplinary curriculum taught by a renowned faculty in small classes, the class was actively engaged in a process of deeper understanding and real-world application of knowledge. The Oxbridge class of 2015 has embraced our vision, established our culture, and thrived within our environment. Without doubt, their “college readiness” will be proven as they establish a track record of success.
HONOR CODE All Oxbridge students, as members of the Oxbridge Academy community, commit to act responsibly and with honor and integrity on and off campus. Students affirm their commitment to our Honor Pledge by signing the following words on each and every assignment, “My name is my honor.” The Honor Code means that students will do their best work and their own work; will not offer or receive unauthorized assistance with assignments; will not share homework without permission; will not discuss a test that some have taken and others have not; and will treat others the way we would want to be treated.
TECHNOLOGY Faculty at Oxbridge Academy use technology as a powerful transformative tool. Curriculum and instruction feature wireless connectivity, digital multimedia devices, web publishing tools, and a wide array of subject specific software to enhance students' comprehension and skills. Every classroom is equipped with a multi touch Smart Board. MacBook Pro laptops loaded with the full Adobe Suite, iWork, and iLife are issued to every Oxbridge student. The music theory room is used for individual and group composing. Oxbridge has a digital library of over 100,000 full text volumes and a virtually unlimited number of other online resources. Oxbridge Academy understands that access to technology should not be a financial burden to our families. Therefore, we provide all needed materials and equipment.
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM The school's rigorous and comprehensive academic program is further enhanced by a co-curricular program, which includes a vibrant athletic, dance, visual arts, musical theater, video, and music programs. One of Oxbridge's great strengths is that students who are multi-dimensional can take advantage of world-class arts, sports, and academics. Our athletic department includes 23 Varsity and 15 Junior Varsity sports teams and five athletic club teams. We have a no-cut policy at the freshmen and JV levels. The Oxbridge football, boys and girls lacrosse, girls soccer, and girls basketball teams won district championships. In addition, swimming and golf athletes won individual county, district, and regional titles. Currently 75% of Oxbridge students participate in interscholastic sports. We strive to engage as many students as possible in student activities. If there is enough student interest, Oxbridge will offer the proposed activity.
SERVICE LEARNING Oxbridge students and staff strive to a make a significant, positive impact on the wellbeing of our community. Oxbridge students believe that they can affect lasting, systemic change.
CLASS RANK Oxbridge Academy offers its students a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum in a challenging academic environment. The majority of our students respond by earning exceptional grades. We believe that the achievements and abilities of our students cannot be represented by a single statistic, but rather by a combination of courses selected, grades earned, and scores achieved on SAT, ACT and AP tests. Therefore, it is not the policy of Oxbridge Academy to report class rank.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS In order to graduate from Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches, students must complete a minimum of 26 credits.
English 4 Credits Math 4 Credits
World Language 3 Credits Science 3 Credits in Physics, Biology & Chemistry
Social Studies 3 Credits in World History, US History, Government & Economics Visual and/or Performing Arts 1 Credit
Life Fitness & Health 3.4 Credits Electives 2 Credits
Online Learning 1 Course
GRADING SCALE Oxbridge Academy has instituted a grading scale, in order to align with the scale preferred by most colleges and universities and other high performing high schools. This new system is a modified ten-point grading scale that includes plus and minus values, and increases the grade point weight for Honors (HNS) courses. The scale is a ten-point range for all grades A through C with plus (+) and minus (-) values within each range.
Grade Numeric Equivalent GPA WGPA
A+ 97-100 4.3 4.8 A 93-96 4.0 4.5 A- 90-92 3.7 4.2 B+ 87-89 3.3 3.8 B 83-86 3.0 3.5 B- 80-82 2.7 3.2 C+ 77-79 2.3 2.8 C 73-76 2.0 2.5 C- 70-72 1.7 2.2 D+ 67-69 1.3 1.8 D 63 -66 1.0 1.5
D- 60 -62 0.7 1.2 F 50-59 0.0 0
SAT MEAN SCORES
Critical Reading Math Writing
Oxbridge Class of 2015 576 578 561 Florida (2013) 492 490 475 National (2013) 496 514 488
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS
As of this publication, the National Merit Scholars had not been announced. However, history tells us that selection indexes over 211 have received Semi Finalist status and scores over 200 generally achieve at least “commended” status. Oxbridge is proud to announce that we had eight students achieve this benchmark with five of them achieving 211 or better.
