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Board hears Oxford Day Academy report as school seeks to stabilize enrollment and protect enrichment
Summary
The Board received Oxford Day Academy’s annual report: Head of School Latrice Bennett said enrollment is 88 (target 100–115), 24 students will graduate June 4, and truancy has risen in part due to immigration-related panic; the school prioritizes academic recovery while preserving enrichment and partners with local organizations for internships.
The San Mateo County Board of Education on May 6 received the annual report from Oxford Day Academy (ODA). Outgoing Head of School Latrice Bennett told the Board the school is under-enrolled at 88 students against a 100–115 target and is taking steps to stabilize retention and enrollment. Bennett said immigration-related panic and misinformation have reduced attendance and that deeper economic pressures—and obligations some students have to work—are a primary driver of truancy.
Bennett described several actions ODA has taken, including sharing accurate information with families, partnering with community groups, and offering a transportation program that lets students schedule rides directly from home to school. On enrichment and access, Bennett said eligibility for international trips is determined first by a student’s ability to travel internationally; after that, "all learner groups, including students receiving special education services, are included without restriction," and the school covers costs for domestic trips when international travel is not possible. She added that when students need to complete credit recovery or retake classes during a trip period, academic progress is prioritized but staff often work to finish recovery early so students can participate.
ODA highlighted local internship partnerships that create placements specifically for its students, naming the Boys and Girls Club, Youth United for Community Action, Hope Horizon, the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League and Canopy as partners that reserve internship spots. Bennett told the Board that "24 students will be graduating on June 4 at 5:30 p.m." and that invitations will be sent soon. Incoming Head of School Jimmy Aguilar said he plans to use existing K–8 community relationships to strengthen recruitment and retention.
The Board asked pointed questions about Career and Technical Education (CTE). Bennett said ODA currently relies on concurrent enrollment with Cañada College for CTE pathways because on-site CTE requires a credentialed teacher and dedicated space the school lacks. She also noted limited deficit spending due to lower enrollment but said ODA maintains a strong reserve and is budgeting conservatively through 2026–27 to manage risk.
Board President Hugo Torres welcomed Aguilar and praised Bennett’s leadership, offering the Board as a resource during the leadership transition. The Board did not take formal action on ODA’s report.
