Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts in Laguna Niguel

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	8/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: October 28, 2025

At first glance, OCASA looks promising the website, photos, and messaging give the impression of a strong school community. But once youre inside, the reality is very different. There is high teacher turnover and classrooms are often left without consistent instruction and the principal is no where to be found. This creates a lot of instability for students.

The biggest issue is leadership and lack of transparency. Administrators, especially the CEO and school principal, seem more focused on appearances than actually supporting teachers or families. When concerns are raised, parents may hear polished responses, but behind the scenes, teachers are overburdened and struggling without support. Special Education services, in particular, are very stretched, and families who need them should be prepared for delays or gaps. I am tired of emails getting unanswered and told support is happening for my child only for that to not be evident in the classroom. Myself and many families are planning to leave after this school year, after many disappointments, dishonesty, and treating our kids like their education doesn't matter.

The environment created by leadership is not sustainable, and unfortunately, it shows in the student experience. I have shown up community meetings for parents only to hear the CEO make ridiculous promises and lies, and to believe they are opening a new school, when the current one needs support and has been struggling for a while.

If you are considering OCASA, I would highly suggest you dont. They are not what they promote, and if you decided to move forward, I would recommend asking very direct questions about academics, teacher retention, classroom stability, and special education services. Those areas reveal the true picture of the school beyond the branding.

Posted: October 28, 2025

Posted: April 30, 2025

One of the things I love most about OCASA is the incredible sense of community. The level of parent involvement creates a warm and supportive environment where families truly feel connected. My daughter looks forward to school every day, which speaks volumes about the engaging learning experience and caring teachers. We chose OCASA because it fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning while making every child feel valued. It's a special place, and we're so grateful to be part of it!

Posted: April 30, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2024

We have been so sadly disappointed in the school. There is no social-emotional learning. There is a lot of bullying and the teacher. The principal doesn't do anything about it. She shows up halfway through the school day and is impossible to get a hold of. After talking to many other families, we discovered that the school is a major red flag. She fires her entire staff every single school year and attempts to cover it all up. She likes to give brand-new teachers and appears to provide them with no support. This school is not for us, I'm afraid.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: February 3, 2024

We love OCASA elementary school - particularly the small class sizes and community feel. Our child enjoys music class and STEM lab in particular. They also attend weekly Spanish class and Art, plus field trips almost every month. This is our first year at OCASA. So far, we've had a great experience! It's a small school (the campus is quite small and not the most impressive) but it makes up for it in support for the children and their educational and developmental growth. Highly recommend.

Posted: February 3, 2024

Posted: June 17, 2023

Our daughter finished three years at OCASA, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. It truly felt like a community. It is small, so you get to know families and staff well. The PTSA is active, and there were plenty of events to connect. We always felt like we could communicate concerns and had the support to cater to our child's learning and cognitive needs with the principal and teachers. Our younger child is still there, and we have seen growth in both kids, academically and socially. We would love it if the music program would be more consistent.

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: April 17, 2023

I have to echo what many other reviewers have mentioned here. This school is not what it should be and what it was promoted as. It's a unique modality of teaching and that's about it. A few good teachers. A whole lot of turn over. No expansion in 6 years. The open hostility towards children with additional needs is absolutely true. The administration team and special education team honestly don't appear to know what they are doing. They intentionally escalate situations to make problems larger than life and in doing so are hurting the children that they just don't want to deal with. After taking my child out, I found out another parent was dealing with the exact same nonsense from the administration. They actually should be ashamed that they behave this way towards small children... it's a bit absurd.

Posted: April 17, 2023

Posted: April 16, 2023

I absolutely love this school, I love the fact that they are treat you like a family. They care so much. We've been here since third grade, both of my kids are having a good experience, Kapil the founder care so much he just added a program from tillys organization helping kids communicate and learn how to handle stress I was so impressed and I really

Posted: April 16, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

The school used to be amazing for a new charter school and the music and extra activities were awesome. During and after Covid everything changed and continues to get worse. There are a few great teachers left and the new music teacher is awesome but the new administration does not seem interested in the quality of the childrens education and spends time enforcing silly rules (no logos or non-Ocasa colors on jackets so if its cold they make the child take it off - not everyone can afford an Ocasa jacket). Recess time is structured so children have to play the game the teachers put them in - no time to make choices or socialize with friends. Unfortunately, unless the board addresses the poor administration and the lack of programs, I feel the school is set to fail.

