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What is it like to study at Oak Hill Academy? The school that revealed Kevin Durant

written by
Natasha Machado
14/8/2025
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5 min
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Imagine studying at the same school where legends like Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Rajon Rondo took their first steps toward global stardom. With the program of Be Easy Sports Exchange It is possible to have access to Oak Hill Academy, which is not just a college, it is an institution of excellence that combines academic tradition with sports innovation, training global leaders for over 140 years.

Located in the tranquil mountains of Virginia, this unique institution attracts young people from 26 countries and more than 20 American states, creating a truly international environment. But what actually happens in the corridors of the school that qualified the most players for the NBA?

The experience of a truly international school

Studying at Oak Hill Academy means immersing yourself in a cultural melting pot, with only 150 students enrolled, the school maintains an intimate atmosphere where each student receives personalized attention. The small class sizes, with an average of 9 students, ensure that teachers know not only the name of each student, but also their individual dreams and challenges.

The cultural diversity is impressive: young Brazilians share dorms with colleagues from Africa, Europe and Asia, creating a global network of contacts since adolescence. This multicultural experience prepares students for an increasingly connected world, developing intercultural skills that will be fundamental to their future careers.

Structured routine for success:

  • Classes from Monday to Saturday with preparatory curriculum
  • Over 40 clubs and extracurricular activities
  • Compulsory period of study (“Quiet Time”) at 8:30pm
  • Weekends with organized activities and supervised trips

Academic excellence beyond basketball

Although known worldwide for basketball, Oak Hill Academy has earned its reputation through an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The rigorous curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment programs in partnership with renowned universities such as University of Florida Online.

Academic differentials:

  • University-level courses available for qualified students
  • Personalized university counseling from day one
  • Official application center for SAT and ACT
  • Intensive preparation for standardized tests
  • “College Lab” dedicated to university planning

The school offers individualized support through its learning specialist, ensuring that each student is academically challenged while receiving the necessary support to thrive. This personalized care results in an impressive acceptance rate at prestigious universities.

Dorm life: building character and independence

The residential experience at Oak Hill Academy goes far beyond simply living away from home. In dorms, young people learn responsibility, time management, and fundamental interpersonal skills.

Residential structure:

  • Rooms carefully organized by the administration
  • 24/7 supervision by staff specialized in student life
  • Weekly meetings focused on personal development
  • Practical responsibilities such as cleaning and laundry
  • Family environment with clear rules and constant support

Students develop real independence while maintaining the security of a structured environment. This experience prepares young people for university and professional life, creating responsible and self-confident individuals.

The secret behind the champions

What makes Oak Hill Academy unique is not only to train exceptional basketball players, but to create well-rounded individuals. The school's “secret sauce” combines several elements:

Distraction-free environment: Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the school offers a tranquil setting where students can focus 100% on their academic and sporting goals.

Healthy competitiveness: Playing against the best teams in the country regularly raises the bar for all students, not just athletes.

Mentality of excellence: Institutional culture promotes the constant search for improvement, whether in studies, sports, or personal development.

Alumni network: With more than 40 players graduated from the NBA and hundreds from elite universities, the network of contacts is unmatched.

Preparing for the best universities in the world

Oak Hill Academy acts as a direct bridge to the most prestigious universities. The college counseling program begins immediately, with dedicated counselors helping each student build an impressive academic and extracurricular profile.

Full university support:

  • Individual guidance for choosing universities
  • Assistance in writing essays and applications
  • Preparing for admission interviews
  • Building an authentic academic portfolio
  • Direct connections with partner universities

The results speak for themselves: Oak Hill Academy alumni are regularly accepted at institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Duke, and other world elite universities.

Tradition and innovation going together

Founded in 1878, Oak Hill Academy combines centuries-old tradition with constant innovation. The school continuously invests in new technologies and methodologies, remaining at the forefront of international education.

Recent investments:

  • Second training academy with cutting-edge technology
  • Partnerships with Paris Saint-Germain for soccer program
  • Expansion of dual enrollment programs
  • Modernization of technological facilities
  • Expansion of the international teaching staff

This combination of respected tradition and constant innovation ensures that students receive an education relevant to the challenges of the 21st century.

More than a school: a global family

The experience at Oak Hill Academy transcends years of study. Alumni frequently return to sign the alumni store wall, maintaining connections that last a lifetime. This global network of contacts becomes a valuable asset throughout your professional career.

The school organizes regular events that strengthen community ties: Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving dinners, formal dances, and educational trips. These experiences create lasting memories and international friendships.

Be Easy

If the transformative experience at Oak Hill Academy sparked your interest, Be Easy is here to make that dream accessible. As experts in Sports Exchange, we offer complete guidance to find the ideal American school for each profile and objective. Our experienced team knows the best international institutions and can help you navigate the application process, from documentation to cultural adaptation. Contact us and discover how we can transform the dream of studying at an elite American school into reality, providing an educational experience that will open doors for the rest of your life!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy