How To Get Into Oaks Christian School: Advice From Expert Consultants

Is Oaks Christian School a Good School?

Oaks Christian School isn’t just well-ranked—it’s the kind of place that turns heads and opens doors. Tucked into sunny Westlake Village, California, this college prep powerhouse serves grades 5 through 12 and has the shiny A+ rating from Niche to prove it. It’s consistently named one of the Top 20 Best Christian High Schools in the state, and for good reason. With over 20 AP courses, standout academics, and a lineup of extracurriculars that would make any resume jealous, students here don’t just keep up—they rise above. Test scores soar, passions take flight, and college dreams come true, with grads landing spots at top-tier schools like Stanford, UCLA, and a few Ivies thrown in for good measure.

Oaks Christian isn’t just a school, it’s a full-on launchpad. Want to build a robot? Head to the IDEA Lab. Dream of starring in a musical or mastering the violin? The Performing Arts Conservatory has you covered. Sports more your thing? Their athletic program is no joke, with alumni going from campus to college stadiums and even the pros. With a comfy 8:1 student-teacher ratio, kids don’t just blend into the background—they’re seen, heard, and supported. Add a faith-based foundation and a serious focus on character, and you’ve got a place where students grow brains, guts, and grace. No wonder Oaks Christian is one of the top independent schools in the area.

Student Diversity

According to Niche, Oaks Christian has a student body that’s mostly White at 52.9%, with Hispanic students making up 9%, African American students at 8%, Multiracial students at 6%, and International students at 5%. There’s a smaller mix of Pacific Islander (2%), Asian (1.6%), and Native American (1%) students. Then there’s the mysterious 14.5% who checked “Unknown,” possibly because they were too busy filling out other forms. While the numbers show the school is working toward diversity, there’s still room to grow. Oaks Christian is a place where different backgrounds come together, and with its growing programs and global reach, there’s plenty of potential for that student mix to keep evolving.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Oaks Christian School?

Yes, it can be hard to get into Oaks Christian School.

First, Oaks Christian doesn’t just open the gates to anyone with a decent GPA and a smile. With over 1,700 students and a reputation for sending grads to big-league schools like Stanford, UCLA, and USC, it naturally attracts a crowd. Families love the combo of strong academics, standout arts and sports, and a values-based environment that feels both purposeful and polished. In short, this school checks a lot of boxes, which means getting in takes more than filling out a form and hoping for the best. It’s competitive, yes, but totally doable with the right prep and a clear story about what makes your child shine.

Second, Oaks Christian isn’t impressed by straight A’s alone. Sure, good grades help, but they’re looking for students who bring more to the table, think heart, hustle, and a clear sense of purpose. They want future leaders, team players, creative thinkers, and kind humans who genuinely vibe with the school’s mission. Your transcript is just the beginning. They’re also reading your essays, listening closely in interviews, and paying attention to what teachers have to say about you. In short, being smart is great, but being thoughtful, driven, and authentic? That’s what really stands out.

How to Apply to Oaks Christian School: Step-by-Step

Applying to Oaks Christian isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little planning and a few key steps. Think of this as your admissions game plan, simple, clear, and designed to get you from “just browsing” to “just enrolled.” Grab your calendar, sharpen those digital pencils, and let’s walk through what it takes to submit a strong application.

Step 1: Start Your Online Application

Ready to get the ball rolling? Start by filling out the online application through Oaks Christian’s admissions portal. It’s your official “I’m interested” handshake.

Step 2: Receive Your Personalized Checklist

Within two business days, you’ll get a shiny new checklist made just for you. Think of it as your admissions to-do list, complete with forms to upload and key dates to remember.

Step 3: Take the Admissions Test

Applicants are required to take the NWEA MAP Growth Test, which assesses math, reading, and English skills to evaluate academic readiness. No studying is needed—this adaptive test measures what students already know and helps gauge their learning potential. Applicants for Grades 4, Academy V, and VI will test on campus; Grades 7–11 will test online from home. You can register through your admissions checklist.

Step 4: Submit Academic Records

Oaks Christian requests that you upload PDF copies of your academic records to your checklist, including:

• Report cards or transcripts 
• First-semester report card or progress report
• Any standardized test results
• Any available disciplinary records

What are the application requirements for Oaks Christian School?