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: September 15, 2022

My biggest issue with OCASA is that it has stalled in its development. They've been open for 7 years and there is still no real campus and the program offerings they have are minimal. They lack much that you would expect to see at a STEAM school in its 7th year. Where's the playground? Lab space? How about a robotics team? Are the kids able to tinker in a maker lab? Is there orchestra or instrument instruction? The people in charge do not seem driven to build the school into something better or maintain the community and students they have. I often wonder if there were any experts in the field of education that were involved with writing the charter or school development plans because of the amount of issues and changes made in the past years. We chose OCASA because we loved everything they said that the school was going to be. After the crazy last few years of turnover in staff and feeling like the school was unsympathetic to the socio-emotional needs of the kids (therapy dog does not make up for treating kids as expendable), reality has set in and I have zero faith the school will get better. We've transferred to a different charter and I am blown away at how much more professional our current school is and how much more they provide for the students. My kids get more hands on education than before, more enrichment/extra curriculars, and are generally happier. So much so that I felt compelled to write this review. South OC needs a great STEAM school but under the current board and leadership it's not going to happen at OCASA. My advice for anyone considering OCASA is to realize that what you see is what you get and to have zero expectations of any improvement.

Posted: September 15, 2022

Posted: July 9, 2022

I would strongly discourage anyone from sending their children to this school. It is the worst school weve ever encountered. We have moved out of state now, but we had the misfortune of having our child attend this school. We heard great things, but the new principal has run the place into the ground and the owner is so clueless. It would be funny if it wasnt so sad for the kids. We have been so disappointed. They fired half their staff last year and we are getting word it is happening again. The principal and Special Ed team are openly hostile to children with additional needs. They dont want them there. They do everything they can to get them to leave the school by denying them services and then pretending they don't have the resources to help. If your child has an IEP or 504 like mine, they will not be treated well here by the principal or Special Ed team. The principal degrades her own teachers in IEP meetings in order to save her own neck (that is if shes not on her phone looking disinterested). For your childrens sake, please look elsewhere.

Posted: July 9, 2022

Posted: July 8, 2022

This school is approximately 6 years old, and has had its challenging moments, but mostly to do with administration. My kids have attended great private and excellent public schools, but what OCASA offers is not in comparison. We searched for a place where my kids can learn to problem solve, not just perform for a test. Every day they are excited to go to school, and every pick-up is a handful of all the great and creative things they did. Beginning their day with the fantastic teachers of OCASA, students have an opportunity to build, create, perform, and daily public speaking opportunities. One of the reasons we switched our kids from the previous school is because my daughter desperately wanted more sciences, and now she gets a handful! Kids are happy to go to school; it is a tight close community if you allow yourself to get involved. There is no homework until 4th grade, and no traditional grades given. But don't let this be a deterrent as my kids still perform above average on State tests. It is a project-based school. The teachers engage their students in learning and conversations, not just teaching to a number. The PTSA puts on great events and even play dates/events during the summer to keep the families involved if they choose to.

Posted: July 8, 2022

Posted: March 1, 2022

This school is not the same school it was two years ago. It has changed. The great reviews on here from 2020 and before are no longer accurate. There has been so much turnover with staff and families. Some try to make excuses for the turnover saying that it's a sign of the times or normal for a charter school, but the turnover numbers at OCASA are way above what I am hearing from other neighboring charter school families. In the last year, OCASA lost FIVE lead teachers (out of approx 9), the performing arts/music teacher (who lead all the clubs, assemblies, fun stuff), the Special Ed Specialist, the psychologist, and several aides. The school also has a new principal. Plus they lost a Vice Principal at the start of the pandemic that they have yet to replace. I don't think any other school in the area has lost 5 out 9 lead teachers, that is INSANE. The loss of teachers was crushing for morale. The kids came back to school this year to so many new teacher faces and new classmates since many families left too. Then this year, another teacher left in December. To fill the vacant teaching position, the school took one of the Yellow Band teachers (grade 4/5) from her class to fill the spot. They did not hire a new teacher for the Yellow Band class. They instead dissolved the class by divided up the students among the remaining Yellow Band classes. It was so sad for the kids as many of them had been with the teacher for the last 2 years and they expected to end 5th grade with her or at least end the school year with the original friends they had in class. Leadership has its priorities mixed up. They should have found a better way without making the Yellow Band class suffer. After the decision was made, the yellow band students made protest posters to put up at school and they were forced to take them down by staff. They wouldn't even let the kids express their unhappiness. Honestly, the whole vibe at the school has changed. Parent involvement isn't the same as it was. The 2:32 teacher to student ratio is not accurate. In cases where there are 2 teachers in the class, they aren't used in a way that takes the load off the lead teacher. The classrooms are often noisy and chaotic. Arc is unorganized. OCASA feels like it was when they first opened their doors. Maybe that's a good thing for some, the school has potential to grow still, but the question is how will it be managed and where is the leadership? What about oversight? Who answers for mass exodus of staff?

