DO YOU HAVE ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE ANSWERS HERE!
The first step of our admissions process is to read through our website thoroughly to understand what holistic faith-based education is. Additionally, parents & potential students must be enthusiastic about our education model before completing a preadmissions or waitlist form below. Please understand, since we are a small private school, our admin staff wear many hats, which include actively working with and taking care of our current students. We truly appreciate that you are taking the time to read through our website. Once you have completed either our pre-admissions or wait list form (providing answers to our questions about your child), we will contact you within 5 working days if we have a spot available, (noting we do not accept calls regarding our admissions process unless you are returning a call from one of our staff members that has already received information about your child). Thank you!
23-24 LIMITED ENROLLMENT
The following are current spots available for 23-24 second semester enrollment:
INCLUSION: Kindergarten-3rd grade-1 spot
24-25 LIMITED ENROLLMENT OPENINGS
We have the following 24-25 limited openings (meaning most classes have just a few spots available-we update as often as possible):
INCLUSION CLASSES: Kindergarten, 1st-5th grade, 6th-8th grade. What is an inclusion classroom? At our school, an inclusion classroom means that some students may need additional supports (remedial or gifted) & all students benefit from our faith based, holistic (hands on, project-based learning with lots of outside time for all grade levels-weather permitting) education model. Additionally, our student/staff ratio supports optimal learning opportunities. If needed, our resource teacher "pulls out" students to provide remedial or gifted support.
ESE CLASSROOM 4th-8th grade (if we open an additional classroom which is yet to be determined). What is an ESE classroom? At our school, an ESE classroom is comprised of students that may have one or more learning disorders, intellectual disability, or just need more support than our inclusion classroom setting can provide. ESE students benefit from our faith based, holistic, hands on, project-based learning model. We offer small group learning with other students working at the same academic level (additionally, our resource teacher "pulls out" students that need additional assistance), which supports optimal learning opportunities.
24-25 WAITLIST 9th-12th grade-Inclusion & ESE classrooms
REQUIRED TRIAL PERIOD FOR ALL POTENTIAL STUDENTS: All potential students seeking admission must spend (at minimum) one full week "trialing" with us during the instructional year, or two weeks trialing (half day) during the summer to make a final admissions decision. Additionally, we will test your child using STAR Assessments by Renaissance.
OUT OF POCKET COSTS: Please note that there are "out of pocket" parent participation costs associated with admission, even with a School Choice SUFS scholarship. Our admissions process plus our tuition and fee schedules are available for review on our preadmissions form (23-24 tuition & fee schedule is included) or our wait/interest list form (23-24 & 24-25 tuition and fee schedule are included).
We are unable to provide admission to prospective students with behavioral issues or students that need 1:1 support.*
*Exceptions may be made, on a case-by-case basis, with ABA support in place, referred by our staff, (utilizing a provider of our choice), noting that severe behaviors are referred out for needed support.
WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE? Ocala Preparatory Academy (OPA) is a holistic, faith-based (Christian) school for children that thrive in a smaller, caring classroom setting or may need additional academic support in our ESE classroom. See further down this page for more information about our holistic faith-based education model.
BEFORE COMPLETING OUR PRE-ADMISSIONS OR INTEREST LIST FORM Please read through our website to ensure that you, the student you are seeking admission for, and your family, are enthusiastic about our faith-based education model, and you understand what OPA offers our prospective students.
PLEASE NOTE: We are a small private school and are actively working with our students so we do appreciate you completing our form so that we can contact you and give you our undivided attention. Thank you!
COMPLETE ONE OF THE FORMS BELOW AFTER READING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE
We actively engage our students with holistic, hands-on, activities and science experiments. We make learning FUN!
Who We Are
Ocala Preparatory Academy is a K-12 private school located in SW Ocala, FL, founded in 2016. We provide holistic education: development & engagement of all aspects of the learner, including mind, body, and spirit. Our students enjoy hands on learning and learning with their peers. We are a faith based (Christian) private school.
We believe that physical activity, during the instructional day, assists with the learning process. Consequently, all K-12 students go outside, either to enjoy learning in a different environment or to participate in various intramural sports, activities, and games. As a result, our students are inspired to learn and excel!
