Oxford Day Academy outlines individualized model, reports 9% IEP rate and CTE internships

Jeff Schmidt, Coordinator for District Improvement and Support in the Educational Services Division, introduced Latrice Bennett, Head of School at Oxford Day Academy (ODA), who presented ODA’s annual report to the Board on May 21, 2025. Bennett described ODA’s individualized, tutorial-based model and said the school operates as a single-site Local Education Agency (LEA), which allows direct access to required services for students with IEPs.

Bennett told the Board that nine percent of ODA students have Individualized Education Plans and that the school’s four-tier curriculum provides multiple access points to support diverse learners. On truancy and re-engagement, she said ODA uses a Truancy Liaison who works with families on comprehensive plans and partners with community organizations to secure stipend-based internships to help address economic barriers to attendance. Bennett also described Career and Technical Education experiences embedded starting in tenth grade, with summer internships in healthcare, childcare, technology, agriculture and farming that continue through students’ senior year as part of college and career preparation.

Board Member Chelsea Bonini asked about additional services for students with IEPs and 504 plans; Bennett confirmed all IEP services are provided and noted that the school’s individualized approach aids integration. Board Member Edith Arias noted the senior class was 98% Latinx and 2% Pacific Islander; Bennett confirmed that demographic makeup reflects the school population. Board members also asked about family engagement, bilingual services, and alumni involvement; Bennett described bi-monthly parent meetings, outreach for first-generation families, bilingual services, and a strong alumni network that returns to volunteer and mentor current students.