Okeechobee Christian Academy
Your questions answered
Q. Isn’t Private Education too expensive?
A. Our tuition rates are very affordable. We have a ten-month payment plan with our preschool at only $320.00 per month and our kindergarten through 12th grade only $450.00 per month. This makes OCA a low-cost, high-return investment in your child’s life.
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Q. Is there any additional financial help available?
A. We participate in the CTC, McKay, and FFNA scholarship programs which are available to qualified applicants. Other discounts include full-time ministry, multi-child and part or full time employment with OCA.
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Q. Isn’t private education only for the rich or well-to-do?
A. Here at OCA, most of our families are middle-class, blue-collar Americans who feel the benefits of private education heavily outweigh the cost of tuition. Many work hard to sacrifice for this very special investment in their child’s life.
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Q. How long have you been in operation?
A. OCA was founded in 1976 as Grace Christian Schools and was a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (A.C.S.I.) since 1979. As of the 2008-2009 school year we officially transitioned to our new name of Okeechobee Christian Academy. That’s a total of 32 years serving the community of Okeechobee.
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Q. Isn’t private education bad for my child’s social life?
A. OCA is a wonderful place for your child to learn social or people skills. Each child has plenty of opportunity to socialize during the school day through recess, snack time, lunch and physical education, in addition to classroom activities and field trips. In fact, you’ll find that here at OCA, our students have lots fun while learning and interacting with one another.
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Q. My child has been in the public schools for several years. Is it too late to enroll them at OCA?
A. As with most investments, the earlier you get started the better success rate you’ll gain. Having your child in OCA as soon as possible will help them to develop a firm foundation in their academic, social and spiritual life. However, many of our children have successfully transferred from public schools and are enjoying OCA’s family environment.
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Q. I’m not sure my child can handle the rigorous academics of private schooling.
A. We use the internationally acclaimed A Beka curriculum. It is a strong academic program that recognizes God gave us an incredible brain to do wonderful things. Although an advanced program, children adjust to their academic responsibilities and do quite well. Many of our students in the past, upon entering the public school, were placed in honors programs due to the fine training they received. In addition, many high school seniors who once attended have graduated with honors and been recognized for their academic achievements.
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Q. My child and I are not Christians. Does that mean my child cannot attend OCA?
A. You or your child need not have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in order to attend. We have had many children from different faiths enrolled here. However, we do teach Bible as a subject and the students are required to memorize Bible verses. In addition, the curriculum weaves our Lord into every subject since we believe in Him as the Creator of all.
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Q. How does your pre-school compare to others in Okeechobee?
A. Our three and four-year-old kindergarten is one of the finest programs in town. We have a strong academic program mixed with lots of fun activities. A recent cost comparison showed that our program costs less than most.
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Q. I work until 5:00 p.m., do you have an after school program?
A. Yes, our Extended-Care program lasts until 5:30 p.m. on school days. The cost is very affordable.
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Q. Does my child have to take an entrance exam?
A. We test new students from the 1st through 12th grades to determine where they are academically and how successful they will be in the grade they are entering.
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Q. My child has special needs. Can OCA accommodate them?
A. As a private school, our resources are extremely limited in terms of special needs. Our goal is for your child to reach their fullest potential in the best setting possible. For some needs, OCA is simply not sufficient. We will do our best to help you find the best place for your child’s growth if the need is beyond our scope.
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Q. How safe is Okeechobee Christian Academy?
A. Although no school can guarantee 100% safety, OCA is a safe, stable and loving environment for your child. We lock all doors except the main entrance. In addition, a visitor’s pass must be obtained through the office before anyone can visit the campus.
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If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call or email us any time.
