As previously mentioned, I’m going to be giving a run-down of all the island schools…
Even after all of these years living on the island, when I hear the words, ‘Oak Bluffs’ images of Circuit Ave with its lights, music and Flying horses jump to mind. But, like every town on the Vineyard - families and schools are the cornerstones…behind the scenes but mainstays for all year round activity.
The Oak Bluffs School (OBS) was built in 1761 and originally attended by children from the whole island. Today, OBS houses students in grades K-8 and is open to only OB residents. The school has a population of over 460 and operates from a new $12.9 million, state-of-the-art facility. Encouraging community-involvement at every level, OBS garners support from townspeople and parents, and it’s governed by a three-member, elected school committee.
For curriculum, all classrooms teach math, science, social studies, reading, writing and the arts. The school encourages researched-based and publishing-intended writing for all students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Additionally, teachers work closely with parents to support individual student needs.
The school believes social behavior should be taught in a caring and supportive environment and does everything in its power to create that. And, true to the Island, the Oak Bluffs community supports the learning of locally grown, and the OBS student body is very involved in the Island’s Farm to School program.
The school’s weekly newsletter is called Carousel and presents the weekly happenings and news for every student and parent.
