Oakwood Friends School is a private day and boarding school for grades 6-12 in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Please fill out this form to learn more about Oakwood and stay up-to-date on Admission events.

Founded in 1796, Oakwood Friends School is New York State's oldest independent co-educational boarding and day school.

As a Friends School, Oakwood educates and strengthens young people for lives of conscience, compassion and accomplishment. Students experience a challenging curriculum within a diverse community and green campus, dedicated to nurturing the spirit, the scholar, the artist and the athlete in each person. 

Committed to providing an affordable independent school education, 75% of Oakwood students receive financial aid.

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22 Spackenkill Rd.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
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Middle School

The Middle School program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in small, student-centered classrooms, allowing for individual attention, social-emotional support, and deep, long-lasting relationships. With the Hudson Valley as an extended classroom, math, science, humanities, art, photography, music and drama are integral parts of our program.  Our middle school students are prepared for high school and beyond.

(Grades 6-8)

High School

The Upper School program is designed to help students reach their potential, challenge students to think critically, analyze and evaluate information carefully, and to be open to understanding new ideas. With classmates from around the Hudson Valley, and around the world, Oakwood students through a process of inquiry, reflection, and action gain a global perspective, develop lifelong connections, and ignite their passion for learning.

(Grades 9-12)

College-Prep

Our highly experienced college counseling department, beginning in the 9th grade, supports and prepares students for acceptance into excellent colleges and universities. Regular advisement, family workshops, test prep, and meetings with over 75 college admissions representatives annually provide our students with a strong understanding of both their strengths, and the best fit for school beyond Oakwood. Students graduate with independence, confidence, a clear path on how to achieve their goals, and become a part of an active global family of alumni.

The social, ethical, and intellectual values of Oakwood Friends are directly informed by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Since 1796, Oakwood has challenged students to listen deeply, find their voice, take on leadership roles, and engage in their community. At all grade levels, students are motivated to help others, think outside their classroom walls, and build relationships in food pantries, senior centers, local gardens, children’s centers, with rescue animals, and more.

Friends Education

"No experience has benefited me greater than Oakwood.

Oakwood has helped me to grow academically, athletically and artistically – never would I have imagined becoming the captain of the soccer, basketball and tennis teams, plus deeply involved in the dramatic arts! Oakwood has challenged and pushed me."

- Bianca ‘18

Discover Oakwood
Discover Oakwood

22 Spackenkill Rd.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Privacy Policy

Virtual Open House

Sunday, October 2, 10:00 am ET

Please join us virtually for an Open House. Talk with our Head of School, faculty, and staff to learn more about Oakwood and why a Friends education may be right for you.

Learn More

Sunday, April 2, 10:00 am ET

Sunday, November 3, 10:00 am ET