Supporting Our Military Families
At Oak Hill Academy, we are proud to serve our nation’s military students and families. With Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport nearby, Duval County is home to many service members, and we are honored that you have chosen to join our school community.
The district’s Exceptional Education and Student Services Department partners with base commanders, military families, and our schools to support you through our unique enrollment process. After you’ve received confirmation of placement at Oak Hill Academy, our team will guide you through completing school registration and ensure a smooth transition for your child.
For additional support with planning and transitions, please contact our Military Point of Contact (MPOC), Ms. Behnken, at behnkene@duvalschools.org. She is here to assist your family every step of the way.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Oak Hill Academy family!
RESOURCES
Military Child Education Coalition: https://militarychild.org/
Interstate Compact for Military Children: https://mic3.net/
Military Kids Connect: https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil/
Tutor.com: https://military.tutor.com/home
Navy MWR Digital Library: https://dodmwrlibraries.org/
My Navy Portal – My PCS: https://my.navy.mil/quick-links.html
Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
National Military Family Association: https://www.militaryfamily.org/
The Exceptional Education and Student Services Department is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, their families, and schools in providing access to a high-quality education. The Exceptional Education and Student Services Department provides services and supports for students with disabilities, gifted learners, and other eligible students.
The EE/SS Placement Office provides support to schools and parents with placements and transportation arrangements for students who receive exceptional education services in self-contained* or low-incidence settings. School placements are made based on the student’s residential address or the address from which the student is transported. Transportation arrangements to self-contained/low-incidence school sites are set up to ensure that students access their ESE services at the school closest to their address that has their recommended setting and available space. The Placement Office is available throughout the school year to answer questions regarding placements to ESE self-contained/low-incidence settings and to process transportation requests. Please direct all question to Email ESE Placement.
If the student is transferring into Duval County from another state or country and they received special education services, follow these steps.
Contact the neighborhood school. The neighborhood school can be identified by using the school locator
Provide the student’s most recent IEP and documents, and
Request to speak to the Registrar, Exceptional Student Education Lead Teacher or School counselor.
Comparable services at the designated school will be provided until the school district conducts an initial evaluation (if determined necessary) and develops, adopts and implements a new IEP that meets Florida eligibility requirements.
Military Recognition Events:
Month of the Military Child
Purple Up
Veteran's Day – Recognition Activities
Oak Hill Academy Student-Led Military Transition Plan
Oak Hill Academy supports military-connected students through a student-led transition program. Each new student is paired with a peer buddy within two weeks, guided by a student Transition Team Coordinator, and introduced to the school campus, staff, and upcoming events. For students with significant disabilities, a simple, student-friendly transition plan helps them share about themselves, set goals, and connect with supports. This approach ensures every military student feels welcomed, supported, and included from the start.
Professional Development for Supporting Military Families
The applicant provides annual professional development for staff focused on recognizing and responding to the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of military students and their families. This training equips educators with strategies to support transitions, build strong connections, and foster a welcoming school environment for all military-connected students.
Letters to Troops Program
Our school supports military families through the Letters to Troops Program, where students write letters and create cards to thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice. This program builds empathy, strengthens community connections, and shows our appreciation for the men and women serving our country.