For decades, Oak Hill Academy has welcomed students from around the world who are seeking an authentic American educational experience and a pathway to college and university opportunities in the United States.
International education is not a new initiative at Oak Hill Academy, it is part of who we are. Today, nearly 40% of our student body is made up of international students, and during the most recent academic year, our students represented 28 different countries. During graduation ceremonies, we often say that “the world gathers in tiny Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.”
That statement captures something special about life at Oak Hill Academy. Students from across the globe come together in a close-knit boarding school community where they learn from one another, form lifelong friendships, and prepare for successful futures.
In fact, our international population is one of the reasons many American families choose Oak Hill Academy. They want their children to learn and grow in a truly global environment where different cultures, languages, and perspectives are part of everyday life.
So why do international families choose Oak Hill Academy? While every family’s story is different, there are several common reasons.
A Classic American Boarding School Experience in a Small School Environment
At Oak Hill Academy, with approximately 150 to 160 students enrolled each year, every student matters.
Unlike larger schools where students can easily become anonymous, our small size allows faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators to know students personally. This is particularly valuable for international students who are adjusting to a new country, culture, and educational system.
Small class sizes allow students to participate more actively, build confidence more quickly, and develop meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, ask questions, and become active members of the school community.
The smaller environment also reduces social pressure and makes it easier for international students to build friendships and become involved in campus life. Language development happens naturally as students from many different countries use English as their shared language across academics, athletics, and residential life.
Safety, Structure, and a True Community
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Oak Hill Academy provides a safe, structured, and highly supervised residential environment.
Our rural setting allows us to create a close-knit community where faculty and staff live on campus alongside students. The result is a small-town atmosphere where relationships are built naturally and students are consistently supported.
Because 100% of students live in dormitories, social and developmental opportunities are built into daily life. Students are never isolated; instead, they are part of a fully engaged residential community.
As is often said, “There is no Starbucks around the corner.” Off-campus privileges are structured, supervised, and conducted in small groups. These outings include shopping trips, restaurants, movies, and cultural experiences such as college visits, sporting events, museums, and theater performances.
Students also benefit from the surrounding natural environment, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding throughout the year.
Elite Athletic Development Without Sacrificing Academics
For many international students, Oak Hill Academy is also an opportunity to pursue high-level athletics while receiving a strong academic education.
In many countries, athletics are organized through club systems that often conflict with academic schedules. At Oak Hill Academy, academics and athletics are fully integrated.
Our basketball program has produced nine National Championships, more than 45 NBA players, and over 300 collegiate athletes, making it one of the most recognized high school programs in the United States.
More recently, the launch of the PSG Academy Pro Residency Program has expanded opportunities for elite soccer development. As soccer continues to grow globally, Oak Hill Academy has become an increasingly attractive destination for international student-athletes seeking both athletic advancement and academic preparation.
This integrated model allows students to pursue excellence in both areas without compromise.
Personalized College Planning and 100% College Acceptance
For many international families, studying in the United States is closely connected to future college and university opportunities.
Navigating the U.S. admissions process can be complex, especially for students unfamiliar with the system. Oak Hill Academy’s college counseling program provides personalized support throughout every stage of the journey.
Students receive guidance in identifying universities, understanding admissions requirements, preparing applications, and making informed decisions about their future.
This individualized support helps demystify the process and ensures students feel confident and prepared.
Oak Hill Academy proudly maintains a 100% college acceptance rate, reflecting both the strength of our students and the effectiveness of our personalized college planning approach.
A Place Where the World Comes Together
Every year, students arrive at Oak Hill Academy from countries around the world with different languages, cultures, traditions, and aspirations. What they discover is a community where they are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to succeed.
At Oak Hill Academy, everyone is from somewhere. That reality creates an extraordinary opportunity for personal and interpersonal growth that extends far beyond the classroom.
A quality education certainly includes a rigorous curriculum, dedicated teachers, and strong college preparation. However, some of the most valuable lessons students learn occur outside of class, in the dormitories, on athletic teams, during campus activities, and through daily interactions with peers from around the world.
Learning to appreciate different perspectives, communicate across cultures, and build meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds prepares students for success in college and in an increasingly interconnected world. These experiences help students develop empathy, confidence, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the global community they will one day help lead.
For many students, attending Oak Hill Academy represents the first of many significant doors they will walk through in life. It serves as a launching pad where young people develop the academic foundation, character, confidence, and life skills necessary to pursue ambitious goals and embrace future opportunities.
Whether your family is located across the globe or across the state, Oak Hill Academy offers an environment where students can grow, belong, and prepare for what comes next. To discuss the educational goals you have for your child and learn more about the opportunities available at Oak Hill Academy, we invite you to contact the Office of Admissions.
- Schedule a call with our Admissions Office: Click here to choose a time
- Email us: admission@oak-hill.net
- Call us directly: (276) 579-2619
Let’s start the conversation about how Oak Hill Academy can help reshape your teen’s future.