Please take a moment to read some of the wonderful things parents have said about their experiences at Oak Arbor Christian School. We love our students and their parents, and we appreciate these warm comments.
Dear Ms. Cottam,
I am writing this letter to thank you for the exceptional spiritual and academic training that my son has received during his K-3, K-4 and now Kindergarten school years at Oak Arbor. There are no words grand enough to describe the quality of care and education you provide. Oak Arbor is more than just a superior academic school; it is a ministry in which my child has received a strong Christian foundation that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
I will never forget the day I was driving with my only child in the back seat of the car, looking for some school a friend had recommended. Although I was a stay-at-home mom, I knew it was time for me to start letting go of my son and let someone else help me with the task if educating him. I was in tears at the prospect and was just praying that God would help me to find the right place for my child. I had already visited several other schools and still didn't feel any better. I actually passed by your school, looked at it and kept going; without knowing why, I found myself turning the car around and driving back to your school.
After meeting with you and exchanging quotes from Dr. James Dobson, I knew I had come to the right place and I enrolled my son immediately. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made; he has been transformed academically and spiritually. He had loved each of his teachers. I can't imagine finding a more loving, talented and patient staff of professionals anywhere on earth.
Our family wants you to know how very thankful we are for what you do here and what a blessing you have been in our lives. Oak Arbor will always be in our thoughts and prayers in the years to come and we hope that you will never stop doing what you are doing for the community and for the Kingdom of God.
Sincerely, Julie S.
September 10, 2001
Ms. Cottam and crew:
We wanted to let you know how much we have enjoyed having our children enrolled at your school full time for the past few years. They are both doing well in the elementary school and we are confident they enjoy a strong head start due to the education they received at Oak Arbor. In fact, we believe the environment at Oak Arbor and the nurturing effort of you and your staff has influenced our children in the most positive way.
We feel fortunate to have a resource like Oak Arbor available to our family.
Sincerely, Brian and Rebecca G.
August 6, 2002
To Tonya Cottam and staff,
Thank you for all your caring and understanding for my son over the past year. He had gone through an emotional time when his mother and I divorced, and he had become extremely withdrawn.
His teacher and the rest of the staff did a great job teaching him, being patient with him, and just being there for him. He has become much more outgoing and social, and I thank all of you for your part in achieving this.
I highly recommend your school to friends asking about a good first preschool, and I will remember you, and think of the kindness you gave, as my son goes through all the academic stages of his life.
Thank you, Joseph C.
A friend referred me to Oak Arbor Christian School, and I highly recommend the school to anyone who is looking for that sense of security where they know their child is in a safe and very loving environment. The school has an excellent curriculum and is highly organized. There is always something going on from computer lessons, holiday parties, to the many wonderful in-house field trips. My daughter recently went to the doctor for her 4-year-old check up. The doctor started asking her if she knew her ABC's and she started reciting them verbally as well as in sign language. Well, needless to say, the doctor was floored.
I feel Oak Arbor Christian School has met and exceeded my expectations, and again I highly recommend the school and cannot say enough wonderful things about them.
Sincerely, Wendy M.
To the gang at OACS,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is so comforting to see a smile on my daughter's face each day I pick her up. Her manners are so good & her personality has blossomed. You all are one of a kind.
Thank you with love, Jennifer K.
Nearly four years ago I was faced with the reality that I needed to return to work so that I could financially support my son. After two poor experiences with private caretakers, I decided to enroll him in a more structured environment, where education and values were evident. I researched many "schools" and "daycare centers," and realized that Oak Arbor Christian School had all the things that I was
looking for: the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, the grounds were clean and inviting, and the curriculum was aggressive, yet individualized. I knew that Oak Arbor was the "school" for my son and happily waited for a space to become available in the two year old class.
My son is now more than 5 years old and I am confident that I made the very best decision for him. In the last three years, I have witnessed my son learning how to use the potty, reciting Bible verses, counting, adding, subtracting, developing long lasting relationships with each of his teachers and many friends as well as defining his own sense of personality.
I cannot say enough positive things about Oak Arbor. I have been thoroughly impressed with every staff member and their personal commitment to my son and to my family.
In support of Oak Arbor and their incredible staff, LaShawn N.
May 6, 1999
Ms. Cottam,
I want to thank you for providing my son with such an exceptional pre-K education. He has excelled in reading & writing beyond my most hopeful dreams. I'm grateful for having put my son in your care for this past school year. I hope you know that I will forever remember you for helping me to realize the potential & love for learning my son has demonstrated with you.
Your friend always, Sharon D.
9-19-00
Dear Jen,
Thank you for the wonderful progress report. Just wanted to let you know how much my daughter loves you and enjoys your class. She was just telling her Grandma on
Sunday that "my teacher's name in Mrs. Heiselman and she teaches us everything... numbers, letters, bible verses...and she wanted to learn the song about who built the ark - Noah built the ark and she did learn it." Well you get the idea - she
truly enjoys your class.
