oberlin academy preparatory school, also known as oberlin academy but originally oberlin institute and then preparatory department of oberlin college, was a private preparatory school in oberlin, ohio which operated from 1833 until 1916. it opened as oberlin collegiate institute which became oberlin college in 1850. the secondary school serving local and boarding students continued as a department of the college. the school and college admitted african americans and women. this was very unusual and controversial. it was located on the oberlin college campus for much of its history and many of its students continued on to study at oberlin college.