Summer Camps & Programs

Program Description

Oak Creek Ranch School

Summer Sessions
West Sedona, Arizona

		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
David Wick Jr., Headmaster
Oak Creek Ranch School
P.O. Box 4329
West Sedona, Arizona 86340
928-634-5571
877-554-OCRS (toll-free)
Fax: 928-634-4915
http://www.ocrs.com
E-mail: admissions@ocrs.com

Type of Program: Four-week summer school sessions; students may earn ½ credit in two subjects per session; traditional and experiential classes are offered
Participants: Coed boarding school students, grades 7–12, ages 12–19
Enrollment: 60–70 students per session
Program Dates: Three 4-week sessions are offered from June through mid-August
Head of Program: David Wick Jr., J.D., Headmaster

Location

Oak Creek Ranch School’s 17-acre campus is located 15 miles west of beautiful Sedona, Arizona, adjoining the Coconino National Forest. The temperate climate of northern Arizona allows students to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Summer School students enjoy swimming, recreational sports, and fishing on campus. Excursions to the Grand Canyon and other points of interest are included in the Summer School program.

Background and Philosophy

Oak Creek Ranch School is a fully accredited, coed boarding school for teenagers ages 12–19 (grades 7–12). Founded in 1972 by David Wick, the School specializes in helping underachievers, undermotivated teens, and students with ADD or ADHD. Small classes, an experienced faculty, and individualized programs enable teenagers to realize their full potential. Self-discipline, responsibility, and commitment to self and others are important principles of the School’s Leadership and Character Development program. All programs are designed to help teens build self-esteem and a strong desire to succeed. Experiential learning is used to stimulate intellectual curiosity and provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to practical situations.

Program Offerings

Oak Creek Ranch School is fully accredited by the North Central Association (NCA).
    The following classes have been offered during the past two years:
Science Through Mountain Biking Designed for both high school and middle school students, this course enables students to learn the fundamentals of scientific theory while mountain biking through some of the most beautiful geological areas in the West.
Wilderness Literature Students spend three weeks hiking and backpacking in wilderness areas of Yosemite and Redwoods National Parks while they read the literature created in these and similar areas. Students must be in good physical health, and they must be able to carry a 40-pound backpack.
Composition & Literature This course is offered to middle school and high school students and is designed to help students achieve the required level of proficiency for their respective grades.
Middle School English This course is designed to help middle school students achieve the required level of proficiency for their respective grades.
Social Studies Topics include United States and world geography, history, and cultures. A study of the U.S. monetary and political system is covered.
Government/Economics This course examines the role of the federal government and its impact on the economy and society. Students examine and compare differing forms of government throughout the world. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the federal government of the United States operates as a constitutional, federal, and democratic republic. Home economics, banking, budgeting, and microeconomic and macroeconomic principles are also covered in this course.
United States History Students examine the events and people that have had an impact on the development of the United States. Students are expected to conduct research about current events using a variety of Internet news sources, newspapers, and magazines. Frequently, students are required to express their opinions of current events using factual data to support their arguments. Research, reading, writing, and group discussions are incorporated into this course work.
High School Math This course is designed for students needing credit in prealgebra, algebra, algebra II, and advanced math. Individualized programs are designed to help students achieve their desired level of proficiency.
Middle School Math This course is designed for students needing help in middle school math concepts. Individualized programs are designed to help students achieve their desired level of proficiency.
Conversational Spanish This course is designed for both middle school and high school students. This class develops basic speaking skills and introduces the student to the Spanish culture.
Spanish I, II, and III These courses offer conversational Spanish for high school students.
Computer Applications This class is offered to both middle school and high school students and provides both individualized instruction and self-paced learning. Students may choose to master any of the following software applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Web programming tools: HTML or JavaScript; or Adobe graphics software: Illustrator and PhotoShop.

Enrollment

Three 4-week summer sessions are available for credit or personal enrichment. Class sizes are fewer than 10 students, allowing students to receive one-on-one instruction. Students may take two classes per four-week session and earn ½ credit per class.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Recreational activities include swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, overnight camping, trips to water parks, paintball games, movies, concerts, and shopping. Field trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s Slide Rock, the historical mining town of Jerome, a traditional rodeo in Prescott, and nearby Indian ruins are just a few of the many activities included in Oak Creek Ranch School’s summer program.

Facilities

Oak Creek Ranch School’s Mac and PC labs enable students to utilize the latest technology and software applications in and out of the classroom. The Summer School facilities include dormitory residences, an administration building and dining room, multiple classrooms with audiovisual equipment, a library/study center, a recreation center, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, an equestrian center, and a playing field.

Staff

Summer school is taught by members of the School’s regular certified faculty. Each dormitory residence is supervised by a caring and supportive dorm adviser.

Medical Care

A registered nurse is on campus in the School’s health center five days a week. Sedona Urgent Care in Sedona and the Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood are utilized if students require additional medical attention. Emergency care is only minutes from the School—day or night. Medical authorization forms must be submitted to the School prior to the first day of school.

Religious Life

Oak Creek Ranch School is not affiliated with any religious group. Students are invited to attend any church or religious service they desire. At the parent’s request, the School can arrange transportation to and from these services.

Costs

The 2009 tuition is $4500 per four-week session. This fee includes room, board, and most classes. Additional fees may be charged for special classes.

Transportation

Students arrive the Sunday before classes begin. Transportation to and from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is provided at the beginning and end of each Summer School session.

Application Timetable

Inquiries are welcome all year. A current brochure is mailed upon request, and students are accepted from January through the summer, as space allows. An application form is available on the School’s Web site. An application fee of $400 is required to secure enrollment. If the student is not accepted, the application fee is refunded.