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

Subjects include:

• English Literature & Composition
• Mathematics
• Sciences (Lab and Inquiry-based)
• Humanities & History

Students may take honors courses, and 8th graders have the opportunity to earn high school credit in select areas based on tracks and academic readiness.

---

Creative Pathways

Every student explores electives and life-skill classes called Creative Pathways—engaging experiences that cultivate practical abilities, creativity, and personal growth.

OCA’s 5 Creative Pathways are:

• 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

---

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 that fosters spiritual formation, leadership, service, and unity across all grades.

Each student is chosen to be in a House named after a faithful man or woman in church history who lived boldly for the Kingdom of God. Each House has its own mascot, creed, key verse, and purpose.

Why Houses?

The house system creates a framework for:

• Community: Students connect across grade levels in meaningful mentorship and are discipled by the house leaders (OCA’s teachers)
   
• Spiritual growth: Bible studies, small groups, and prayer
   
• Stewardship: Practice responsibility and service through campus jobs and chore rotations.
   
• Leadership: Students help plan events and lead peers
   
• Competition: Motivation through healthy, team-based challenges
   

Congratulations to House Perpetua – Winner of the 2024–2025 Founder’s Cup!

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!