Posted: March 1, 2022

Posted: January 31, 2022

We recently left OCASA after 5 years of enrollment. Innovative teachers, engaging STEAM curriculum, and wonderful families are the big reasons we stayed so long. The major reason for us leaving was because the school was unstable and didn't have momentum to develop into a fully equipped STEAM school with the necessary specialized staff, facilities, and program logistics. The issue of a bare bones campus and inconsistent communication by the administration weren't so bad over the years because we felt the school had other good things to make up for it. However, things like the limited capability of the STEAM program/labs and ineffective strategies to provide individualized instruction were a constant thorn in our side that required us to use our own resources to provide for the kids outside of school.

The major tipping point for us that pushed us to withdraw was at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. There was a shocking amount of teacher turnover; these were lead teachers that set the tone for the school and were the heart of the school for many of the students. Parents flooded the school with concerns and the response by the OCASA board was grossly inadequate. I felt that board oversight of the administration was superficial and that neither the administration or the board could be trusted to prioritize the needs of the students in their care. My takeaway from it all was that decisions made in the past that placed students in disadvantageous positions would continue to be made, especially while there were potential replacement students on the wait list willing to fill vacant spots. If we stayed at OCASA, I believed that there was a high probability that my kids would repeat the heartbreak and uncertainty of years prior with teachers suddenly disappearing midyear and the withdrawal of close friends from the school. The kids have learned to flexible and roll with punches enough given the pandemic; they need a school that works to give some sense of stability and to safeguard children's social-emotional needs best they can.

Anyone considering OCASA may want to request copies of prior board meeting minutes. The May/June 2021 board meeting minutes may be of extra interest as dozens of parents sent the board letters detailing their concerns in public record. Also if there is any data the school can share regarding teacher turnover and student retention, that may help. The school is a good fit for some, you just need to know what you are getting into.

Posted: January 31, 2022

Posted: January 18, 2022

This is our third year at OCASA and we couldnt be more grateful for this amazing little school. My children love going to school every day and they are excelling both socially and academically. Through all of the ups and downs of this pandemic, the teachers and school staff have worked so hard to nurture our children and keep school a positive, healthy place.

Ive been very impressed with the new principal. My children love seeing her and the schools emotional support dog, Aurora! Weve had some turnover like everywhere else throughout this pandemic. Ive really appreciated how the school has received our feedback and worked hard to communicate with the families. Ive never seen a forum post removed unless it directly violated the civility guidelines. When Ive reached out with questions or concerns, I have received clarifications or support as needed.

Ive found such a wonderful group of parents here and my children have made the sweetest friends. Its a relatively small community and its been easy to find friends. Im so grateful we landed here. Id highly recommend the school to anyone who asks.

Posted: January 18, 2022

Posted: January 8, 2022

Deeply disappointed and even shocked by the practices at this school.

- Bullying is not addressed for the sake of pretty numbers. Even kids themselves are shocked by how the principal just ignores what is going on daily on campus.

- If you voice your concerns on parents' forum, your comments will be deleted by the Executive Director and you would be "recommended" to leave the school. Bullying is a norm among parents as well.

- 80% of the staff unexpectedly quit at the end of the last year. These were the best of the best teachers that never planned to leave. Some kids came to an empty classroom where the teacher was "gone" overnight.

- Some classrooms no longer have a teacher assistant as is advertised by the school. 30+ kids per 1 teacher in a tiny mobile classroom.

- Students with learning difficulties are roaming on their own in regular classrooms. Understaffed on all levels.

