Academics
Signature Programs
The Oak Experience
The Oak Experience
Norfolk Collegiate’s Oak Experience offers students in grades 9–12 rich, hands-on opportunities to explore their interests, passions, and talents. Through a blend of experiential and service learning, students discover new skills and gain fresh perspectives beyond the traditional classroom.
Each year, this journey culminates in the Oak Experience Term—a dedicated week when students step away from their regular schedule to engage in immersive workshops, community service, travel and professional experiences such as internships.
The Oak Experience Term
The Oak Experience Term
During the Oak Experience Term, students step away from their regular classes for a week of hands-on, real-world learning. They:
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Dive into immersive workshops that spark new interests and skills.
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Serve the community while learning about challenges facing Hampton Roads and beyond.
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Explore the wider world through travel opportunities.
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Gain professional insight through internships and other career-focused experiences.
This unique program expands horizons, builds empathy, and helps students connect classroom knowledge with life outside school—benefits that truly last a lifetime.
2025-26 Oak Experience Term Trips
Las Vegas, Zion & Grand Canyon | 5 Days
Students begin in Las Vegas with the mind-bending Meow Wolf Omega Mart, then hike Zion’s Narrows and Emerald Pools before exploring the Grand Canyon’s striking geology. They join a service project at the Kanab food bank, ride desert dune buggies, and wrap up with a visit to the Western town of Kanab.
Students begin in Las Vegas with the mind-bending Meow Wolf Omega Mart, then hike Zion’s Narrows and Emerald Pools before exploring the Grand Canyon’s striking geology. They join a service project at the Kanab food bank, ride desert dune buggies, and wrap up with a visit to the Western town of Kanab.
San Juan, Puerto Rico | 5 Days
Students relax on Luquillo’s beaches, kayak through a glowing bioluminescent bay, and explore Puerto Rico’s rich heritage with guided tours of Old San Juan, Ponce, and the Afro-Puerto Rican village of Piñones. They visit local art studios, the University of Puerto Rico’s Museum of History, and finish with a lively salsa lesson alongside Señora Otero.
Students relax on Luquillo’s beaches, kayak through a glowing bioluminescent bay, and explore Puerto Rico’s rich heritage with guided tours of Old San Juan, Ponce, and the Afro-Puerto Rican village of Piñones. They visit local art studios, the University of Puerto Rico’s Museum of History, and finish with a lively salsa lesson alongside Señora Otero.
Ireland | 9 Days
Students experience Dublin’s Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and EPIC Emigration Museum, then learn Gaelic sports and traditional crafts in the countryside. Highlights include the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cobh Heritage Centre, Bunratty Folk Park, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
Students experience Dublin’s Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and EPIC Emigration Museum, then learn Gaelic sports and traditional crafts in the countryside. Highlights include the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cobh Heritage Centre, Bunratty Folk Park, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
Past Oak Experience Term Trips
Southwest National Parks – 5 Days
Students hike through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, exploring dramatic red-rock landscapes while considering why the National Park System is often called “America’s best idea.”
Students hike through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, exploring dramatic red-rock landscapes while considering why the National Park System is often called “America’s best idea.”
Mediterranean Language & Culture – 9 Days
Students practice French, Italian, and Spanish as they stroll seaside villages in Cinque Terre, relax on the Côte d’Azur, and tour Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Gaudí’s stunning Sagrada Família.
Students practice French, Italian, and Spanish as they stroll seaside villages in Cinque Terre, relax on the Côte d’Azur, and tour Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Gaudí’s stunning Sagrada Família.
Florida Keys Marine Conservation – 6 Days
Students kayak through mangrove forests, snorkel coral reefs, and assist with coral restoration projects. They visit the Dolphin Research Center, observe endangered sea turtles at the Marathon rehabilitation hospital, and travel to Dry Tortugas National Park before watching the sun set over Key West.
Discovering the Wonders of the West Coast – 5 Days
Students explore San Diego’s vibrant culture and coastline, from a luxury yacht dinner cruise and kayaking in La Jolla to hikes at Annie’s Canyon and Torrey Pines. They visit Balboa Park, the Museum of Us, the renowned San Diego Zoo, and historic sites like Old Town, Seaport Village, and Coronado—an unforgettable West Coast adventure.
Students kayak through mangrove forests, snorkel coral reefs, and assist with coral restoration projects. They visit the Dolphin Research Center, observe endangered sea turtles at the Marathon rehabilitation hospital, and travel to Dry Tortugas National Park before watching the sun set over Key West.
Discovering the Wonders of the West Coast – 5 Days
Students explore San Diego’s vibrant culture and coastline, from a luxury yacht dinner cruise and kayaking in La Jolla to hikes at Annie’s Canyon and Torrey Pines. They visit Balboa Park, the Museum of Us, the renowned San Diego Zoo, and historic sites like Old Town, Seaport Village, and Coronado—an unforgettable West Coast adventure.
Part of the Oak Experience is Oak Experience Term—a dedicated week when students in grades 9–12 step away from traditional classes and dive into hands-on learning. From immersive workshops to community service, travel, and professional internships, students explore interests and develop real-world skills.
Oak Experience by the Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of what makes this program stand out.
Here’s a snapshot of what makes this program stand out.
