Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts
PROGRAMS
OCASA Charter STEAM K-12 Personalized Educational Model
At OCASA Charter (TK-5) in Laguna Niguel, the maximum class size is 32 students with two teachers (Lead & Assistant) in each classroom. At OCASA College Prep (6-10) in Aliso Viejo, the maximum class size is 25 students with one teacher. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place, the maximum number of students in a physical classroom at one time is 16 students. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the student count on campus may change to adhere to state and local regulations. OCASA Charter and OCASA College Prep offer all of the required courses at each grade level including Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education. In addition, we have a number of specialty classes that vary by grade level and campus such as fine arts, music, engineering, design & modeling, computer science, and Spanish. OCASA Charter and OCASA College Prep are classroom-based personalized learning schools. The goal is to provide the right instruction to each student regardless of their age or grade-level. Both schools offer Personalized Learning to provide instruction that meets the needs of each student -- remedial, grade level or advanced. At the Elementary level (Transitional Kindergarten to 5th Grade), personalized learning is achieved through an individualized learning plan and small group instruction. The mixed-age classrooms allow OCASA Charter to create learning groups tailored to the needs of each student. All classrooms at OCASA Charter (TK-5) are mixed-grade level. At the Middle School and High School level (6th -12th grade), all classes are single-grade level. OCASA achieves personalized learning through a sophisticated learning management system called Summit Learning. This platform allows the teachers at OCASA College Prep to tailor the student’s assignments to their individual needs in a single-grade level classroom. In addition, each student is assigned a mentor and a Self-Directed Learning (SDL) period to work on individual goals, group projects, and teacher-directed workshops OCASA’s curriculum is centered on: • Language Arts: Every student is provided with a comprehensive Language Arts curriculum that incorporates essential skill-building, regular practice in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and opportunities for creative expression. OCASA College Prep emphasizes literacy for authentic purposes – both academic and personal. • Mathematics: A cohesive math curriculum promotes math fluency and accuracy as well as conceptual understanding of important mathematical ideas and mathematical reasoning. Hands-on activities and materials in the classroom help students to see the connections between math concepts and the world around them. Additionally, math is applied in various ways. Students explore complex problems and potential solutions that require the use of quantitative reasoning and collaborative problem-solving skills. • Science and Engineering: The science program at OCASA College Prep emphasizes inquiry, curiosity, collaboration, and scientific literacy. OCASA College Prep is especially interested in utilizing the Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize inquiry-oriented investigations, real-life application, and interdisciplinary thinking about scientific concepts. • Social Studies: The Social Studies curriculum builds students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them. Using investigation, thematic units, and essential questions, the Social Studies curriculum will naturally build upon students’ prior knowledge and experience and will honor and celebrate their diverse backgrounds and cultures. OCASA's Elementary School & OCASA College Prep are both Fully Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
OCASA students practice experiential learning where concepts and problems are relevant to the real world and utilizes a rigorous, inquiry-based instructional model to support this approach. Constructivist theory explains that real world experiences help learners to make meaning for themselves and helps them strive toward deep levels of understanding. OCASA enables students to ask questions, make discoveries, observe patterns, and exhibit creativity. In short, rigorous inquiry and application lead students to meaningful learning.
Faculty engages in design processes to constantly improve instructional approaches and the students’ overall experience. And, in the spirit of continuous learning, we partner with other excellent schools, universities and community organizations to share best practices, especially as they relate to inquiry-based learning.
We see our role in the ecosystem of Orange County schools as:
1. A lab-school focused on experiential learning as well as a test bed to prototype other nontraditional educational approaches;
2. A thought partner responsible for sharing out best practices and lessons learned, and;
3. A collaborator working alongside other school leaders in the pursuit of providing all children with an excellent education.
Finally, technology is a part of daily instruction and contribute to the application-based approach to learning. Given the world that we share, we believe that technology proficiency and judgment is critical, and that enables students to explore and propel their learning forward.
CONTACT
Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts
28282 Cabot Rd.
Suite 300
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone: 949-269-3291