- Indifferent Principal that joined 2 years ago and is already very unpopular with her own staff for the decisions she makes.

- Quality of education went down for the past couple of years. The public school we switched to after OCASA tested us as being at least 6 months behind.

A happy school is a school where kids, parents, teachers and admins are happy. OCASA is sadly not a happy school anymore.

Posted: January 8, 2022

Posted: May 26, 2021

I hate the school a ton every school year I've had there was BAD real bad. Every teacher would lose their voice once per grade and every class would be yelling and yelling there was no quiet. They never thought us anything new in 3rd grade alone where we're still learning equal groups when there were 9 days left of school. I do not suggest this school it is not very proper with the new boss being horrible at their job.

Posted: May 26, 2021

Posted: June 11, 2020

Our family can't say enough good things about OCASA. The staff is incredible and my kids are excited to learn. They get to learn by doing (not just hearing about or memorizing) and that is what makes it "click" for them. The speciality teachers for technology, arts/music and spanish are an extra treat in addition to the top notch lead teachers and assistant this school offers. We are so grateful to have our kids in this school!

Posted: June 11, 2020

They do not overload students with homework and won't send them home with work they don't know how to do already. It's the perfect amount.

Posted: June 11, 2020

Posted: June 10, 2020

We switched from our local public school to OCASA and my child was thriving just after a few weeks. Fantastic teachers, classmates & opportunities to grow.

Posted: June 10, 2020

Posted: June 9, 2020

The vision of project based learning, multi-age class placement, weekly staff professional development and weekly professional collaboration by band level allows for the teachers to have a respected active voice in the leadership of OCASA. There are a variety of opportunities, more than I have ever experienced in any previous schools, for parents to be involved. Administration closely works with parents and appreciates their input in a real hands on way through School Site Council, ARC projects, ASB, PBIS, fine arts planning and delivery, PTSA, practical life, and field trip moments. Leadership is not characterized by one or two admin individuals in the officeit is an ongoing team response and purposeful reflection of what our current school family needs delivered, with equal importance from every team member. Our little school community thrives together as each of us lead in our own special way. We are a group of equally respected participants.

Posted: June 9, 2020

In my experience I don't think any school delivers a perfect situation for every student with extremely different learning needs. What I will say is that we do our best to help each child succeed. Each day is new and exciting and exciting and new. There is a lot of moving, hands on, and goings on all the time. Our curriculum is rigorous and keeps them thinking. Because it is very stimulating and full of class changes and ever changing goals it can be overwhelming for students who need calm. We do our best to teach mindfulness and provide spaces for calm, but our campus is small and limited in physical space (for now). Each teacher K-5 has full time one on one teaching assistant who co teaches all day with the students. This dual teaching team plus the specialty lessons of engineering, fine arts, Spanish and ARC explorations give all students a variety of learning beyond the standards.

Posted: June 9, 2020

I love our school, and I am thankful for our school family.

Posted: June 9, 2020

I know from experience that every bullying situation brought to our attention has been dealt with in a personal and restorative manner. Each teacher has their own class managment system that supports our efforts with our school wide PBIS goals. We also have a healthy social emotional learning program in place. Mostly, because we have such a caring and responsive school community, we support one another in all situations.

Posted: June 9, 2020

Homework at our school is meaningful and collaborative. Parents do not receive a packet of meaningless worksheets. Here students are asked to research inquiry projects, discuss with family members, cite relevant sources supporting their imaginative ideas, share their writing, and plan budgets, goals and models for group ARC inquiries/builds. Currently my daughter is in middle school working to master her personal best as she prepares to meet the expectations of advanced level work in high school. Middle school expectations at OCASA are highly rigorous. I have taught advanced placement classes in middle school in other public schools, and this curriculum dives deeper and moves faster than most. The best part is, I know my daughter continues to have a great love of learning, and she is acquiring the skills she will need to be a successful student in the years ahead. Her teachers are exceptional and highly personal.

