How Oxford Academy Empowering Educators to Respond with Confidence

The Urgency of Preparedness

Though recent data shows some improvement, school violence remains a persistent and systemic threat. Educators are expected to act—they can’t rely on outdated plans or basic safety drills alone.

Data Highlights:

The 2023–24 school year saw 349 school shootings, the highest on record. Incidents dropped by 22.5% during the 2024–25 school year—but still totaled 254 events.
Most K–12 public schools conduct active shooter drills, but most rely on basic lockdowns rather than skills-based training.
Emerging studies show that well‑designed scenario‑based training can dramatically improve response confidence and decision-making under stress—but poorly executed simulations may cause more harm than help.

Oxford Academy is among the schools choosing to act differently—not through fear, but through preparedness.

Insights from Oxford's Experience

Key Takeaways:

The limitations of traditional drills and where gaps persist
How scenario-based training builds authentic readiness
The emotional and psychological transformation of preparedness
What it looks like to shift from “what if?” to “we’re ready”

"The simulations evoked feelings of vulnerability and unpredictability... but recognizing that I still had agency in these situations was equally important."

"This kind of training isn’t easy, but it’s essential. By working through the hard stuff with a trained professional, you remove confusion from an incident—and regain control."

"The greatest gift my ALICE instructors gave me was reframing an uncomfortable topic as a life skill I can share with colleagues and students."

— Matthew Lasota, Dean of Students, Oxford Academy

Empowering Educators to Respond with Confidence

The Urgency of Preparedness

Insights from Oxford's Experience

For School Leaders Who Put Safety First

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