Middle School
Grades 6–8
At OCA, Middle School is where students begin to discover who God has uniquely made them to be and find belonging in a vibrant Christian school community. Through a unique blend of Christian Classical and Montessori education, students deepen their understanding, develop meaningful skills, and grow in character—all in a joyful and empowering learning community.
What Makes OCA Middle School Distinct?
Students experience a thoughtful, hands-on education rooted in living books, Socratic dialogue, outdoor learning, and project-based exploration. Every student explores unique life-skill classes and electives called Creative Pathways—hands-on classes that develop real-world skills and spark passion.
Students also have a choice to attend OCA's Hybrid Middle School program (3 days a week) or attend OCA's Full-Time Middle School Program (5 days a week). Students who are part of OCA's Hybrid Program receive independent work, videos, etc in order to complete their work at home the other 2 days a week. Students who are part of OCA's Full-Time program receive additional classes, small group tutoring from teachers, workshops, leadership and mentorship opportunities, and additional Creative Pathways choices. Field Trips (such as the beginning of school high ropes and team building trip) are included for both programs in the Middle School Tuition and Fees.
Core Academics
Our Middle School academic program is designed to build strong foundations while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with each subject.
Core subjects include:
- English Literature & Composition
- Mathematics
- Sciences (Lab and Inquiry-based)
- Humanities & History
Students have opportunities to pursue honors-level coursework, and 8th grade students may earn high school credit in select subjects based on their academic readiness and track placement.
To explore course details and offerings, view our Middle School Course Catalog below.
Creative Pathways
Every OCA middle school student participates in Creative Pathways—our signature electives and life-skill classes designed to cultivate creativity, build practical skills, and help students discover their interests and strengths.
Students rotate through a diverse range of hands-on experiences across five key pathways:
- Worship & Visual Arts: Guitar, Ensemble, Graphic Design, Sketching
- STEM: Robotics, Coding
- Craftsmanship: Carpentry, Plumbing, Small Motors
- Agro-Life: Culinary, Small Animal Care, Urban Gardening
- Kinetics: Martial Arts, Fitness for Life, Dance, Archery
Students don’t just learn—they create, build, and apply real-world skills while discovering their unique strengths and interests.
The Order of the Oak – Our House System
“...that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” — Isaiah 61:3b
The Order of the Oak is our intergenerational House System designed to cultivate spiritual growth, leadership, service, and a deep sense of belonging across all grade levels.
Each student is placed into a House named after a faithful man or woman from church history—individuals who lived boldly for the Kingdom of God. Within their House, students build meaningful relationships across ages, grow as leaders, and participate in shared traditions and experiences.
Every House is uniquely shaped by its own mascot, creed, key verse, and purpose, creating a strong identity and unity that students carry throughout their time at OCA.
Meet the Houses of OCA
Why Houses?
The House System provides a meaningful framework for students to grow in community, character, and leadership throughout their time at OCA.
- Community: Students build strong, cross-grade relationships through mentorship and are known and discipled by House leaders.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular Bible studies, small groups, and prayer create space for students to deepen their faith.
- Stewardship: Students develop responsibility through campus roles, service opportunities, and daily contributions to school life.
- Leadership: Students are given opportunities to lead peers, help plan events, and grow in confidence and initiative.
- Competition: Friendly, team-based challenges foster school spirit, unity, and motivation.
2024–2025 Founder’s Cup Winner: House Perpetua!
House Perpetua showed outstanding commitment in academics, service, spiritual growth, and competition—earning the highest points across the year and receiving the Founder’s Cup! Check out this video of them realizing they won at the 2024-25 Passageway and End-of-Year Ceremony!
Bright and spacious middle school classrooms
Middle School Community- Pickleball Class!
Creative Pathways with Real Life Skills- Culinary Class
Creative Pathways with Real Life Skills- Robotics & Coding
Fall Sports- Soccer
Middle Schoolers Explore Watercolor- Visual Arts
Hands-On Learning- Aeronautics Test in Science
Mentorship Opportunities: Reading Buddies