Posted: June 9, 2020

Full disclosureI am a teacher at OCASA. I have been with the school since year one. I will share my perceptions as both an educator and parent. My daughter has attended OCASA for four years. She has had nothing less than outstanding role models for her teachers. With two teachers per classroom she has been given a lot of personal attention. Because the students work within bands as they move about for specialty lessons and grade level specific lessons, they have the opportunity to be supported and taught by a host of experts. She LOVES her teachers. It is a very active and mobile school climate which requires students to handle A LOT of chaos and motion. Teachers here know how to organize their lessons so students who thrive in this wonderful cacophony of noise, learning, manipulatives, hands-on madness, movement, debate, research, building, questioning, tinkering, imagination and fun, find their academic, social and emotional best. I look around the room during our staff meetings and know I work with a room of wonderful educators who go above and beyond for each student every day. I feel blessed and honored to be a part of this teaching team, and I know my own child is lucky to be here.

Posted: June 9, 2020

The Leadership at this school is Genuine, honest and Truly unheard of these days. It shows from the top down! A sign of Leadership is Inspiring Others.. and when the Principals are participating and working with every students semester projects; that says a lot.

Posted: June 9, 2020

We have been at OCASA for over 2 years now. My kids LOVE the atmosphere and have grown a lot being here. For your child to ONLY want to go to one school says a lot! He LOVES it! Thank you

Posted: June 9, 2020

We actually left our assigned public school to attend OCASA. And while kids can be kids; they do stop and have a zero tolerance for any of it!

Posted: June 9, 2020

I appreciate OCASA's approach to homework and teaching. Appropriate homework is sent home! Enough for the parents to see where their child is and where there is a struggle. In which OCASA's educators step in and work the next day with the student to review. My experience has always been my kid wasn't paying attention and the teacher reviews the next day with him.

Posted: June 9, 2020

My daughter has attended OCASA for the past three years. We absolutely love the school! The administrators are personable and communicative, the teachers are creative and attentive to both the individual and the class, and the curriculum design is just what are daughter needs to be able to see where creativity intersects with traditional disciplines. OCASA is fully equipping her with the tools she needs to problem solve, cooperate, and dream outside the box! Thank you to the entire OCASA team!

Posted: June 9, 2020

Posted: June 8, 2020

I can't comment as I have not been exposed to this.

Posted: June 8, 2020

I have not heard anything mentioned about bullies, just the opposite, My son has mentioned "my school doesn't let Bullies be with us"

Posted: June 8, 2020

I felt the homework during COVID was excessive.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Very positive 2 years here with my son and my daughter will be joining Kinder this year. The cons are the campus being all trailors and sharing with Roots, the pro are engaged teachers, STEM focus, amazing music program and field trips to engage the kids.

Posted: June 8, 2020

We have a great executive director who believes and cares so much about the school (for which his daughter also attends). We have a great principal who works overtime and tries to get with the kids as much as possible. Communication is a little lacking at times, but worth the benefits.

Posted: June 8, 2020

This school encompasses what a traditional education used to be, hands on learning and exposure. They go on fields trips once a month, they have a great staff and resources on campuses. (Music, Makers Lab, Spanish, Art). They've built a strong afterschool program and have a great PTA.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Part of the charter creates slightly longer days for the kids but it also makes the homework optional. I personally still expect it to be done, but their approach alleviates fights at home as the kids know

Posted: June 8, 2020

While there is still 30 kids in the class, there is a full time aide to help the lead teacher. They are easy to communicate with and my son has never disliked a teacher he's had. They also have full time teachers for Music/Arts, Spanish and Engineering/Makers Lab.

Posted: June 8, 2020

They have core values that are followed and they find creative methods that help kids learn

Posted: June 8, 2020

Yes! My kids learn differently and the teachers work hard to accommodate that

Posted: June 8, 2020

They addressed situations quickly and appropriately. We never had a complaint

Posted: June 8, 2020

Homework is minimal and reinforces what is being taught in the classroom

Posted: June 8, 2020

Most of the teachers we have encountered have done a wonderful job about finding methods that work best for my 2 sons.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Lots of great assembly speakers and programs

Posted: June 8, 2020

Ocasa is a wonderful school. Great approach to learning including STEAM with emphasis on engineering and music. Its a wonderful school.

Posted: August 30, 2019

I am thankful for the leadership at OCASA. I feel that a lot of thought goes into their decisions. They are looking out for the best interests of the kids.

Posted: August 30, 2019

My two children learn differently and they are both being taught effectively.

Posted: August 30, 2019

My children have not had any bullying situations so I don't have any experience with how it would be handled. They also do not say anything about bullying situations at school.

