Ocala Christian Academy

1714 Southeast 36th Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on July 14, 2024

I went here as a child. Rather than focus on academics, this school’s focus is on teaching the Bible. When I transferred to the public school in my area, I was so far behind that I wound up in remedial classes. Thankfully, my parents could afford tutors! It took YEARS to catch up, but I knew a lot of Bible verses. I am now a public school teacher. Looking back, I am horrified at the lack of education I received. Parents need to be aware of this before they make the choice to enroll their children here.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2024

The school is a joke. They put 50 kindergarten students in the same classroom. With two teachers and one para. Completely non compliant with any class size standards. Not to mention the school was dishonest with parents the whole year about when the new building would be complete. Don’t get me started on the lack of pedagogical knowledge of there teachers and the lack of engaging class work. My five year old would frequently come home with multiple pages of busy work they did in class. When I discussed this with the teacher, she had no desire to change or practices nor did the administrators hold the teachers accountable. The school was a joke, and I would not recommend putting your child there.
Submitted by student on April 14, 2024

Pretty good school. Only a few bad things. Lunch costs money each day, and of course, tuition is expensive. The teachers are very nice, and they take care of their students. Definitely would recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2022

As an OCA Alum and now parent I would not have taken my child anywhere else. This School has been a blessing to me and my family. The staff show genuine love and care to each student and family. I can go to work knowing my daughter is SAFE. most important of all my child is learning more and more about the love of Jesus Christ
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2019

I have had a great experience watching my child's demonstrated achievement and character development.
Submitted by other on June 06, 2017

My wife, daughter, and myself have had the worst experience trying to schedule a visit as a perspective family that is relocating from out of state. Grace Etheredge is by far the most unprofessional admission/records clerk we have ever dealt with. Since April 2017, we have attempted to get a hold of someone from admissions. We have called and left messages twice a week. Not one person called us back. We expressed the urgency with which we needed a response but never received a phone call back. One woman, who has been the organ player at the church was as helpful as could be but stated we needed to speak with admissions. It is now June and we had scheduled a visit to Fl for house hunting and school touring. We had hoped to arrange a visit and complete the required testing for admission at several Christians schools in the areas. Since we have to fly in, most Christian schools would accommodate. Grace insisted that we fly back in July to complete testing even though we have all of the other requirements!!! She also stated she didn't receive any messages, etc. My wife asked her for clarity on some requirements but Grace insisted we visit the website. Why have an admissions person who does not call back perspective families and refuses to answer questions? If this is our experience as a perspective family, just imagine what it would be if we started paying tuition. We will no longer be pursuing a relationship with Ocala Christian School which is unfortunate because the school seemed like a great fit.
Submitted by other on May 04, 2016

As an OCA alumni I will say I feel that my education is severely behind what I would have received in a secular school. Basic scientific facts are either untaught or dismissed as bunk when they don't align with Biblical teaching...which was never meant to be a school textbook. Same with literature, years later I'm still trying to get caught up on many classic important works that are ignored in a christian school. There was also a great deal of favoritism between the more well to do kids and those of us who weren't as monetarily gifted. Guidance counselor did nothing to encourage or help me to pursue a college education and I never did make it past 124th grade. I guess it's fine if you plan to have your child live a sheltered life, but if you desire to give your child a real life, I suggest you look elsewhere for a school.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2015

Ocala Christian Academy is an excellent school from K3 - 12th grade! Two of our children graduated from OCA and received many scholarship opportunities for college, including offers from most of the Ivy League schools. OCA prepared them well for college. OCA gives every student many opportunities to excel -- in academics, athletics, fine arts, and community service. The teachers care about each student and do their best to help each one academically, socially, and spiritually. OCA is a great help in preparing your child to succeed in life and in whatever field God is preparing them for. We highly recommend Ocala Christian Academy!
Submitted by teacher on March 12, 2015

