At the start of each year, new students are paired with a Faculty Advisor who serves as a mentor and advocate. Faculty Advisors provide advice on peer issues, keep tabs on how advisees are performing in class, and communicate regularly with parents. If an issue arises, the Faculty Advisor advocates on behalf of the student and works with the faculty and parents to resolve any issues or conflicts. Advisors keep in contact with parents throughout the school year, often by email and phone. Parents are encouraged to contact advisors with concerns or information regarding students.
Most faculty members are responsible for advising 6-8 students in various grades. Advisory groups meet formally and informally several times a week, and Faculty Advisors meet individually with students more or less frequently as needed. An advisory group will usually stay together for the entire time a student attends OVS, ending with graduation. Beyond the meeting times, many Faculty Advisors bake cookies to celebrate birthdays or provide stress-busters before exams. Many also host advisee dinners off campus with the advisory group. In this way, students connect with each other and their advisors in a more relaxed way that helps establish trust, friendship, and communication.