Our Specials

Founder Founder

Phyllis Smith Because we wanted to offer students and parents a safe, caring, individualized learning environment, we started Oakwood School.  Since the first day of school in 1993, Oakwood School has created a strong community of involved families, committed faculty and amazing students who continue to excel in school and in life.  Oakwood School, the premier elementary school in Ft Collins, continues to make positive differences in the lives of its students. Vic Smith

Director & Teacher

Shawn Stooksbury I love working with kids! It is fun, exciting and never boring. The students are excited about learning and want to be challenged. I strive to create a warm, fun and safe learning environment that honors each student's individuality and learning style. My goal is to provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning, accepting responsibility and exercising their problem-solving skills. It is a true joy to watch the students grow as they pursue their academic goals and face personal challenges.

3rd & 4th Grade Teacher

Gail Spinden My goals as a teacher are to help children build independence and personal power, as well as to teach subject matter and skills that students can use to solve problems. I am enthusiastic about teaching, especially science, and provide many hands on experiments so students can learn through discovery. I offer a small, caring classroom where students are empowered to assume responsibility for themselves and their learning. My greatest joy as a teacher is to guide students so they will feel valued for their unique learning styles.

1st & 2nd Grade Teacher

Shawn Stooksbury I find the enthusiasm of 1st and 2nd graders extremely contagious; each child comes into the classroom with their own learning style, creating the 'spice of life!'  My classroom is a loving, caring and nurturing place, manifesting an enthusiasm for learning.  It is a safe place for children to take risks and grow their self-confidence, self direction and independence.  The children work both independently and in groups so as to increase their retention skills, while learning greater sensivity to the interests and needs of others.  My goal is to create lifelong learners by incorporating games, dramatic play and humor into our classroom activities.  Teaching at Oakwood affords me the pleasure of working in an environment where each child is honored, encouraged and challenged.  In first and second grade the questions never cease, the dreaming never ends, and the joy is overflowing!

Pk/K Teacher

Chris Johnson   Teaching the Pre-K and Kindergarten set is a heartwarming and soul-satisfying venture. Younger ages require developmentally appropriate practice, lots of individual attention, and it is essential that they derive meaningful enjoyment from their experience. I embrace each child's exuberance and energy and am delighted to work in an environment which cherishes each child's unique contributions.