Oakwood is Cobb County’s open campus high school of choice for non-traditional students. Our purpose is to assist students academically and individually in such a way that they achieve high school graduation. Oakwood has a rich tradition and successful history of doing just that since 1978. 

Oakwood is very similar, in many ways, to the district’s traditional high schools, however, there are several differences. One similarity is the application of district policies governing student behavior and academic requirements. Oakwood is different because of the school’s attendance policies and procedures and the school’s open campus philosophy.

Another difference, as an open campus high school certain services are NOT available to students while attending Oakwood High School. These include special education and extracurricular activities.  Oakwood does not issue diplomas to students.   Upon completion of graduation requirements,  students receive diplomas from their home school. In its twenty-nine years of giving students a Second Chance, thousands of students have benefited from Oakwood’s program and have become successful adults.

Oakwood opened its doors in 1978 as Kenwood. The program was developed to offer an optional learning environment for those students having trouble achieving in a traditional high school setting and for those students on the verge of dropping out of high school. The school opened with 5 teachers and approximately 40 students. In March of 1985, Kenwood moved to the Joyner Avenue location and changed its name to Oakwood High School. As a result of their commitment to making positive changes in their lives and receiving a second chance at Oakwood High School, thousands of students have benefited from the Oakwood program and many are now successful adults. Presently, Oakwood accommodates up to 500 students per session, has approximately 35 staff members, and graduates an average of 180 students per year. Oakwood High School remains true to the spirit, philosophy, and commitment of Kenwood - helping students mature into adulthood.

Oakwood is the first choice for students who want a second chance to succeed. Students also choose to come to Oakwood because they need a flexible school day schedule, want to get back on track with their classmates, or they simply want a fresh start in a different kind of school. Students are NOT administratively placed at Oakwood; they come by choice. The school’s climate is flexible, positive, and supportive. The teachers work with students to help assure both academic and personal success. They also work with students to provide both people skills and thinking skills necessary for success in life.