Ocala Christian Academy is a wonderful school. Coming from a public school education I can honestly say that OCA rises above the public schools in certain areas of academics. Although public school offers advancement for a small selected group of accelerated students, it expects little from the majority of students enrolled. However, at OCA each student is pushed to excel at his personal best. When a student begins to struggle the teachers and administration are good at setting up ways to provide assistance. No student is neglected. Those students who do excel still have the opportunity to enroll in honors classes on the high school level as well. Not only is OCA great academically, but I have had the wonderful opportunity of truly getting to know my students. I am able to build a relationship with them that allows me to assist them academically and spiritually, as well as on a personal level. As far as religion is concerned, OCA is founded on the principles of the Bible. Jesus Christ is the center of all things: practical living, academics, training, sports, and other curricular activities.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2015

I feel that the administration and teachers care about each student and are interested in not only their academic growth but also their growth socially, physically, and spiritually.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2015

We love Ocala Christian Academy! I have two students in school here and the teachers have always been kind and helpful. My kids really feel like they belong and have enjoyed many new friends. Academically the programs are strong. My daughter learned to read in K3! We love the environment... from community events to Friday night football. We believe OCA is the perfect place for our family from kindergarten through high school.
Submitted by teacher on March 09, 2015

I am a teacher here, and my children attend here as well. I can say from the results that I see in my children that it is an excellent school where kids learn great academics. Most of all, I love to hear my kids singing Bible songs at home and quoting verses. They know how to treat others and show respect toward other children and adults.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2015

Ocala Christian Academy is a wonderful school. The students feel like the school is a big family. OCA has well-trained and experienced teachers who genuinely love the students. OCA has an advanced academic program, and subjects are taught with Biblical truth woven into the lessons. OCA strives to keep tuition affordable and accepts scholarships so that children whose families might not be able to afford a quality Christian education can do so. Character training is practiced; students are expected to be honest, respectful, and responsible. Discipline is issued when needed, and it is done in love with the goal of seeing a change in the student who did wrong. OCA graduates go on to many of the nation s top colleges and universities. Many also go on to Christian colleges and universities to prepare for full-time ministry and are serving as teachers, missionaries, and pastors all around the world. OCA provides a well-rounded education for students and also makes available athletics, music lessons, and opportunities for community service. It is a great place, and I highly recommend it!
Submitted by teacher on March 09, 2015

It is a joy to work with alongside other caring and motivated faculty and staff! Over and over again I have seen my colleagues sacrifice their time and effort to individually help students who show difficulty in areas. The environment here is a place that allows students to flourish academically, spiritually, and socially. Our goal is to teach and exemplify Biblical Christian values daily. Students here can feel free to get answers to tough questions from our qualified administration and pastoral staff. My personal goal is not to collect a paycheck, but to make an improved difference in the lives of each student I teach. Please contact us or visit us anytime to see what we do for yourselves!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

OCA is an excellent school! First, I would have to say that if people actually got to know and talk with the Faculty and Administration they would see OCA has a genuine love and care for each student. I m not saying they re not human and can t possibly have a bad day, but from what I ve seen my children have learned a lot and enjoyed their experience with them. After reading some of the negative reviews about OCA, I could see a common accusation: intolerance. The only problem with the tolerant and accepting view that pervades our society today is that it is neither tolerant nor accepting of Biblical Christianity. OCA takes the Bible for what it says and does it best to make it practical and relevant to education for today s student. Interestingly, OCA is a Christian school who is more open than many Christian Schools. You don t have to sign something that says you are a Christian. Are there rules and principles for living taught? Yes, as would be expected. True love and genuine concern for the individual are characteristic, not hypocritical acceptance of all beliefs. Finally, the quality of education is great and many I know have made it into top schools! Hope this helps!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2015

This school couldn't be more in the stone ages. If you expect this education to allow your child to be ready for the future then look elsewhere. Teachers are judgmental and they are not forgiving, core Christian beliefs are not evident at this school.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

This school is good for the very early years but after second grade the quality of instruction becomes average at best. By the time my student got to middle school I simply could not justify continuing to send my student to this school. Not only is the staff petty and judgemental, they fail to adequately prepare students to move on to anything more than a community college or Christian college education. Most of the students who have attempted to complete a challenging post high school education (ie: West Point, Ivy League college) have failed miserably because they were not adequately prepared to meet the challenge due to the high school's poor quality of instruction. Additionally the religious views of the faculty often obscures their ability to look beyond the walls of the school and accept that there is a real world out there and it does not always revolve around church. That said, your student will get a strong education in the fundamental Baptist worldview.