About Us
Oak Park High School provides an intellectually challenging curriculum in a socially supportive learning environment. We offer a variety of academic, fine arts, and elective opportunities. The Honors-level courses and programming are available in all core curricular areas. Students interested in seeking additional academic rigor, can take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, taught at the college level at Oak Park High School and our affiliate the Center for Advanced Studies (CASA). Our students have access to valuable extensions of our high school through the Oakland Technical Campuses (OSTC) which provides technical, academic, and workplace skills necessary in the pursuit of their career pathway.
Oak Park High School offers a variety of research-based interventions and academic supports. We have a commitment to ensuring that all students learn and believe that each student should excel based on our ability as educators to help them reach their true potential. Our school community has a vested interest in cultivating the individual gifts of each student through a process of self-discovery. Our highly qualified and collaborative staff respects, communicates engages and encourages student voice to cultivate a civic responsibility, emphasize the value of making a difference in the lives of others.
Our facilities are designed to provide a number of spaces to support personalized learning and collaboration. The Hoffman Planetarium is designed to be an engaging, interactive full-dome classroom. The SciDome IQ2400 brings real-time space and earth science into the dome’s unique teaching environment. Through a real-world Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program, students are exposed to the field of health sciences and human services. Through a partnership with Ascension Providence Hospital, students can receive medical care in the health clinic located inside our building.
There are nine computer labs, a Coding Studio, Robotics Lab with 3-D printers, TV Production Studio, Large Group Instruction (LGI) hall, Little Theater, over 700-seat full Auditorium and a 10,000 square-foot Media Center. All classrooms are equipped with interactive Promethean Boards, document cameras and 1:1 laptops for core academic courses. Oak Park High School is a recipient of the Michigan Green School designation, noted for three courtyards and a community garden in partnership with Big Green Detroit.
Our co/extra-curricular programs are complimented by choir and marching band rooms equipped with instruments for all students to remove any barriers to students to participate. Our athletic facilities consist of a weight room, turf football field, competition grade track, baseball and softball diamond and gymnasium. We have a full array of clubs, including web design, anime and cartooning, Robotics, musical productions, Broadcast Arts and more located our activities page.
We are proud of the holistic, high-quality academic and co-curricular opportunities for all students. An educational experience at Oak Park High School produces 4-year, Ivy League, 2-year scholars as well as students that dedicate their talents to advancing in career and technical education post-secondary programs.
Points of Pride
Health, Wellness & Safety
- Ascension Providence School-Based Health Center for Oak Park Schools students and families
- Free breakfast and lunch for all students
- Dental cleaning services for all students, twice a year
- Vision and hearing screenings each year
- Implementation of Restorative Practices
- Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) programs
- 3 full-time School Counselors, 3 full-time School Social Workers, 2 full-time Graduation Coordinators and 2 full-time Behavior Interventionists
Student Participation
- 25 clubs and organizations, including award-winning Robotics team
- TV production studio and courses
- Student assemblies throughout the school year
- Honor Roll Recognition assemblies
- Winter and Spring Band and Choir concerts
- Annual Stage Play Performances
- Step Team, percussive dance where entire body is used as an instrument
- Principal's Advisory Council, Student Leadership Council
Academics
- Complimentary after school tutorial support
- 20 Advanced Placement course options
- Intervention & support courses for ELA and Math
- Technology integrated into daily instruction
- Restorative Practices used in classrooms
- Access to Oakland Technical Campuses (OSTC) which provides technical, academic, and workplace skills necessary in the pursuit of their career pathway
- The Hoffman Planetarium, engaging, interactive full-dome classroom
Co/Extra-curricular
- 4.4 Million instrumental scholarships offers in 2018-2019
- Nationally-renowned marching band - placing first of second place in multiple competitions
- Choir Director & OPS students finalists on America's Got Talent
- 2019 OAA Blue League Champion - Competitive Cheer
- 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014 MHSAA Girls Track & Field Champions
- 2019 Football Coach of the Year
Hoffman Planetarium
The Oak Park High School Hoffman Planetarium is an engaging, interactive full dome classroom located inside of our high school building. It is powered by advanced programs including, Starry Night, The Layered Earth and Zygote Body. The SciDome IQ2400 brings real-time space and earth science into a unique, innovative teaching environment. We immerse students in the planetarium’s interactive visual macrocosm, explored Earth’s 3D topography and layers in spectacular detail. Each individual high school Science course and grade level courses in kindergarten through eighth grade participate in a developmentally appropriate interactive presentations tailored to the curriculum and/or Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) disciplinary core ideas, while providing a connection to the astronomical 'big picture' - the Universe. At the Hoffman Planetarium, we believe that 'your journey into the mysteries of space begins here...
Planetarium Offerings
- Upon arrival into the Planetarium, students view a presentation specifically designed for their current science unit. For example, the 5th grade Earth Science show is entitled “Our Place in the Solar System” and explores most of the Next Generation Earth Science Standards (NGSS) for the 5th grade level.
- Students are also provided with an opportunity, during their Science Lab experience, to complete a hands-on activity related to their current unit. For 5th grade students, the activity allows students to construct a model of the solar system. Additionally, students also access the Virtual Labs available through the FOSS Science Curriculum and/or online Virtual Labs related to the unit material.
We have accommodations for both wheel-chair bound and students with disabilities, including devices for the hearing impaired. Our goal is to ensure that all students have access to the unique, interactive learning experience that the Planetarium offers!
