My dear friend, you show a fine loyalty in everything that you do for our fellow-Christians, strangers though they are to you. … Please help them on their journey in a manner worthy of the God we serve. III John 5-6 (New English Bible)
History
The history of Oak Grove Lutheran School is truly a journey of faith. Through the highs and lows, Oak Grove’s leaders persevered, helping the school overcome fiscal turmoil, survive the Depression, and rebuild after a flood.
Oak Grove was the dream of Reverend Elias Aas, a leading pastor in the Lutheran Free Church at the turn of the century. He saw the need for a Christian high school for girls of Norwegian heritage living in rural areas. In 1906, Oak Grove Lutheran Ladies Seminary was opened in its first building, “the Castle.”
Over the years, Oak Grove has grown and changed, never losing its foundation in Christian values and faith. A second building, the current Jackson Hall, was completed by 1923. Boys were admitted for academic study in 1926. The Depression almost forced the school’s closing but a bold decision to dispense with tuition for a year kept the doors open. A junior high was added in 1978 and sixth grade in 1998. The devastating flood of the Red River in 1997 caused major damage to the campus, but resulted in unprecedented volunteer support and financial assistance.
As Oak Grove neared 100 years of Christian education, an exansion opportunity arose. Oak Grove opened a south Fargo campus in 2005 to house a primary school. With the addition of the south campus, Oak Grove doubled the grade levels it served. The centennial mark also gave room for north campus renovations and building projects. In 2005, Jackson Hall was renovated and a concourse added between it and the Darwin Gorder Gymnasium. In May 2006, Oak Grove demolished Fossum Hall & Auditorium on the north campus to make room for a new building dedicated to the fine arts. A year later, the Scheels Center for the Performing Arts opened, a new area for the arts, rehearsal and worship.
Today
As one of the few schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Oak Grove serves students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Oak Grove provides a fully accredited academic program, and studies integrate Christian faith perspectives into the curriculum, equipping students with values for lifelong Christian service.
Oak Grove maintains high academic standards, preparing students for college and service in the world. Small class sizes and a 12:1 student-teacher ratio provide students with an educational experience in which they thrive. Oak Grove students consistently score higher in local, state and national achievement tests. The high school academic program includes Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual-credit opportunities with Concordia College.
Oak Grove has now reached and passed its centennial mark and plans for the future have been set. Additional renovations and construction projects are occurring on campus to bring Oak Grove into its next century of education. Oak Grove educates nearly 500 students in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Oak Grove is growing and expanding, but ever mindful of the mission “to express God’s love by nurturing students for academic achievement, lifelong Christian commitment and loving service throughout the world.”
