High School

The Student Wellbeing and Empowerment Program integrates an advisory curriculum, one-on-one counseling, and health and physical education to support our students’ social-emotional skills development and nurture their self-discovery journey. Through weekly discussion and reflection, the program fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and informed decision-making, empowering students to thrive academically, mentally, and physically while equipping them with the tools they need for a fulfilling future beyond high school.

The program adjusts to each student and to their particular needs and includes an advisory program, on-campus counseling as well as a robust parent education program focusing on the topics of importance for parents today.

Advisory Program

Advisories are at the center of student education, providing a space for proactive social, friendship, relaxation, and executive functioning skills. The Oneness-Family School advisory program emphasizes advocating for peace, awareness of self, creating community and self-advocacy skills as primary goals.

Each student is assigned to a grade-level group, meeting weekly with one or two advisors for an icebreaker and lesson. The lesson topics range from self-care to developing ones reputation. Past topics have included the school’s anti-bias/anti-racism work, including discussing differences and exploring bias and privilege. The program is flexible, and adapts to school needs and student and parent feedback as needed.

Student Counseling

The school employs a school counselor (Jen Cort, LCSW-C), to work with students individually, in groups, and by grade. Throughout the year all students can ask for meetings focusing on typical adolescent concerns. All new students meet with the school counselor to support their transition to OFHS.

Reflecting Montessori's focus on individualized learning paths, our College Counseling program at Oneness-Family School tailors guidance to each student's unique strengths and aspirations, facilitating a smooth transition to higher education. Our Head of School, Dean of Students, School Counselor and faculty collaborate to support each student in their college preparation.

At each level students learn skills around social interaction, etiquette and interviews which provides a strong foundation for their college visits and interviews.

Grades 9 & 10

• The college prep process begins in the 9th and 10th grade, when students meet with our school counselor to begin to learn about what the college application process is like.
• Beginning as early as 9th grade, the school facilitates trips to local college fairs for interested families. 
• Faculty advisors begin discussions with students in 10th grade about what kind of college or university might be a good fit for them, and help them understand how to determine what makes a good fit. 
• The school facilitates students taking the ACT, PSAT and SAT tests in 10th and 11th grade. Families may elect to engage private tutors that work in conjunction with the school on SAT prep.

Grades 11 & 12

• Starting in 11th grade, students begin working on their college essay as part of their English coursework. Our English teacher provides support with essay-writing as part of this ongoing process.
• In 11th and 12th grade, regular student-led conferences with faculty and parents focus on college preparation, transcripts, and student portfolios

The OFHS Leadership Program is designed to support the students adolescent development through meaningful experiences in our community which nurture holistic leadership skills. These happen through two distinct components: Microeconomy, and Community Engagement. Microeconomy involves the students in all aspects of developing and implementing a business plan, while Community Engagement entails focalized activities allowing  students to support and better understand the communities that surround them. The program culminates in a Capstone project where students design and deliver a meaningful service project in the surrounding community.

Anchored in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, social justice, environmental stewardship, global citizenship, and self-care, the program equips students to lead with empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose in a complex and interconnected world. 

At Oneness-Family High School, learning extends far beyond the confines of the classroom walls. With the rich tapestry of opportunities offered by the Washington, DC area, students embark on a journey of enrichment through field trips and field studies that connect them with partner organizations, businesses, nonprofits, centers of arts and scholarship, and government agencies. Students also are immersed in the natural beauty of the area, embarking on hikes, camping trips, and scientific field labs to local and state parks.

Field Trip Week

One of the highlights of the academic calendar is Field Trip Week, where students delve into immersive excursions aligned with their classwork. For example, students may spend the beginning of the week in DC, exploring historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and literary sites relevant to their social studies and English coursework, before embarking on a camping trip complementing their science coursework.

For 9th and 10th graders, an additional Field Trip Week in the spring follows a similar model, providing younger students with further immersive experiences while 11th and 12th graders participate in Internship Week.

Previous Field Studies Include: 

• Chesapeake Bay: Students engage in research in environmental science and biology through hands-on labs
• Howard University / LeDroit Park: Students explore the history of the community in the area and conducted research at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

• Assateague Island: Students engage in field research focused on climate change and rising sea levels

• Eastern Market: As part of their Cultural Anthropology studies, students practice participant observation to identify cultural norms observed at the historic public market

Throughout the year, students embark on additional trips directly related to their curriculum, broadening their perspectives and deepening their understanding of academic subjects. 

In addition to physical excursions, Oneness-Family High School hosts guest speakers and experts who bring real-world insights into the classroom, enriching learning experiences and connecting students with professionals in their fields of study.

Beginning when students return from Winter Break in January and running through mid-February, the OFHS Elective Cycle offers an inspiring break in the academic year, as students dive deeply into more specialized subjects through accelerated courses taught by faculty members whose expertise matches the students’ interests. 

In December, students and faculty brainstorm topics of interest for each of the following classes: Social Studies, English & Literature, and Science based on faculty expertise. Students vote for their top choices, which are then developed into focused courses by faculty. Each student selects two of the three elective course offerings to take alongside their regular math and world language curriculum. 

Previous elective courses have included: 

• Cultural Anthropology
• Deep Sea Biology
• Poetry & Creative Writing 
• Astronomy
• Sociology of Deviance
• Ecology
• Women & Non Binary in Media
• Ichthyology

Each March, 11th and 12th-grade students participate in internships and community service with a wide variety of organizations across the DC area that partner with our high school to provide enriching real-world experiences. The school leverages its wide range of connections within the DC professional community to provide the best possible match between students and their internship goals.

Previously, students have been placed for the week at the DC Department of Energy and Environment, Tahirih Justice Center, Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown U, Glen Echo Aquarium, Dr. Valaida Wise Consulting, and the Montgomery County Planning Department, among others.
 

Practical Life studies are integrated into the curriculum, emphasizing hands-on experiences to equip students with essential life skills. From mastering job interview techniques to navigating public transportation, students learn the practicalities of real-world situations. They plan and execute field trips and camping expeditions, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills while building confidence in their ability to navigate diverse environments.

Meal-planning and cooking sessions go beyond culinary arts, teaching students about nutrition, budgeting, and self-sufficiency in the kitchen. Additionally, gardening activities instill an appreciation for nature and sustainability, as students learn to cultivate plants and understand environmental stewardship.

Practical life activities extend to hands-on tasks such as building birdhouses and bat houses, exploring urban design with a focus on integrating nature, and learning automotive maintenance skills like changing a tire. Through these experiences, students develop resilience, resourcefulness, and a holistic understanding of the practicalities of daily life, preparing them for success beyond the classroom.