Oaks Christian School Academic Records

This is your student’s academic highlight reel. Schools want to see report cards and transcripts from the past couple of years. It helps them understand where your child is academically, what subjects they’re thriving in, and if there have been any red flags like slipping grades or missing coursework. Think of it as the school’s way of asking, “How’s this student doing in the classroom, really?”

Oaks Christian School Entrance Test

This isn’t the kind of test you cram for the night before. Oaks Christian uses the NWEA MAP Growth Test, which adjusts to each student’s skill level in real time. It covers math, reading, and English to get a sense of how your child learns and where they might need support. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to find your child’s “just right” learning zone. It also helps the school know whether its academic environment will be a good fit.

How to Prep for the Oaks Christian School Entrance Test

The best approach to preparing is to build confidence through familiarity. While the MAP Growth Test is adaptive and doesn’t have a fixed set of questions, students can still benefit from sharpening their reading comprehension, basic math skills, and time management. Practice tests and diagnostic quizzes can help reduce test anxiety and boost performance. At Cardinal Education, we offer personalized test prep services designed to help students feel prepared, focused, and ready to show their true academic potential. Whether your child needs to strengthen core skills or just get comfortable with the test format, we’re here to guide them every step of the way.

Oaks Christian School’s Admissions Interview

This is a friendly conversation, not a courtroom cross-examination. The admissions interview gives the school a chance to meet your child (and sometimes the parents, too) to get a feel for their personality, interests, and how they’d fit into the school community. It’s also a great chance for your child to show who they are beyond test scores and transcripts. Think of it as a two-way chat where the school gets to say, “Tell us about you,” and you get to say, “Here’s why we’re excited about you.”

How To Make a Great Impression During the Oaks Christian School’s Admissions Interview

To make a great impression, preparation is key. Students should be ready to speak thoughtfully about their interests, strengths, and reasons for wanting to attend Oaks Christian. Practicing how to answer open-ended questions, express themselves clearly, and stay relaxed under a little pressure can go a long way. That’s where Cardinal Education comes in. We offer expert interview prep to help students present their best, most authentic selves. With our guidance, your child can walk into that interview room with confidence and leave a memorable impression.

Oaks Christian School’s Standardized Tests

This covers just about any major test your child has taken. We’re talking about SSAT, ISEE, ERB, MAP Growth, STAR, CAASPP, CogAT, and even past PSAT or SAT scores if your student is on the older side. Oaks Christian doesn’t require these, but they’ll review them if submitted to get a fuller picture of your child’s academic strengths. Basically, if it comes with percentile rankings or scaled scores and has “standardized” in the name, it’s fair game. These scores aren’t the star of the show, but they can add helpful supporting detail.

If you’re planning to submit SSAT or ISEE scores, preparation really counts. At Cardinal Education, we offer full-service ISEE prep, ISEE practice tests, SSAT prep, and SSAT practice tests to help students feel confident and perform their best. Whether your child is testing for the first time or looking to boost a previous score, our expert tutors tailor support to meet their needs. Strong scores won’t guarantee admission, but they can absolutely help your application stand out.

Oaks Christian School Family Application Questionnaire

This is your turn to speak as a family. Oaks Christian wants to know more than just grades and scores; they want to understand who your child is, what your values are, and why you’re interested in the school. The questionnaire usually includes questions about your child’s strengths, interests, challenges, and educational goals, along with your family’s hopes for their school experience. It’s not a trick test; it’s just a way for the admissions team to get to know your family’s story in your own words. Think of it as a thoughtful introduction, not an interrogation.

Top Tips To Answer Oaks Christian School’s Family Application Questionnaire

Not sure what to write in the Family Application Questionnaire? Don’t stress, it’s not about having all the right answers. It’s about giving the admissions team a real glimpse into your world. Here are a few tips to help you write responses that are clear, meaningful, and true to you.

• Be specific: Mention why Oaks Christian feels like the right fit. Talk about a program, value, or opportunity that caught your attention.
• Show personality: Highlight your child’s interests, quirks, strengths, and even challenges—anything that brings them to life on paper.
• Stay honest: Don’t try to impress with perfection. Admissions teams value authenticity over polished fluff.
• Reflect your values: Share what matters most to your family and how that aligns with the school’s mission.
• Keep it personal: Use real stories or moments to support your answers. The more human and heartfelt, the better.

