Academics

Academics at OCA

Top-tier, Christ-centered K–8 education that is standards-aligned, mastery-based, and powered by hands-on projects—led by expert, caring teachers.

Standards-Aligned Mastery-Based Integrated Projects AI + Classical World Languages Rooted in Christ

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Our Academic Pillars

Mastery, Not Minutes

Clear targets, timely feedback, re-teaching, and advancing when evidence shows skills are secure.

Integrated & Hands-On

Labs, design challenges, writing workshops, performances, and exhibitions make learning stick.

AI + Classical

Modern tools for practice with timeless skills: deep reading, careful writing, logic & rhetoric.

Christ-Centered

Truth, beauty, and goodness—biblical integration across subjects and rhythms of CCSF formation.

World Languages

Early exposure to more than one world language through songs, stories, conversation, and culture.

Classical Arts

Music and art study go beyond technique—students meet great composers and artists across history.

What Students Learn

K–2: Strong Foundations

  • ELA: Phonics & early reading, handwriting, sentence-to-paragraph writing, joyful read-alouds.
  • Math: Number sense, addition/subtraction, shapes, measurement, math talk.
  • Science & Nature Studies: Observation skills, simple investigations, nature journaling (seasons, plants, animals).
  • Social Studies: Family & community, maps & places, classroom citizenship.
  • World Languages: Songs, greetings, numbers, classroom phrases in multiple languages.
  • Music: K–1 basic note values, steady beat, worship songs and simple instruments; Grade 2 expands to rhythm patterns and composer stories.
  • Art: Drawing, painting, collage, and studies of famous artists and styles.

Learning Snapshot: “Backyard Naturalists”

Connected to:

  • Science/Nature Studies (observe, record, compare), ELA (labeling & sentences), Art (sketching from life), CCSF (stewardship & gratitude).

Learning Snapshot: “Neighborhood Mapmakers”

Connected to:

  • Social Studies (maps & symbols), Math (shapes, scale ideas), ELA (directions writing), Character (community helpers & kindness).

Grades 3–5: Depth & Independence

  • ELA: Novel studies, evidence-based writing, grammar in context, speeches.
  • Math: Multiplication/division fluency, fractions, geometry, multi-step problem solving.
  • Science: Matter, forces, Earth systems, data collection & explanation writing.
  • Social Studies: U.S. history & geography, government, primary sources, civic projects.
  • World Languages: Building vocabulary & simple conversations across more than one language.
  • Music: Rhythm & notation, ensemble skills, studies of classical composers + performance.
  • Art: Drawing/painting techniques, design principles, studies of famous artists and movements.

Learning Snapshot: “Bridge Engineering Challenge”

Connected to:

  • Science (forces, stability), Math (measurement, ratios), ELA (design brief & presentation), Art (structure & form), CCSF (perseverance & teamwork).

Learning Snapshot: “State Museum Exhibition”

Connected to:

  • Social Studies (research on state history/geography), ELA (informative writing), Art (exhibit design), World Languages (state mottos/terms), Presentation (public speaking).

Grades 6–8: Readiness & Leadership

  • ELA: Argument & literary analysis, research writing, rhetoric & debate.
  • Math: Ratios, expressions & equations, geometry, data; Algebra readiness.
  • Science: Earth/Space Science (6–7), Physical Science (8), labs & data analysis.
  • Social Studies: U.S. civics, world regions, economics, historical inquiry & source evaluation.
  • World Languages: Increasing vocabulary, grammar foundations, short readings & conversations.
  • Music: Music theory basics, ensemble work, classical composer studies, performance/recital.
  • Art: Drawing from observation, color theory/painting, design, artist studies & critiques.
  • STEAM: CAD intro, maker projects, coding basics (as available).

Learning Snapshot: “Constellations & Storytelling”

Connected to:

  • Science (patterns of motion/brightness), ELA (myth & narrative writing), Art (illustration), Presentation (gallery talk).

Learning Snapshot: “CAD Mini-Build”

Connected to:

  • STEAM (CAD basics), Math (scale, geometry), Science (materials & design), ELA (design rationale), Career Awareness (additive vs. subtractive manufacturing).

Standards & Academic Integrity

Standards-Aligned, Beyond the Minimum

Units align to New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). We go further with interdisciplinary projects, public presentations, and real evidence of mastery—so learning lasts.

AI-Wise & Honest Work

We teach digital wisdom (safety, privacy, citation, bias) and practice AI-free skills—blue-book style writing, in-class labs, oral recitations—so students are confident with and without technology.

Assessment & Mastery

Clear Learning Targets

Students know what success looks like before they begin—with exemplars and simple rubrics.

Frequent Feedback

Checks for understanding guide re-teaching, extra practice, or enrichment. Progress is visible.

Advance by Evidence

Students move forward when skills are secure—confidence grows with true mastery.

Support & Enrichment

Small-Group Instruction

Targeted coaching for acceleration or extra practice, based on current evidence.

Clubs, Fairs & Showcases

Science fair, reading celebrations, math challenges, exhibitions, chapel leadership.

Family Partnership

Clear communication, simple checklists, and celebrations of growth—together.

Excellent Teachers, Christ-Centered Mentors

Our faculty includes advanced-degree educators and specialists who love their subjects and their students.

Meet Our Teachers The OCA Difference

See Academics in Action

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