Academics
OCCA delivers a content-rich classical education with modern clarity, helping students read carefully, write clearly, speak thoughtfully, and grow in responsibility and character.
Lower School - Middle School - Upper School - Fine Arts - Athletics (OCCA Eagles)
What “classical” means in the classroom
Classical education is a proven approach to learning that emphasizes strong foundations, clear thinking, and excellent communication. Rather than relying on quick summaries, students learn through meaningful content, often including primary sources (the original documents, texts, and ideas). In the classroom, you might see students read a short passage closely, discuss it with guidance, and then write a clear response using evidence from the text.
- As students mature, instruction is designed to match how they develop:
- Foundations (building knowledge and habits)
- Reasoning (learning to think carefully and connect ideas)
- Expression (learning to communicate with clarity and confidence)
You may hear this described as the “Trivium.” We use the idea simply: teach students what they need at each stage, and teach it well.
Skills that last
Read with attention
Students learn to engage texts carefully, building comprehension, vocabulary, and a love of learning.
Speak with respect
Guided discussion helps students express ideas clearly, listen well, and engage with maturity.
Write with clarity
Students practice structured writing so they can communicate precisely and thoughtfully.
Across every grade and subject, students practice these skills with purpose, forming habits of attention, responsibility, and perseverance.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School each with a clear aim
Each division is designed to be developmentally appropriate and intentionally sequenced.
Lower School (TK–5)
Strong foundations, joyful practice
Lower School builds essential skills, reading fluency, handwriting, grammar fundamentals, number sense, and core knowledge, within an orderly classroom culture that helps students develop strong learning habits.
Upper School (6–12)
Mature thinking and confident communication
Upper School prepares students for life beyond graduation through disciplined study, careful analysis, and clear expression, helping students become thoughtful, capable young adults ready for college, career, and civic life.
What students study
Classical education is not “less modern.” It is more substantial, grounded in content that trains the mind and shapes character.
Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar)
Students build literacy through strong reading and structured writing instruction, so they can understand complex texts and express ideas with confidence.
Mathematics
Clear, cumulative instruction that builds confidence and competence in problem solving, so students can reason carefully and apply math in real situations.
History, Civics, and Literature
Students engage rich texts and, when appropriate, primary sources, learning how ideas shape the world and how to think about them well, with an eye toward wise citizenship.
Science
Students learn core scientific knowledge and the habits of careful observation, precision, and reasoning, so they can think clearly about the natural world and evaluate claims thoughtfully.
Languages
(Latin/Spanish)
Logic/Rhetoric instruction
(upper grades)
Capstone experiences
(Upper School)
Fine Arts
A classical education is not only about information—it is about formation, including an encounter with beauty. Fine Arts at OCCA invites students to develop skill, discipline, and appreciation through art and music experiences appropriate to each stage.
Possible modules (choose based on actual offerings):
Visual Art
Music
Performances and showcases
Athletics at OCCA
Athletics and physical development are part of a full education, supporting teamwork, perseverance, and healthy habits.
Will my child be prepared for today’s world?
Yes. Classical education prepares students for modern life by strengthening the core abilities that never go out of date: reading comprehension, clear writing, sound reasoning, and mature communication. Students learn how to learn—so they can adapt, contribute, and lead with responsibility.
- Strong literacy and communication
- Orderly thinking and problem solving
- Disciplined habits and perseverance
- Respectful dialogue and civic virtue
Measuring growth
As a public charter school, OCCA participates in required assessments and accountability measures and uses multiple forms of evaluation to support student growth.
- Academic results snapshot (updated annually)
- Growth measures (where applicable)
- College/career readiness indicators (Upper School)
- Highlights (awards, recognitions, program outcomes)