What Student Life Is Like At Oaks Christian School and Why Families Choose It

What Are Academics Like at Oaks Christian School?

From the first day of Grade 4 to senior year, student life at Oaks Christian School is designed to grow with your child academically, socially, and spiritually. Each stage offers its own unique blend of structure, support, and adventure, creating a community where students are seen, known, and encouraged to become their best selves. Here’s a glimpse into what life looks like at every level.

What is Grade 4 like at Oaks Christian School?

Student life in Grade 4 at Oaks Christian is all about joyful discovery and personal growth. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and support from both a lead and assistant teacher, students enjoy a nurturing environment where curiosity is celebrated. Core academics are balanced with enriching subjects like STEM, visual arts, world languages, and performing arts, all taught by subject experts. Weekly chapel services, service opportunities, and immersive field trips to places like Santa Barbara and Sacramento bring learning to life beyond the classroom. This foundational year is designed to help students thrive academically while developing core values like trust, gratitude, and respect—traits that shape their journey toward becoming well-rounded Oaks Christian graduates.

What is Middle School like at Oaks Christian School?

Middle school at Oaks Christian is a time of transformation, where students experience growing independence, deeper learning, and a true sense of belonging. Designed with purpose, the campus features grade-level pods that create smaller, more personal learning communities. The curriculum is faith-integrated and encourages students to think critically and creatively while developing strong character and personal responsibility. Faculty and staff work closely with students as mentors, guiding their academic, social, and spiritual development. Whether they’re diving into engaging coursework or discovering new passions through electives and extracurriculars, middle schoolers are supported at every turn as they begin to take bold steps toward their future.

What is High School like at Oaks Christian School?

High school life at Oaks Christian is focused, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. Students here are challenged to lead, serve, and shape their futures with purpose. With over 200 course offerings, including 18 AP classes and a strong average AP exam score of 4.59, the academic experience is both rigorous and rewarding. Outside the classroom, students thrive in nationally recognized arts and athletic programs while exploring their interests through clubs, leadership roles, and community service. The school’s goal is to graduate confident, compassionate young adults who are prepared not just for college, but for making a meaningful impact in a global world.

Oaks Christian School as A College Preparatory School

Student life at Oaks Christian School is shaped by a strong college-going culture that starts early and stays personal. From ninth grade onward, students are welcomed into the college counseling process, with one-on-one guidance beginning formally in tenth grade. Counselors meet regularly with families to demystify applications, plan course loads, and explore best-fit colleges, including specialized support for student-athletes and aspiring artists. Tools like SCOIR, SAT/ACT prep through the OC Learning Center, and tailored resources for UC, CSU, and faith-based schools keep students informed and empowered. It’s not just about getting into college; it’s about finding the right one, with a team walking alongside every step of the way.

What Are The Arts Program Like at Oaks Christian School?

From early grades through high school, students immerse themselves in a dynamic arts culture that includes theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts. The Institute of Arts and Innovation offers specialized four-year pathways connecting students with industry professionals and real-world experiences. Whether it’s performing in award-winning theater productions, showcasing artwork in exhibitions, or participating in masterclasses, students are encouraged to explore and express their artistic talents. This commitment to the arts fosters a community where creativity is celebrated, and students are inspired to make meaningful contributions through their artistic endeavors.

What Sports Can Students Play At Oaks Christian School?

Whether your student’s idea of fun is scoring touchdowns, swimming laps, or spiking volleyballs into next week, Oaks Christian School has a sport for them. Athletics here isn’t just about winning, though they do plenty of that; it’s about discipline, teamwork, and school spirit. With options spread across fall, winter, and spring, students can stay active year-round, try new things, and find their place on the field, in the pool, or on the court. Here’s a look at all the sports students can jump into at Oaks Christian.

Fall Sports	Winter Sports	Spring Sports
Cheer	Boys’ Basketball	Baseball
Cross Country	Girls’ Basketball	Boys’ Golf
Football	Boys’ Soccer	Boys’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Golf	Competitive Cheer	Girls’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Tennis	Girls’ Soccer	Softball
Girls’ Volleyball	Girls’ Water Polo	Swimming
Boys’ Beach Volleyball		Boys’ Tennis
Boys’ Water Polo		Track & Field
Swim – MS		Boys’ Volleyball
		Girls’ Beach Volleyball

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