Thanks again not only for all that you teach her but for the love and caring that you provide.
Sincerely, Wendy M.
May 2000
Dear Oak Arbor Staff,
I just wanted to thank you for a terrific year for my son. We prayed and agonized over what to do with him last year and all of you and OACS were definitely our answer to prayer. We wanted our son to be in an environment where he would not only learn, but where he would be encouraged, loved, and feel comfortable and confident. I know he feels that way because of the the affection I see he feels for all of his "teachers". It was wonderful for me to be able to drop him off at school and be confident that he was being well taken care of - not just occupying a seat. So thank you again.
Continue your good work of teaching, encouraging, and loving those precious little ones. You have such a positive influence on their lives, and you will be blessed too!
Thank you so much - in Christian love, Ruth S.
August 2000
Mrs. C,
Well this is it. We're sure going to miss you. Mrs. C, you have been awesome! You're a great teacher and have a wonderful impact on your students. Just remember - you do make a difference. I wish we could take you with us to his new school.
Thank you for all you've done. You have a great group of teachers who put their whole heart into teaching and it shows.
Love, Nicole W.
September 20, 2000
Dear Mrs. Poole:
Each day my daughter comes home knowing something new. The improvement in the skill level of her coloring is astonishing. My daughter retells us the Bible stories she has learned. The story of Adam and "Steve" is my favorite. They ate that "fruit from knowledge" (yes, she is still two!). When my daughter tells me these Bible stories, she is obviously mimicking your enthusiasm, phrasing and gestures. She also knows new facts about each story she hasn't known before. We are so thrilled with the work you are doing with our daughter already. Thank you so very much.
Mr. & Mrs. H
Ms. Cottam,
Thank you so much for all of my son's school years at Oak Arbor. I can't find all the right words to express our gratitude! Our son has had years of God-centered teaching with very special people who really love him! And that is so special. Our son said "You (Ms. Cottam) must be an angel!" before graduation.
Love, Linda & Russ S.
May 24, 2000
Dear Ms. Cottam,
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You have a great school!
Thanks for helping me over these years to be able to balance family and work. You have been an extended family to our son.
God bless you! Mr. and Mrs. G.
January 11, 2001
When I drop my daughter off each day for school, I leave with a smile from ear to ear because I know that she is in the best care I could ever hope for as a mom. Her teacher is absolutely brilliant, and the most warm and caring teacher I have ever known. The entire staff at OACS loves the children, and takes wonderful care of them, as if they were their own. From the moment you walk through the doors at OACS, you instinctively feel inside that this is the right place for your child. Not only is it the most caring environment a child would be lucky to be in during their formative years, you will be absolutely floored because of the knowledge they are taught each and every day in the classroom.
Warmest Regards, Rebecca H.
Dear Tonya,
I can't think of a better time than your birthday to express my appreciation to you for allowing me to work in your wonderful school. I have nothing but admiration and
respect for you and Oak Arbor. You are such a blessing to all the students at your school. I know Our Heavenly Father will continue to bless you and your work! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Debbie
August 8, 2001
I want to take a moment to extend my thanks to everyone at Oak Arbor. I want each and every one of you to know that I appreciate the role you have played in the
development of my daughter, and in helping her become the wonderful child I know she is. Though I may not be the one who attended the school, I will always have fond
memories of Oak Arbor.
I wish all of you the best, not only throughout the upcoming school year, but also for always. God bless you all.
Yours Truly, Alex G.
Mrs. Cottam,
I just wanted to pass a note along to you to let you know how much my son is enjoying your class this year. Each night he tells us stories and is so proud of the work he has prepared (he grins from ear to ear). As we went through his papers last night he showed us a picture he drew of you. I had to share it with you. He said this was you on the mountains, with a waterfall (you look smashing). I thought it was cute and wanted to share it with you. Thanks for all your hard work and devotion.
Sincerely, Michelle T.
August 2005
Mrs. Cottam,
I wanted to write a short note to let you now how much this job means to me. I had been really unhappy, and I know it was because my work environment was so negative. Now I am so happy that even my husband had noticed the change. I also love the fact that Caitlyn has bonded so well with her teachers. My eyes fill with tears of joy when I spy on her with her teachers and I see how much love and respect she has for them. I feel like each and every person here is family and I part of the most loving family in the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with this opportunity and allowing me to expose my daughter to the best preschool and Jesus filled staff ever. I wish I knew how to really express my gratitude. I love you all more than words could express.
Love, April M.
