Why OCASA Schools Are a Great Choice for Your Child

Apr 16, 2025 10:00:00 AM | Why OCASA Schools Are a Great Choice for Your Child

Explore why OCASA is the perfect school choice with personalized learning, STEAM focus, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for college.

Every parent wants the best for their kids in education. Students deserve a quality educational experience that provides a strong foundation in academic skills, a nurturing environment, and compelling, meaningful experiences that engage students in hands-on learning. OCASA is dedicated to changing up the educational experience by focusing on personalized learning, STEAM-based learning, and hands-on learning experiences while maintaining engagement within each student experience. Our practices, technologies, and individualized learning plans instill in students the confidence and skills to engage and flourish in the 21st century.

A School for Every Growth Step

Finding the right school can be daunting; however, OCASA makes it easier with two outstanding schools that work with two different age spans: 

  1. OCASA Elementary (Grades TK-5):

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    OCASA Elementary supports students as emerging learners when they are at such an inquisitive age. OCASA Elementary takes a student-centered approach that communicates inquiry-based learning and creativity. With small class sizes, engaged teachers, and a caring community, students create strong academic outcomes through:

    • Inquiry Arc Projects - Developing the art of inquiry and gathering evidence for site-based thinking.
    • Multiage Classes - Cultivating friendships, collaborative work, and leadership opportunities. 
    • STEAM Learning Experiences - Sustaining engagement in technology, science, and the arts for students.
    • Experiential Learning - Inviting students out of the classroom to learn in the field. 
    • One Lead Teacher and One Support Teacher - Focusing on individualized learning and small-group instruction.
    • iPads for Students - Increasing student engagement through the use of technology.
    • After-School Program - Adding hours to the school day to learn more.

  2. OCASA College Prep (Grades 6-12):

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    OCASA College Prep equips students for learning with a robust college preparatory program that builds a foundation for college readiness and develops critical thinking. Our program includes:

    • Project Lead the Way Classes - Problem solving and project work in the STEM fields.
    • Student Learning Plan - Construction of academic pathways for each student.
    • Student Mentoring - Individualized support and accountability to achieve success.
    • Field Study Experiences - Experiences applying classroom learning in the real world.
    • Robust and A-G Alignment Curriculum - Meets and exceeds admission requirements for some colleges.
    • MacBooks for Students - Using innovation to provide opportunities for research and collaboration.
    • Data-Informed Instruction - Ensuring lessons are tailored and responsive to students' needs in a visible and timely manner.

What Sets OCASA Apart?

Personalized Education for Each Student

At OCASA, we truly recognize that each student has distinct learning needs, and we respond to those needs with individualized learning plans. Our teachers personalize instruction to a variety of learning styles, keeping each student engaged in their learning and invested in their education.

STEAM-Based Education with Real-World Applications

Students get to actively practice applications of their knowledge in engaging ways through the principles of STEAM. Each day, our curriculum is intentionally designed to integrate technology and innovation into lessons, providing students with engaging opportunities in robotics, coding, hands-on science experiments and anything else STEAM-related to prepare them for careers in a STEAM-related field.

Hands-On Learning for Deeper Understanding

Instead of focusing on memorization, OCASA values learning through projects and inquiry-based learning. Students can utilize their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real life through our Inquiry Arc Projects at elementary and Project Lead the Way.

Great Teachers Who Inspire Greatness in Children

Our teachers model mentorship and innovation. By having one lead and support teacher in every classroom, students can engage in individual or small group instruction at their level. Using data to assess progress ensures each child is progressing at their own pace.

A Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment

At OCASA, we provide a region dedicated to creating a joy-filled, student-centered environment where our students feel appreciated and supported. We strive to build confidence, social skills, and emotional intelligence for all students so that they have the tools to succeed.

Community and Family Engagement

We believe education occurs beyond the walls of the classroom. OCASA offers after-school programs, as well as community and family involvement opportunities during our school events, to build a community of support for our students.

Equipping Students for a Bright Future

Education is not just about academics; it's about preparing your students for life. With the use of technology, collaborative learning, and critical thinking, OCASA's students graduate equipped with confidence and skills for life in college, the workforce, and beyond.

OCASA, Your Child's Future Starts Here

Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions you can make. OCASA offers a creative and innovative educational experience that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Our belief in personalized learning, education focused on STEAM, and hands-on learning prepares students for success in today's changing world.

FAQs

Modern teaching strategies prioritize engagement, critical thought, and experiential application. Strategies like project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and technology integration provide students with a lively learning experience.

Traditional teaching strategies are lectures and memorization, while modern teaching emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and applications related to real life. OCASA's approach means that students are not only acquiring information but they are also applying the information in meaningful ways.

At OCASA, teachers are using student-centered learning models that integrate technology, hands-on projects, and discussions. Using strategies such as Project Lead the Way, Inquiry Arc Projects, and instruction based on data, the student learning experience remains meaningful and engaging.

OCASA's model of education is based on personalized learning, STEAM-based learning and experiential learning to create a rich, student-centered learning experience. We place an emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are important and necessary skills to equip our students for the future.

OCASA is known for its progressive instructional strategies, personalized education plans for each student, and a focus on STEAM education. Through the use of small class sizes, project-based learning, and committed mentorship, we are preparing students for success in their education and beyond.

Written By: OCASA