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Oracle, Ariz. – Sierra Oaks is a free charter school that has been operating in Oracle, since 2002 when the doors opened to 36 students and a handful of excited people waiting and willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
Having come full circle, Sierra Oaks is now operating with 30 students and a very similar handful of the most amazing teachers. Only this time, the grants are minimal. State dollars have dropped from $500 to $273 per student, and even less for charter schools.
If you were to drop by for a visit, you would see adults and students engaged in one-on-one activities, including visual arts, SMART boards, Google Chromebooks and Raz-Kids in the computer lab, libraries and peace builders, a science lab and a garden.
You would hear drumming, singing, the sounds of the flute and the cries of students learning martial arts. Photos from trips to the Biosphere, OSP, Schnepf Farms, bowling and community involvement would be found adorning the walls.
Though Sierra Oaks is operating on a very small school enrollment, they continue to move forward, searching in every corner of the Department Of Education for monies to support the small multi-aged classrooms, the personnel who are more than highly qualified and the one room schoolhouse ethic.
To remain in operation, Sierra Oaks needs your help. “We are not a school that will discontinue the programs that are known to help foster individual self-awareness and confidence. Please make a difference in this small community by donating to the school. Your thoughtfulness will not go unnoticed.” says a representative of the staff at Sierra Oaks.
The Sierra Oaks School Feast will be held on Wed., Nov. 21 at 11am, in celebration of what has been, gratefulness for what is, and in hope of what will be for years to come.
“ We have much to be grateful for. It really does take a village.” continued the representative.
For more information on the feast, giving help or the Sierra Oaks school in general, stop by 650 West Linda Vista Rd in Oracle , write to admin@sierraaksschool.com, visit their site at SierraOaksSchool.com or call 520-896-3100.
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