When the 2019-2020 school year begins, Oxford University School will usher in a new era. The school announced its incorporation to New Learning Resources School District (NLRSD) earlier this week.

The partnership with NLRSD is one that will move OUS into the fold with other campuses located across the state, including Jackson, Hattiesburg and Greenwood. Despite encompassing private schools, NLRSD is an accredited school district by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Discussions between OUS and NLRSD began in January and moved swiftly, coming to an agreement just three months later. Joining this school district will have minimal changes. The school will still be called Oxford University and all of the current faculty and staff will be retained.

“It’s really a unique situation that can benefit Oxford University School and the Oxford area students,” Kim Chrestman, the head of OUS, said. “It’s going to help us because we believe it will increase our enrollment, especially kindergarten through eighth (grade).”

Dr. Nancy New founded new Learning Resources, Inc. in 1991, which now includes NLRSD and serves collectively over 500 students annually in Mississippi. The partnership will bring additional resources to OUS including dyslexia therapy provided by Mississippi Dyslexia Centers, psychometrist services, reading specialists, math specialists among other services.

Oxford University School is a secular college preparatory school that serves children from three years old all the way through eighth grade. The school was founded in Oxford in 1984 and aims to provide the community with a school focused on academic excellence and the development of good citizens.

“New Learning School District is dedicated to the educational philosophy that considers the diverse needs of today’s students and families. Our school district’s primary goal is to extend all students’ foundation for academic and career achievement,” Zach New, director of operations for NLRSD, said in a release. “We look forward to continuing Oxford University School’s mission to provide academic, physical and creative excellence while nurturing children to become leaders, along with inspiring students to achieve their highest intellectual, social and emotional potential.”

The school will begin the transition on June 1 with the expectation of starting the new partnership for the 2019-20 school year.