It holds membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (1987) and is recognized by the Texas Education Agency (1982).

When the White Lake board replaced Nancy O'Shea with a new board chair and voted down proposed changes, O'Shea, Charles D. Butts, Jr., and other supporters drew up articles of incorporation for The Oakridge School within a week, as announced on March 6, 1979, at Woodhaven Country Club[usurped] in east Fort Worth.

[3] The Oakridge School opened at the Handley United Methodist Church, 2929 N. Forest Avenue, in east Fort Worth in August 1979 with 85 students and 15 faculty members under the leadership of headmaster Peter C. Ensor.

[4] [5] In 1980, the Board's Permanent Site Committee of Bill Pruitt, Nancy O'Shea, and James Shadle negotiated the purchase of 33 acres on Pioneer Parkway from dairy farmer Bruce Boswell of Arlington, who offered flexible financing for four years because, as Boswell said, "You will either be successful or fail in four years.

The Texas Education Agency accredited Oakridge in 1982, the same year NAIS granted "new school status."

Due to problems with the lease agreement with the Fort Worth Independent School District, and ongoing doubts as to the location of a permanent home, the Board of Regents purchased the 35 acres on the south side of Pioneer Parkway and started construction on the Early Childhood Center building in 1983.

One of these pioneer members of the Oakridge Alumni Association came from the United Kingdom (Wales), beginning a tradition of enrolling international students that continues.

Mr. Broadus, the longtime headmaster, stepped down from his role and assumed the title of president and chief fundraiser and developer for the Oakridge Athletic Complex.

[10] The former Paradise Liquor store and gas station had been purchased and refitted for use as a 10,000 square foot Wrestling Center, with bathrooms and storage for the adjacent Duggan Track.

In the realm of technology and public speaking, an Oakridge grandparent, Dr. Don Shelton, donated a short-range radio station: K-OWL AM 1670.

After the introductions are made, Oakridge staff begin to gather academic and social information on each prospective student.

"[14] The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has authorized Oakridge to host international students from such countries as Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong (pre-1997), India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

Since 1985, high school juniors and seniors have participated in the Twelve County High School Art Competition, referencing twelve counties of north Texas now sponsored by the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

The annual Fort Worth Stock Show art competition entails a broader range of grades (1-12) and includes both private and public schools.

Starting in 7th grade, students commit to a fine arts class for an entire school year.

Fall season choices include: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, and Cheerleading; Winter season: Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Power Lifting, Swimming, and Equestrian; Spring: Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, and Softball.

"They're just kids that we're developing, and they're learning it and figuring out the system," said Owls head baseball coach—and the Texas Rangers' 1984 rookie of the year--Curtis Wilkerson.