Mrs. Heisleman,
In the craziness of this life we live, I wanted to thank you for being part of my daughter's Pre-K experience. You have been a wonderful example of true teaching excellence in the way you showed us your love, kindness and patience. My daughter has certainly matured and learned a lot in this last year. I can't believe the school year is already over. Thank you for allowing God to use you as a vessel to teach our children. The world is fortunate to have someone as caring and concerned as you. May God's blessings always be upon you and yours. I will never forget you, and I'm sure my daughter won't either.
In Christ's love, Tammy O.
May 2004
Mrs. Heiselman,
We want to thank you for providing our son with an exceptional education at Oak Arbor. He has excelled in all areas, and we are so proud of his progress. You've truly been a positive influence in our son's life. I know he will never forget you.
Sincerely, Kathy and John S.
May 2005
Mrs. Cottam,
Thank you so much for all OACS has done for all of my children. It has been such a blessing to have you and your staff watching my children.
Sincerely, Mindy M.
May 2004
Ms Mitchell,
Thank you for the time, love and patience you gave my daughter. It all shows in who she is becoming! We wish you a wonderful summer!
Much Happiness always, The P.'s
2004
Mrs. Heisleman
We can't thank you enough for being such a wonderful teacher to both our children. They both love school and learning. I feel we owe this to OACS and all the wonderful teachers there...but especially to you.
Love you, LeeAnn C.
May 2004
Ms Cottam and staff,
There are no words to express how thankful and blessed we are for all the years that you and the teachers of OACS have been part of our life. When he just turned two, we entrusted him to you and your school to care for him, teach him, and love him just as we do. You give him all this and more. As we watch him graduate Kindergarten today, I see a young boy that has grown up loving the Lord, caring about others and wise beyond his six years. We will never forget the loving start you gave to him and I know he will never forget you and all the teachers he has grown to love. You are all his second family and he has always felt like he was home at Oak Arbor. Your school and you are a blessing from Heaven and we will always remember you in our prayers.
With all our sincere appreciation. May God Bless you Always. Dave and Julie L.
July 2005
To whom it may concern:
I am very pleased with the decision to enroll our child in to OACS. We wish ever school was this way. The teachers love our children as if they were their own, and our children love each other and learn to respect their peers. We wish our child could stay there for her kindergarten year, unfortunately she is unable to. I know that the one year she has been at OACS she has learned Christian morals and when she's in Kindergarten she will be kind and respectful to her teacher and her peers. She has become a leader and will go into kindergarten in a public school already knowing the basics of reading and writing. We love OACS and would recommend any child go there.
Sincerely, Ginny L.
July 2005
When my husband and I first started looking for a preschool for our oldest son when he was three years old, we visited many places. We left most of them feeling discouraged and had nearly resigned ourselves to not even putting him into preschool. Then we visited OACS. As soon as we toured the clean facility and visited with Ms. Cottam we new we had found the right place for our son. When our second son was old enough we also enrolled him in OACS. Both of our children have enjoyed coming here and the love the workers have for all the children that attend is obvious. Our oldest son attended OACS through kindergarten and has now gone on to public school. He loves to return to OACS for the day whenever possible. The faculty of OACS takes wonderful care of our children and makes learning basic reading, writing and arithmetic fun for them. More importantly they teach our sons about God. I highly recommend OACS to anyone who is looking for a caring, trustworthy preschool environment for their children.
Sincerely Kathy H.
June 2005
I will forever be grateful for the educational, emotional, spiritual, ethical and moral foundation my son has received while attending Oak Arbor Christian School these past five years. He is now a graduate of Oak Arbor and is well prepared for his future achievements. This is due to his having learned from the wonderful curriculum, the ABEKA program and the care and love from the staff of educators.
It seems as if it was yesterday that he was two years of age when I placed him in your care and went off to work knowing that he was loved and safe. I never hesitated to go off to work. In the beginning he was soothed and comforted by the words "Mommies always come back" and loving arms that kindly draped around him. He and I love you all for that.
In less than three weeks he will be entering his first year in Elementary School with a huge head start in Reading, Phonics, Math, and some Science and History. I am the one experiencing the growing pains (as usual). He, with confidence, embraces this monumental change with eagerness and pride and courage. The courage learned is largely due to what he has been taught and the validation he has received at Oak Arbor. It becomes evident to me when I look at his graduation photos taken with Ms. Cottam, Mrs. Poole and also with his peers. He just GLOWS with pride. He knows he has achieved an honor. That being true, he has been blessed by all of you. I thank you for your earnest investment in my son.
This honor is so very much yours as well. I pray that God Bless OACS as you have blessed my son and me. For it is these blessings that we have received in these past five years that will be with us through our lifetime. As we grow, and our lives change, the learning and love that we received shapes the growth and change as it lives in us forever. What a true treasure.
A Servant in Gratitude, Stephanie M.