ADMISSIONS INFORMATION As you pray about this most important decision, we ask that you learn about what holistic faith based education is and ensure this is the right fit for your child and family. Additionally, we ask that you read through our website (click here) to learn about holistic faith based education and what we offer to our students and their families. Please ensure that your child and your family are enthusiastic about admission to Ocala Preparatory Academy since we have very limited enrollment.
WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE? Ocala Preparatory Academy (OPA) is a holistic, faith-based (Christian) school for children who thrive in a smaller, caring inclusion classroom setting or may need additional academic support in our Additional Supports Classroom. Holistic faith based (Christian) education would be considered the most similar to Montessori and Waldorf. Additionally, we also pray with our students and integrate Christ into all we do. Click here to meet our staff.
Classrooms we offer for the 25-26 instructional year are as follows:
K-2nd Grade Classroom Our K-2nd grade classroom is a blended (different grades instructed together) inclusion classroom. Students are working at grade level and some students may be working a little below or above grade level. Instruction is holistic, hands and is scaffolded to the level of each student.
3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Classroom Our 3rd-4th and 5th grade classroom is a blended (different grades instructed together) inclusion classroom. Students are working at grade level and some students may be working a little below or above grade level. Instruction is holistic, hands on and and is scaffolded to the level of each student.
Additional Supports Classroom (ASC) Students in the Additional Supports Classroom need more academic support than can be provided in our inclusion classrooms. Students range from 3rd grade to 12th grade and work in small groups based on their ability or 1:1. Students in this classroom may have a learning disability, intellectual disability or have been identified by our lead teacher as a student that require additional academic support. The facilitator alongside with a paraprofessional provide academic instruction to no more than 20 students. Instruction is holistic, hands on and at the level of each student.
Middle School Classroom Our middle school classroom is a blended inclusion classroom for 6th-8th grade students. Students are working at grade level and some students may be working a little below or above grade level. Instruction is holistic, hands on and is scaffolded to the level of each student.
High School We have two high school classrooms: 9th-10th grade students and 10th-12th grade students (and to the level of the student in some cases). The high school classrooms are taught by 3 different instructors (students rotate for their core and elective subjects). Students are working at grade level and some students may be working a little below or above grade level. Instruction is holistic, hands on and is scaffolded to the level of each student.
GRADUATION* Ocala Preparatory Academy offers two graduation options for students that are approved by the Florida Department of Education. Click here for more information:
18-Credit ACCEL Diploma Option (subject to legislative changes):
• Designed for students who are prepared to move through high school at an accelerated pace.
• Requires 18 credits instead of the traditional 24.
• Does not require a physical education credit or an online course.
• Students must still meet the same academic standards.
• Typically best suited for students who are highly motivated and have a clear postsecondary plan.
24-Credit Standard Diploma Option (subject to legislative changes):
• Most common path for high school graduation.
• Requires students to earn credits in core academic areas, as well as electives, physical education, and an online course.
• Allows for a more well-rounded high school experience, including opportunities for career exploration, extracurricular activities, and academic support.
• Ideal for students who benefit from a traditional high school timeline and experience.
*Some students are earning credits via an ACCESS points program (click here for more information).
25-26 LIMITED OPENINGS: We have very limited openings in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. We update this website every couple of weeks. This information is up to date as of May 2, 2025.
WAITLIST: Kindergarten spots are all filled for the 25-26 Instructional Year.
SPECIAL NOTE: We do not accept 12th grade prospective students to ensure we can meet all FLDOE graduation requirements.
We are unable to provide admission to prospective students with behavioral challenges or students that need 1:1 support.
-Pursuant to Section 1002.41(1)(j) F.S. A privately placed private school student with a disability does not have an individual right to receive some or all of the education or related services that a student would receive if enrolled in public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended.
Noting this, Ocala Preparatory Academy does not adhere to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Ocala Preparatory Academy does work with Marion County Public Schools that offers services to parentally placed private school students with disabilities through a Service Plan.