Posted: August 30, 2019

We are in our 4th year at OCASA. My children are in 5th and 3rd. I reviewed our school the first year with very positive reviews and it has only gotten better each year. The administrators and teachers understand how education is changing, where it should change and they aren't afraid to do things differently to engage the students. They also receive music 3 days a week for 40 minutes which is important to me. All students in 3rd grade and above pick and play 1 of 10 approved instruments. My children are thriving at OCASA and I'm grateful that they are a part of it.

Posted: August 30, 2019

There is very little homework. If things come home it is because they may not have finished in class, but that is very rare. This is a positive for me because I don't feel elementary students should be doing homework.

Posted: August 30, 2019

I have had very positive experiences with the teachers at OCASA. At this point, my children have had 10+ teachers if you add in music, engineering, art, etc. They are nice and I feel they care about my kids. They have also had 8 full time Teacher's Aides. I feel that my children are learning and retaining. They also enjoy the way that material is presented to them. Hands on, collaborative, exploratory work. The teachers work REALLY hard to make it fun and educational for the kids!

Posted: August 30, 2019

When I'm on campus I notice a general happiness amongst the students. I feel that their character is being nurtured in positive way. Classroom and School rules are emphasized at the beginning of the year. Compassion and helpfulness is encouraged.

Posted: May 4, 2019

A charter school has many advantages, but the district schools have much better access to accomodations and services.

Posted: May 4, 2019

We had such high hopes for this school, and we probably stayed too long based on our expectations, which sadly didn't come to fruition. This school is young, and I am sure they will grow to be the school they advertised, but we do not have the 5-10 years to wait. We knew that their location is temporary, but three years later there is no mention of when or even where the move is going to be. We expected the first year to be rough and scattered, and it was. We could see improvements in the second year, both in general organization and curriculum. But this past year has seen a backslide in organization. and while there have been program improvements, overall we don't feel our kids are getting the education they were promised, or that they need to thrive. I write this with a heavy heart, but for future enrollees, you should know that at least for now, OCASA fails to live up to it's promise.

Posted: May 4, 2019

Bullying is a major problem, and it does not seem to be improving.

Posted: May 4, 2019

My child has homework, but it is manageable.

Posted: May 4, 2019

It really just depends on who you get. I think they try, but even though there us one teacher plus one aide in every class (a big selling point when choosing this school) most teachers seem to be a little overworked and frustrated.

Posted: May 4, 2019

Posted: February 2, 2019

I would highly recommend OCASA to any parent. My student has blossomed since attending this school.

Posted: February 2, 2019

A balanced approach to in class work along with responsibility to complete if needed at home.

Posted: February 2, 2019

Posted: January 31, 2019

Positive learning environment with teachers who go above and beyond.

Posted: January 31, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 20, 2019

So many issues Im not sure where to start. The vision of the STEM based learning experience is what convinced us to enroll our two kids in OCASA. Huge disappointment as there is no structure and organization with Admin. Teachers are overworked and not properly trained. The campus is disgusting and unsecured. The environment is nothing like what they promised.

Posted: January 20, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

The campus is riddled with rats. The administrative has no idea how to make their model work. We left our public school with the promise of a STEM based learning environment only to find not enough staff, a filthy campus and no organization. Needless to say after a month we returned to our public school. STAY AWAY!

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: November 15, 2018

Horrible! Stick with your neighborhood public school.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Posted: April 3, 2018

Ive been waiting to write this as I keep pinching myself wondering if Im dreaming.

After a rough start to 4th grade when we changed schools from private to public, we decided to give OCASA a try. Our daughter loves art and science so we hoped it would be a good fit.

We are so impressed after her first 2 months. She LOVES going to school since the hands on projects are so fun. She has made some smart friends. The science projects are beginning to engage her leadership skills. The music program is fantastic and she cant wait to get home to practice. And she looks forward to the monthly field trips.

The communication app is amazing for parents. The PTSA team is filled with ambitious and friendly parents. We honestly are so happy to have found this community of engaged families.

The campus is not great, but the environment is warm and loving and I hope the school district someday acknowledges this amazing school and assigns it a better home.

If youre looking for something more unique in your childs schooling, please visit an upcoming tour and check it out!

Posted: March 28, 2018

If you are a family that values innovation, science, the arts, technology, building a sense of community, parent involvement, and open-mindedness this is a good place for you. You will thrive here if you are flexible and have a can do attitude. If you are rigid in your expectations and value traditional ways of doing things or place more importance on organization over innovation, then it might not be the place for you.