This year Oxbridge also has three students eligible for the National Hispanic Recognition Program and one student named in the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT RESULTS In keeping with our mission/philosophy, Oxbridge Academy does not offer an AP curriculum. In addition to instilling great problem solving and communication skills, our curriculum is very rigorous. Some Oxbridge students chose to take AP examinations even though they were not immersed in the AP curriculum. In 2014, 100% of our English Language and Composition test takers received a score of 5 and 87% of students in our advanced math and science classes received 3 or higher in the comparable AP exams.
CURRICULUM
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2015 WERE OFTEN LIMITED IN THE RIGOR AND NUMBER OF CORE ACADEMIC UNITS THEY WERE ABLE TO TAKE IN GRADES 9-11 DUE TO MASTER SCHEDULE CONSTRAINTS, CHANGES IN CURRICULUM / PREREQUISITES AND CHANGES IN SCHEDULING POLICY AS OUR SCHOOL GREW. STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS WERE OFTEN LIMITED TO NINE OR FEWER HONORS AND HONORS SEMINAR OPPORTUNITIES IN GRADES 9 - 11. DURING THEIR GRADE 9 YEAR, MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2015 HAD AN ENROLLMENT LIMIT OF ONE HONORS MATH AND/OR SPANISH CLASS AND WERE ALSO PLACED IN A MANDATORY “INTERDISCIPLINARY ART” AND/OR “ESSENTIAL SKILLS” CLASS, “HEALTH” CLASS, “LIFE FITNESS” CLASS AND A “STUDY HALL”. AS 10TH GRADERS MOST STUDENTS WERE LIMITED TO THREE HONORS CLASSES. OXBRIDGE ACADEMY OPERATES ON A B L O C K SCHEDULE, WITH A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT CLASSES
OXBRIDGE ACADEMY DOES NOT EMBRACE OR OFFER THE AP/IB CURRICULUM.
IT IS REQUESTED THAT THESE FACTS BE CONSIDERED WHEN EVALUATING THE ACADEMIC RIGOR OF OXBRIDGE ACADEMY STUDENT TRANSCRIPTS.
The instructional program on the following page provides a wide variety of academic opportunities in order to meet the general and individual needs of our students, with rigorous academic standards encouraged and pursued.
the Class of 2015 maximum 6th semester GPA is 4.20 the Class of 2015 maximum 6th semester WGPA is 4.50
Courses designated as Honors (bold font) are weighted courses. Courses without these designations are standard level courses. Math Courses Algebra 1, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, Finite Mathematics, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus Honors, Probability & Statistics, Honors Probability & Statistics, Methods of Calculus, Honors Math Modeling 1, Honors Seminar Math Modeling, Calculus, Honors Calculus, Calculus 2 Honors, Honors Seminar in Multivariable Calculus, Honors Seminar in Differential Equations, Computer Science 1, Computer Science 2 Honors, Computer Science 3 Honors, Computer Science 4 Honors Architectural Modeling, Digital Logic, Discrete Math
Science Courses Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, Honors Seminar in Chemistry, Physics, Physics Honors, Advanced Physics, Advanced Physics Honors, Honors Seminar in Physics, Biology, Honors Seminar Biology, Ecology: Beach, Ecology: Soil and Water, Scientific Research Honors, Robotics Engineering, Engineering Innovation, Materials Science Engineering, Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Field Chemistry, Environmental Science, Honors Marine Biology, Honors Qualitative & Quantitative Research, Aviation 101, Aviation 201
English English 1, English 2, English 2 Honors, English 3, English 3 Honors, English 3 Honors Seminar, English 4, English 4 Honors, English 4 Honors Seminar: Great Books, Debate 1, Debate 2 Honors, Debate 3 Honors, Debate 4 Honors, Lincoln Douglas I.S. Debate, Creative Writing, Honors Creative Writing, Mythology, Broadcasting Journalism, Multimedia Yearbook.
