Student Life
The warmth and welcoming environment that embodies the Oldfields experience fosters shared experiences, embraces individuality and creates friendships that last a lifetime.
At Oldfields we share an unwavering support for and kindness towards one another. You are embraced and encouraged to be who you are—giving you the confidence to find your voice and independence so you can thrive wherever your passions take you. Taking great care to create a nurturing and supportive environment results in a shared, deep-rooted sense of belonging that makes our community a family and our campus a home.
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Day Students experience all the benefits that boarding school has to offer while staying right here in your hometown. You will be fully integrated into the on-campus family—often joining for breakfast and staying late for dinner and study hall. Yes, you will actually want to come to school on Saturday to participate in a weekend trip to the Smithsonian or to pick up a friend to stay at your house for the weekend. Day students are encouraged to spend the night during exam week, when there is inclement weather, or just for the fun of it.
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Oldfields offers a five-day boarding option. Students in the five-day program share all the benefits of boarding education during the week, such as full-time access to faculty and school resources, and also enjoy the convenience of going home on weekends and having their families and friends attend games and performances more frequently.
Our mission, combined with our proximity to Baltimore, Washington, DC, makes Oldfields a most desirable destination. Our new boarding options allow families near and far to join our community and benefit from the Oldfields experience.
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At Oldfields, our campus is more than just a place to study—it's a true second home for our boarding students. Many of our dedicated faculty members and their families live in the dorms as dorm parents, while others serve as affiliates to the dormitories, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. They guide students as they grow into independent young adults.
The skills you develop at Oldfields—like being a considerate roommate, mastering time management, and even handling your own laundry—uniquely prepare you for a successful college life and beyond. Nowhere else offers such a comprehensive and practical preparation for your future!
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Just like at all schools, the vibe changes come Friday afternoon. The difference at Oldfields is that all your friends are right here! Plus there is a wide variety of things to do and places to go are planned and just waiting for you to sign up! Oldfields ideal location near major cultural centers such as New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore as well as natural wonders including the Chesapeake Bay, miles of hike and bike trails, the Atlantic beaches, and Appalachian Mountains allow for limitless options. You will learn and have fun as you take advantage of our “100-Mile Campus,”
We understand that weekends are for downtime and relaxing as well. You can choose low-key options like shopping, a movie night, craft projects, or ordering pizza in your dorm room. Mixers with other schools are also on the agenda throughout the year.
Community Service
Fortezza, Umilitade, e Largo Core (Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart) is the motto and guide for all who join the Oldfields community. It began in the home of our founder, Anna Austen McCulloch, who, upon seeing a need to educate local children (girls in particular), opened her home to students.
At Oldfields, you can make a difference every day through becoming a conscientious citizen of the world, an engaged community member, and one who uses your gifts and voice to take action and better the lives of others.
“It felt great to turn my passion for knitting and crafts into hats for babies in a local NICU. I discovered that I love gifting things more than I like keeping them. Getting my friends involved and seeing the appreciation of the nurses at the hospital made every second worth it.”