Our students thrive in our small classes, offering hands on, project based and holistic options whenever possible. Students are offered opportunities to work independently, in peer groups, or on team-based projects. Student-centered learning is a focal point of our education model. Furthermore, we believe in teaching students to be self-directed and invested in the learning process.
What is Holistic Faith Based Education?
Holistic Faith Based Education means that we educate children to become well-rounded and confident adults. Our caring staff focuses on the development of the emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive wellbeing of each student. Educating the whole child means that our focus is not just on students passing tests or getting smarter (though that does occur in an environment where student's social and emotional development is key).
Our focus is on creating well-rounded, happy, and spiritually uplifted students. We educate and develop the whole student. Educating our students is important, but it is equally important to focus on overall good health (eating healthy foods, drinking water, getting lots of outside time/sunshine, positive affirmations, and more), spiritual development and positive relationships (friends, family, our caring staff).
We embrace a caring classroom culture and engage our students with experiential learning. See below for information on our curriculum.
Curriculum
Engaging curriculum and discussion are a part of our holistic approach to education. We use an infusion of different types of curricula to meet the diverse needs of our student population. At the inception of Ocala Preparatory Academy (2016-2018), we asked parents on our admissions application if they would be comfortable with using faith based (Christian) curriculum when this was the best option for our students. Starting in the 23-24 instructional year, we are thrilled to offer (Christian) faith-based options integrated in the curriculum. Some of curriculum choices offered in our classrooms are Abeka, Wonders, Dave Ramsey’s Foundations for Personal Finance (for middle and high school students), alongside our hands on, project-based assignments. Please see throughout the main page of our website for pictures of the fun learning opportunities we provide our students.
Choices in curriculum are made based on the diverse needs of our students. There is not one curriculum that works for all our students, so we will always use the curriculum that best suits each classroom (and at times, each student) which is geared toward holistic and hands on approaches to learning whenever possible. If we find curriculum that we feel is a good fit for students that is faith based, we will select the faith-based option, if it is the best fit for our students.
Limited enrollment is offered to allow for this holistic approach to education.
Our History
In December 2015, after lots of prayer and mindfulness, our parent company, OASN started the process to open Ocala Preparatory Academy. After being in two smaller offices, we were excited to move to our current building in March 2016. This move was done as a huge leap of our faith by our board members that our executive director would be able to raise the funds to be able to stay in our current building long term. We have since outgrown this building and need a larger space. We appreciate your prayers and donations to find our build a larger building.
We didn’t have much but we were able to start year one (2016-2017 instructional year) of Ocala Preparatory Academy with books that were purchased (and some donated-we are so grateful!) from a Catholic school in Gainesville that was moving their curriculum to iPads.
Non Denominational Statement of Purpose
Ocala Preparatory Academy (OPA) is a non denominational private school that abides by Christian principles in all that we do:
Believe
OPA students are taught to live out Christian principles at school, home, and in the world.
Learn
We look at our students holistically and ask for God's direction in all that we do. Our small class sizes and holistic approach help us to achieve this daily goal of supporting each student's success.
Lead
OPA students are taught the importance of their character, morality and integrity. We are mindful of this in our daily prayers with our students and in our morning staff meetings.
Serve
OPA students are taught that they have a greater purpose in life. Through mindful prayer and instruction, our staff helps guide our students to learn what their true purpose is.
Student Testimonials
In May 2023, we asked our students what they love about our school and why we need to expand. Here are a few of our student testimonials starting with elementary students and ending with our high school students (grades levels noted are for the 2022-2023 instructional year):
"This school made me realize how much I needed relationships. There is so much support from the teachers and staff. I love them so very much. They have done so much and they need to franchise this school for kids everywhere! Thank you so much, good bye. L.M. (initials) elementary school student that has moved.
