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About Oak Grove
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)
 

The Castle
 
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 floods.

 

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.  With the help of many, the school was rebuilt and opened its doors again that fall.

 

As Oak Grove neared 100 years of Christian education, an expansion 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.  In December 2008, a complete renovation of Darwin Gorder Gymnasium was finished and the Ellig Center for Health & Wellness was added to the complex, along with a new lobby, concessions area, school store, locker rooms and more. 

 

In the spring of 2009, Oak Grove fought against the rise of the Red River in another record setting flood.  Grovers prepared and protected the north campus, but unfortunately on March 29, 2009 a breach occurred in the steal cofferdam to the north of Benson Hall.  The river water caused overwhelming damage to the campus grounds, Benson Hall and Jackson Hall.  School leaders did not give up, but set yet again to rebuild and open the school’s doors to educate students in a Christian setting.

 

 

 
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, and more than 96% of graduates pursue degrees in higher education.  The high school academic program includes Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual-credit opportunities with Concordia College. 

 

Oak Grove educates more than 480 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.”

 

Recent Parent News
JV Football Need
Posted: Aug 30, 10
Oak Grove is in need of one person to assist with the chain gang for tonight's JV football game.  If you could assist, please contact Sarah Mevold, assistant athletic director, at 701.373.7107 or 701.306.3827. 

Oak Grove vs. Carrington Football Game
Posted: Aug 25, 10

The Grovers kick off the 2010 football season on Friday, August 27 at 5:00 p.m. with a game against Carrington.  All Grover home football games will be played at Jake Christiansen Stadium at Concordia College in Moorhead this season.


Concordia College is currently completing renovations to its stadium.  On Friday, the south side of the stadium will be shut down due to construction.  All fans are to use the north side only for entrance into the game.  For the game against Carrington, only portable bathrooms will be available for fans.  Access to the stadium by the south side will be available by Oak Grove’s September 3 game against Central Cass.   


Get all your Oak Grove apparel to wear to the game on Thursday night at the Parent Information Fair from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The School Store, located in the lobby of the Darwin Gorder Gymnasium, will be open during the Information Fair for all your shopping needs.


We hope you cheer on the Grovers on Friday night!


 



Parent Calendar
Individual Student Pictures at South Campus
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Homecoming Pep Rally
Thursday, October 7, 2010 - 3:00 PM