A ministry of Central Baptist Church, OCA has a total contributing staff of over 70 that brings a tremendous depth of knowledge and skill to the school. As a matter of fact, 16 instructors have 20-plus years at OCA. The educators and professionals at OCA make sure each child is treated as an individual, while still working to maintain a very family-like atmosphere throughout the K3-12th grade school.
Separate brick and mortar buildings exist for elementary, middle and high school students, and each grade level offers both challenging academics as well as a variety of extracurricular activities. In fact, OCA is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This accreditation allows OCA students to transfer credits to any school, and it allows OCA graduates the opportunity to be accepted at any college or university. ACSI is recognized by the Florida Department of Education and OCA is among a select few of the private schools in our area to have a third-party accreditation.
“Even our three- and four-year-olds follow an enriched academic program,” says Sharon Loyd who serves as the elementary principal and guidance counselor. “Our K’s are learning to read, write in cursive, and understand foundational arithmetic.”
“Of course there’s plenty of time for fun and recess, too,” Sharon adds with a smile.
An open-enrollment school, OCA requires entrance testing beginning in first grade. A variety of scholarships are accepted, including McKay and Step Up, and religious affiliations are not taken into consideration.
Children at OCA attend chapel services once a week and Assistant Pastor Matt Lahmann says the services are very uplifting and age appropriate.
OCA is currently hiring additional staff for a projected 16-students-per-teacher ratio in grades first through 12th. One-on-one time with the teacher and individualized attention is the norm at OCA and the results are impressive.
“Over the past 40 years we have consistently posted among the highest rated academics in Marion County and nationally,” says Lahmann. “Our scores are representative of our entire student body.All students are required to take the Standardized Achievement Test annually.”
In addition to the standout academic programs offered, beginning in fifth grade, a full sports program is also available.
“We’re members of the Florida High School Athletic Association,” says Ronald Carpenter, the school’s middle and high school principal. “Football, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, softball, baseball, we have them all. Our teams are tryout-based and we’re always looking to be competitive while placing an emphasis on glorifying the Lord through our actions.”
All elementary grades have recess, and structured physical education classes. Beginning in ninth grade, the HOPE program combines physical education with wellness applications.
Electives are offered to students once they reach ninth grade and options include the fine arts, vocational arts, foreign languages, among others.A full computer lab, library, art studio and music room are available to students in all grade levels.
Students wear casual uniforms at OCA and annual tuition is just $4,800 for each grade level and family discounts are offered. OCA is a reasonable investment considering the high quality of academics provided and the peace of mind in knowing that the school adheres to strict class safety and discipline standards, including a zero-tolerance bullying policy. Before- and after-care is also available every school day beginning at 7am and ending at 5:45pm.
Parents who choose OCA can rest assured that their children are being nurtured and cared for in a positive, uplifting way.
And that’s really what Ocala Christian Academy, an Ocala tradition, is all about.
Ocala Christian Academy
1714 SE 36th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 694-4178 / ocacrusaders.com