Click here for more information about Parentally Placed Private School Students from Marion County Public Schools.
Ocala Preparatory Academy meets the requirements set forth by the Department of Education to be listed in their directory of private schools.
NUTRITION & WELLNESS We incorporate nutrition and wellness in every aspect of school life. Due to this, parents of our students (& prospective students) must ensure the following (exerpt from our Healthy Habits Nutrition Policy and information is also provided regarding required registration documents):Healthy foods for snack and lunch are packed and sent in to ensure that their child(ren) is prepared to learn. Healthy foods include leftovers from dinner (not fast food), sandwiches, chips, fruit, vegetables, and water is the only drink that our students can consume at school (unless there is a medical reason and we must have a note from a medical provider).
We are a nut free school, so please make sure that no nuts are sent in or foods that are processed in facility that processes nuts to ensure that our students that have anaphylactic nut allergies are kept safe.We do not allow sugary foods/drinks, only water (unless there is a medical reason and we must have a note from a medical provider).
Additionally, do not send your child with candy, desserts, cookies, donuts, etc.) fast food, and we prefer no food coloring in food or snacks.
We accept the Religious Vaccine Exemption and respect medical freedom. Ask our staff if you have any questions.
Eating nutritious foods, drinking water, getting fresh air and outside play time (all grades) allows our students to grow and flourish in both at home and at school.
FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (excerpt from our policy) We believe that a positive constructive working relationship between our staff & a student’s parents/guardians and extended family members (including anyone who drops off/picks up or has any communication with our staff) is essential to the fulfillment of our mission. As a community, it is important that we all collectively engage in an affirming, encouraging atmosphere. The expression of negative feelings & even supposedly "constructive" criticism can do much to undermine any school’s atmosphere. The board, the executive director and the associate director do not seek to suppress any parent concern or grievance, however, we do ask that such concern or grievance be handled in a healthy, constructive manner.
ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION We are enrolling students for the 25-26 Instructional Year now (noting we are closed during the month of July each year so please contact us August-June for the most prompt reply via our Student Admissions Interest form found below).
ADMISSION PROCESS 1. Complete the Student Admissions Interest Form. We accept Student Admissions Interest Forms on a rolling basis for current instructional year spots available OR starting in January 2025 for the upcoming instructional year. We ask that you do not complete Student Admissions Interest Form unless we have a spot for the instructional year you are seeking admission.
2. Next, you will be contacted to schedule a Student Admissions Phone Interview. Once we have reviewed all documentation, we will make the determination if your child will continue in the admissions process.
3. If your child continues in the admissions process, we must receive the following information:
-Social Security Card
-Birth Certificate
-Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization or Florida Certificate of Immunization form DH 680
-Physical Form DH 3040 dated within the last 12 months
-Transcript from current or previously attended private school-we will request your child's transcript)
-Report Card-current and previous year (public or private school) Special note-we should already have this information from your Student Admission Interest Form or after the Pre-admissions Phone Call.
-Most Up To Date 504 Plan OR IEP Special Note: We should have received this information through the Student Admissions Interest Form or after the Pre-admissions Phone Call. This information helps us to determine if we are able to provide supports needed.
-Teacher Recommendation Form (from prior or current school)
Once all required information and documents are received, our admin team will decide if your child will move forward in the admissions process. If we decide to move forward in the admissions process, we will provide you a link to complete our 25-26 Admissions Application (not available on our website) and then a trial visit (a minimum of one week during the instructional year OR a minimum of two weeks during our Summer FUN Education Program during the month of June) will be scheduled.
4. After your child's trial visit, you meet with our admin staff to go over standardized testing and classroom assessment.
5. If your child is accepted for admission to Ocala Preparatory Academy, you will be invited to complete a financial contract for the upcoming (or current) instructional year. Your child's costs associated with enrollment will be provided at this time (tuition and fee schedule is available on the Student Admissions Interest Form below for your review).
See below to complete our Student Admissions Interest Form