"This school helps me learn without my ADHD stopping me!" J.L. (initials) elementary school student
"The teachers are nice and amazing. The teachers make it easier to get better grades. You get help when you need it. The people (students) are really nice". S.J. (initials) elementary school student
"This school has done a lot for me and in my opinion, I feel like they have done more for me than other schools. I could definitely tell that the teachers care about students' mentality and recognize the balance for what is "too much" and what is "just right". My knowledge certainly went up and I'm shocked to find myself at a point where I have almost straight A's! This is something I have never received before. I understand we need a larger building and I want to expand this place to have more classrooms and educate more students" L.E. (initials)-middle school student
"What I like about being a student here is that I love how the teachers help you with the subjects until you understand. The staff is nice and polite. In other schools, I never got treated with respect or kindness but when I came to this school., I felt safe and treated with respect and kindness. The students here are chill, funny and nice. The staff are always looking after you and asking if you need anything. The teachers and staff are calm and treat you with respect. This is why this is my favorite school. One thing that would be a blessing is that we could get a larger building with more space for a lunch room, activities and a gym." N.C. (initials)-middle school student
"What I like about this school is having a great teacher and people (staff) that like to help us. I like going outside and playing with friends and doing fun things with other people (students). That is why I love this school! " L.M.G. (initials)- middle school student
"What I like about this school is that they have made me feel like you are home, it is like family here. They have the best teachers and staff. I like that it is small, more calm and you feel safe but I do think the school needs to expand. I would really appreciate it if people could donate so that my school can get bigger and provide more academics for more kids. I am so happy I found this school. O.C. (initials) middle school student
"For the past two years I have been here, I have met many great friends along the way and many teachers have taught me a lot of things for my life's future. Without this school. I never would have gotten to where I am now. Thank you so much, Mrs. Karen!" T.J. (initials) middle school student
"The reason I like being here is because it is nothing like my other school. For example: The hours are shorter, the teachers are nice, and when I am not feeling well, Mrs. Karen is here for me and helps me with my homework. I do not know where I would be right now if I was not here." C.D. (initials) high school student
"I like being at this school because my old school did not pay attention to me when I needed help with my work." B.N. (initials)-high school student
Florida Department of Education Requirements
In compliance with Florida statue, our teachers meet one (or more) of the following requirements:
-Three or more years of public and/or private school teaching.
-Special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.
-Baccalaureate Degree (BA or BS) or higher.
Ocala Preparatory Academy meets all Florida Department of Education requirements to participate in state scholarship programs. Click here for these requirements. Additionally, Ocala Preparatory Academy meets the requirements set forth by the Department of Education to be listed in their directory of private schools. Click here for these requirements. Below are the graduation requirements for Florida-24-Credit Standard Diploma (subject to legislative changes)
Expansion Plans
We are searching for a larger building with a minimum of 7500 square feet and 2 acres land, zoned B2 or PUD preferably (we would also consider land donation or shared use with a church or faith-based organization). Contact our executive or associate director if you are able to donate land or a building in SW Ocala.
Ocala Preparatory Academy (a subsidiary of OASN) admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded and made available. Ocala Preparatory Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its policies. Ocala Preparatory Academy is a private institution, reserves the privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards for student conduct, dress, and cleanliness. Ocala Preparatory Academy maintains the right to refuse admittance to anyone who fails to meet the entrance requirements and to suspend or expel any student who violates the standards set down in our policies and procedures handbook. (IRS 26 CFR 601.201: Rulings and determination letters. (Also: Part I, § 501; 1.501(c)(3)-1.)
Choice scholarships accepted & parent financial participation is required.
Ocala Preparatory Academy is a K-12 private school located in SW Ocala, FL, founded in 2016. We provide faith based holistic education: development & engagement of all aspects of the learner, including mind, body, and spirit. Our students enjoy hands on learning and learning with their peers.
We are a faith-based Christian school.
Ocala Preparatory Academy (a subsidiary of OASN) admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded and made available. Ocala Preparatory Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its policies. Ocala Preparatory Academy is a private institution, reserves the privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards for student conduct, dress, and cleanliness. Ocala Preparatory Academy maintains the right to refuse admittance to anyone who fails to meet the entrance requirements and to suspend or expel any student who violates the standards set down in our policies and procedures handbook. (IRS 26 CFR 601.201: Rulings and determination letters. (Also: Part I, § 501; 1.501(c)(3)-1.)