The desire to want the best education for our children is universal. Nowhere is this axiom clearer than in Houston, one of the world’s most diverse cities, where parents from all over the world share this passion. River Oaks Academy, a small private high school serving Houston’s international student population, has quietly become one of Houston’s premier high schools, boasting close to 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates.

Houston’s Best International School Is Now Offering the Same Personalized Education to Local High Schoolers

By StoryStudio on FEBRUARY 15, 2024

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Despite being well known as an ideal landing place for international students and students with learning challenges, River Oaks Academy has been a hidden gem for many in Houston seeking the best private education for their high schooler. As the school expands its offerings to more local students, serving grades 9-12, and soon grades 7-8, it’s time to take a closer look at the school and why its teaching methodology has proven so successful.

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SPONSORED BY RIVER OAKS ACADEMY

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River Oaks Academy accepts applications year-round for grades 9-12. Middle school ages coming soon. Learn more and apply at riveroaksacademy.com.

In contrast to typical school systems designed to disseminate large amounts of information to the most people using enough resources to achieve an acceptable result, UDL carefully considers the learning needs of each student and instructs accordingly. The typical approach is understandable when one is faced with educating 100’s of thousands of students in large school districts; efficiency must be prioritized over individuation. The unfortunate knock-on effect is if your student has a variation, an exceptional skill, or any other difference, they may not do well in that type of system. However, this student may learn better with fewer distractions and may do better with a small student-to-teacher ratio. This is the power of UDL.

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To achieve this individuation – a critical ingredient to the school’s success which has led to approval by the Texas Education Agency and accreditation by Cognia, a rare feat – River Oaks Academy (ROA) follows a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) model.

“There is a demand for an individualized HS education that is more personal, with smaller student-to-teacher ratios for improved educational outcomes and avoids many of the negative cultural pitfalls of typical large high schools,” says Genna Ha, Principal at the new River Oaks Academy campus

For the last 30 years, River Oaks Academy has leveraged UDL to give students the best academic high school experience. The experience is enhanced by ROA’s diverse student body and international flavor. Domestic students who matriculate will find a school that truly reflects the diversity of Houston. Not only is the student body diverse, so too is the staff. With teachers having international experience, ROA prepares students for global citizenship in a way many schools simply can’t. This is a school built on a strong commitment to academics, experiential learning, and community.

“The focus of student experience is on their learning and their personal goals,” says Ms. Ha, noting further daylight between the typical school and the experience of attending ROA. ROA, she says, encourages socialization through group work, and student selected organizations and activities– like an elected student council, student-selected clubs, local field trips to museums, the arboretum, or the seashore, and in-house events like talent shows, art shows, recognition of seasonal cultural events and memorials. The spirit of River Oaks runs deep.

Because of its longstanding commitment to international students, ROA admits students into their high school year-round. This gives ROA a unique advantage of seamlessly bringing students in mid-semester if necessary. If a student desires to change schools, parents need not wait to make a change that could impact their child’s future. The sooner a child receives personalized instruction, the better it is for their child’s educational outcomes. This is because personalized learning empowers students to take control of their education. By setting goals and making choices, a student becomes an active participant in their learning journey, fostering an invaluable sense of responsibility and autonomy that will have real-world benefits for the rest of their lives. Indeed, it is their mission.

The River Oaks Academy difference is clear. Student engagement, growth, and goal achievement – all within a student’s reach. Through small class sizes and greater teacher attention, students learn more, and they learn faster. In contrast, ROA reduces many of the distractions and pitfalls of typical large schools, leading to better student outcomes, not just academically but in a student’s personal growth and development as well.

Says Ms. Ha, “Personalizing student education in a world that is increasingly impersonal, in favor of distance and digits – that’s revolutionary.”

Genna Ha, Director at River Oaks Academy

“UDL pays careful attention to each student’s individual personality, level of functioning, and learning style to tailor their programming for maximum efficiency and effectiveness over time,” explains Ms. Ha.

River Oaks Academy accepts applications year-round for grades 9-12. Middle school ages coming soon. Learn more and apply at riveroaksacademy.com.

By StoryStudio on FEBRUARY 15, 2024