OCA'S Middle School classrooms are so beautiful because, in essence, they run themselves. OCA's MS humanities teacher once said, "I don't participate in literature discussions now because I have to, I participate because I want to!" OCA's students are the ones leading the discussion. One prospective parent (who was touring) exclaimed, "Wow! That felt like a college seminar!" OCA students, however, see their literature discussions more like a book club. Students WANT to be a part of their learning community! 

 

Small group and project based learning continue in secondary education at OCA. MS students take the classes they need at the appropriate levels (according to their academic needs). In other parts of the curriculum, students work in diversified groups, where they can learn from their peers who have different strengths than they do.  Students engage in socratic seminars, and classes utilize hands-on science experiments & dissection, community service projects, and promote leadership development.

 

Full Time students in OCA's Middle School participate in OCA's Entrepreneurship 101: Boss Club class. Boss club learn to make a business plan, product, and ultimately their own business! Below you will find more information about the Boss Club Curriculum for Full Time MS Students. Hybrid MS Students & Homeschool Connections students may take the Boss Club class as an Elective course for an additional fee. Sign up for Entrepreneurship 101: Boss Club here. ​

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Middle School FAQ's

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Pedagogy: What is your Approach to Education for Middle School Students? Once students enter Middle School, OCA shifts from Christian Montessori to Christian Classical (think Charlotte Mason) education. Our Classical model allows students to explore living books and engage in rich learning experiences. OCA also provides soft seating areas in classrooms and encourages outdoor learning as much as possible! A creek and a pond border OCA's property that enhance the beauty of learning. In Charlotte Mason's own words, "Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.” OCA's atmosphere and school setting is peaceful, discipline is OCA's focus as we emphasize strong Christian character, and subjects intertwine to encourage life-long learners. 

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What program options does OCA provide for Middle School Students?

• Hybrid Program: Students attend classes 3  days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays)

• Full Time Program: Students attend classes 5 days a week (M-F)

• Homeschool Connections Program: Homeschooled Students take à la carte classes through OCA's "Homeschool Connections" Program. 

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What are the differences and benefits of each MS program?​

• Hybrid Program- Hybrid students get all their lessons at school (3 days a week) and do their school work at home (2 days a week). The Hybrid program is still a 5 day school with 3 school days on campus and 2 school days at home. Thus, students in the Hybrid program must demonstrate high levels of independence as they are responsible for getting all the work done on their "home days." Hybrid student tuition covers all textbooks, access to OCA's Computer Lab, a school T-shirt, and any local field trips taken. 

• Full Time Program- Full Time students get all their lessons and do all their work at school 5 days a week. Full Time tuition also covers all textbooks, access to OCA's Computer Lab, a school T-shirt, and any local field trips taken. In addition, Full Time tuition covers elective offerings on Wednesdays and Fridays including collaborative work time, study halls, and OCA's Entrepreneurship 101: Boss Club Class.   

• Homeschool Connections Program- Students who are actively enrolled in a homeschool may take à la carte classes through OCA's Homeschool Connections Program. Click the link here to learn more about the program and sign up for individual classes. 

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What are the hours for Middle School? The school day runs from 8:15 AM-3:10 PM for Hybrid and Full Time Students. Homeschool Connections Students sign up for classes at various times according to when each class is offered. 

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Will 8th grade students be able to receive High School Credit for select courses? Yes! The course catalog details which courses students may receive High School credit for, providing students are showing academic, social, and emotional readiness for those courses.