Social Studies Courses World History, US History, US History Honors, Honors US Government, US Government, Economics, Economics Honors, Honors Micro Economics, Honors Seminar in Macro Economics, Honors Seminar in Micro Economics, Psychology, Entrepreneurship I, Entrepreneurship II, Contemporary American Issues, Contemporary Global Issues, US History Honors Seminar 1960s, Interdisciplinary Arts, Essential Skills, Philosophy, Honors Seminar in European History, Comparative Religion, Honors Seminar Comparative Government and Politics
Modern Language Courses Chinese 1, Chinese 2, Chinese 2 Honors, Chinese 3, Chinese 3 Honors, Chinese 4 Honors, French 1, French 2, French 2 Honors, French 3, French 3 Honors, French 4, French 4 Honors, Honors French Literature & Civilization, French Literature & Civilization, Honors Seminar in French & Francophone Literature, Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 2 Honors, Spanish 3, Spanish 3 Honors, Spanish 4, Spanish 4 Honors, Honors Seminar in Spanish & Latin American Literature, Honors Seminar Spanish Coferencia, Spanish Conversation & Culture
Fine & Performing Arts Oxbridge Academy offers a full complement of Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, 3D Art, 2D Art, Photography, Dance, Theater & Art History. Digital Media courses include Digital Music & Digital Design.
Health & Physical Education Life Fitness 9, 10, 11, 12. Students who participate in Oxbridge athletic programs qualify to opt out of life fitness.
GRADUATE PLACEMENT - Oxbridge Academy Founding Class of 2014 Prior to last year’s first graduating class, Oxbridge Academy had no track record. Despite this, the finest colleges and universities in the country sought our students. As the Director of Admissions at a highly selective college stated, “We want to make sure that we establish positive relationships with great independent schools and certainly look forward to building a relationship with Oxbridge Academy.” 100 % of the 52 students in the founding class size of 2014 have been accepted to a post secondary school. These students have been accepted to the following four-year colleges.
University of Alabama Allegheny College Appalachian State U. College of the Atlantic Auburn University Babson College Bard College Barry University Bentley University Berry College Binghamton University Boston University Bradley University Bucknell University U. California – Berkeley U. California – San Diego Case Western Reserve U. Catawba College Catholic University University of Central Florida College of Charleston Clemson University Colorado College Colorado State University University of Colorado Connecticut College Cornell University Creighton University Denison University University of Denver DePaul University DePauw University
Dickinson College Drexel University Embry-Riddle Emory University Flagler College Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast U. Florida Institute of Tech. Florida International U. Florida Polytechnic U. Florida Southern College Florida State University University of Florida Fordham University Furman University George Washington U. Georgia Institute of Tech. University of Georgia Gonzaga University Goucher College Grinnell College Hamilton College University of Hartford Hofstra University Indiana U. - Bloomington Ithaca College Jacksonville University James Madison University Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lewis & Clark College Loyola U. - New Orleans
Macalester College University of Maine Manhattan College Middlebury College U. of Maryland, Balt. County U. of Maryland College Park U. of Massachusetts McGill University University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan University of Minnesota New College of Florida University of New Haven NYU U.N.C. – Asheville U.N.C. – Chapel Hill U.N.C. – Wilmington North Carolina State U. University of North Florida Ohio Northern University Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Oregon State University Pace University Palm Beach Atlantic U. Penn State University Purdue University University of Richmond Ringling College of Art Ripon College Rochester Institute of Tech
University of Rochester Rollins College Rose – Hulman I.T. Savannah College of Art Seattle University Sewanee: U. of the South Skidmore College University of South Carolina University of South Florida Southeastern University Southern Methodist University St. Johns University Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stonehill College SUNY Geneseo Syracuse University University of Tampa University of Tennessee Texas Christian University U.S. Naval Academy University of Utah Valparaiso University Villanova University University of Vermont Wake Forest University Washington & Jefferson College Washington U. – St. Louis Washington College Wesleyan University Whittier College The College of Wooster
