Oxbow School gives its campus to Napa Valley Education Foundation

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The Oxbow School Campus at Night Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation — The Oxbow School Campus at Night *Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation*

The Oxbow School will give the campus of its closed school to the Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF), a non-profit organization supporting local public schools.

The gift includes the campus at 530 Third St., in Napa includes studios, dorms, a dining hall and office.

The transfer of property will become official on May 6 and NVEF will then begin its transition to the new campus.

The Oxbow School was founded in 1998 by Robert and Margrit Mondavi and Ann Hatch as a private boarding school where high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and gap year students could spend a semester immersed in art studies.

It closed after its summer session in 2024. “The headwinds against independent schools have been, and remain, quite strong, and the practical and financial realities of operating a small, arts-focused boarding school such as ours have dramatically evolved,” the board of trustees wrote in announcing the decision.

“We are honored to have been chosen for this generous gift,” said Executive Director Jennifer Stewart. “NVEF was selected for our strong track record and shared commitment to creativity, education, and community. This opportunity reflects our value to ‘Make Learning Matter,’ realizing that a community that prioritizes learning is a hopeful community that takes care of itself.”

The Oxbow School Exterior Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation — The Oxbow School Exterior *Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation*

According to a statement from NVEF, the Oxbow campus will serve as a community center for hands-on programming in the arts, wellness, and career exploration, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – connecting students, educators, and partners through creativity, real-world learning and shared purpose.

Oxbow campus will provide the opportunity to serve more students, offer hands-on learning in creative new spaces, and increase collaboration with local artists, educators, and community partners.

NVEF will utilize the Oxbow campus in the summer with limited programming, with a grand opening scheduled for fall 2025 featuring a full slate of existing programs and community engagement.

While the new campus will be a central hub for creative learning, NVEF will continue offering programs wherever they are needed. Programs like school-based wellness centers or educator fellowships will remain in their current locations.

The Oxbow School’s gift of the campus is a generous first step, but bringing the space to life will take community support. NVEF will be launching a Discovery Fund to support everything from art supplies to facility maintenance and upgrades to shape the next chapter of learning in Napa.

The Oxbow School Interior Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation — The Oxbow School Interior *Photo Courtesy Napa Valley Education Foundation*

“This isn’t just about a new space, it’s about creating more and accelerated opportunities for the youth of Napa,” Stewart said. “And we want our neighbors to feel like they’re part of it. We’re still exploring the best ways to bring each space to life, but our goal is to ensure every part of the campus supports learning, creativity, and community. This is a unique opportunity to utilize the campus to reflect the needs and dreams of Napa’s students, and we’re taking the time to get it right.”

For more information on the Napa Valley Education Foundation, visit nvef.org.