I am happy with OCASA and know that this is the best choice for our family. My kids are learning at OCASA and are having experiences they would never have at a traditional school. These are experiences that are going to shape them and give them real-world understanding and context for what is being taught in the classroom. I love that they go on field trips nearly every month. They have guest speakers come in for demonstrations. They have weekly STEAM lessons. They are learning how to play the guitar and drums. They have things like singing club, poetry club, and other enrichment activities. I appreciate that parents are encouraged to get involved and be in the classroom. Their weekly assemblies are great at unifying the school and remind me of summer camp assemblies with the cute skits and songs the kids do. The school has been able to form a tight knit community among the kids and the families at large. There is a small private school feel to the school without the price tag. The families that attend the school are friendly and enthusiastic from a wide range of backgrounds, but they all seem to value hands-on learning and experiences. Teachers and administration are dedicated here and seem to work hard to make things happen for the students.

As far as bullying goes, I was very happy earlier this year with how the school handled my kid's "bully" situation. This is not a school where they punish kids harshly--they instead find solutions and work with kids to help them find a way they can be successful at school. I get why some parents would find that frustrating because they want offenders out of the school on strike one, but if you are open-minded and patient you may find that there can be a happy ending for all kids--"bullies" included. I was patient while getting regular reports from the teacher and in the end my child's "bully" behavior change towards my kid.

Posted: March 28, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

Teachers write individual learning plans for each student in their class. Even though students are all studying the same topic, assignments are differentiated for students with learning differences or styles.

Posted: March 15, 2018

Our experience at this school for the past 2 year has been great. We love the staff and the learning atmosphere. My child has thrived at this school, and enjoys going to school everyday, looking forward to fun and exciting things to learn each day. The teachers are positive and truly care for their students and support them.

Posted: March 15, 2018

We are happy that we have homework, but it's not as much as normal public schools. With our busy after school schedules, the amount of homework is good for us. I like that it is mainly review.

Posted: March 15, 2018

I pick up my child after normal pick-up time daily, and numerous teachers are still at school working hard. My child's teacher is amazing. She is kind, caring, and is invested in my child's learning/education.

Posted: March 15, 2018

Absolutely. Students are taught to be always be kind,show compassion and empathy towards one another, and learn to be respectful.

Posted: December 3, 2017

Many students at this school have diagnosed and undiagnosed behavioral problems. This is our second year and while the addition of the vice principal has made things slightly better, its definitely not enough. I do not feel like my voice or my childs voice matters. I have reached out to admin a few times and my concerns were minimized and redirected. I have a hard decision to make, finish the year or pull them out now. I can say that we will not be back next year for sure. I would not recommend this school for any children that struggle with academics and dont qualify for services. If your child is gifted and/or has continued behavioral problems, this is the school for you...

Posted: December 3, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

We had severa problems with bullying. We had several meetings with the principle who would not move our child to another class. All our kids fell behind as what they were teaching they already learned a year ago or more. There was a lot of people who left the first year! The campus is aweful!

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

My daughters attend OCASA and absolutely love their school day experience and the afterschool Beyond the Stars program. The hands-on, experiential learning experience at OCASA keeps them engaged, and their teachers, peers, and administrators complement their day-to-day activities.

Posted: November 15, 2017

Everything about OCASA is perfect for us. Our son has excelled in all areas of study along. He has also become less anxious about life in general especailly around his ability to do the same things as the kids in his class. The hands on approach is phenomenal and the administration listens to feedback and makes any necessary adjustments they feel are needed. This is our home for many years to come!

Posted: November 15, 2017

School and staff are dedicated to teaching our kids how to think for themselves, problem solve, critical thinking, hands on learning, teaching our kids about the world around them, all incorporated into individual learning. At least one field trip a month in every class. Because they believe learning happens outside the classroom as well, and they understand that learning from experiences is greater then just reading it or watching a video about it. Best part of the day for me is picking up my 2 boys after school and they can't wait to tell me all the things they learned at school that day. What they are working on, partners they are working with, reading with big/little buddies, what they made... I mean, when do you get BOYS to go on and on about what they learned at school? We love this school and love the teachers and staff and can't forget the wonderful families who are a big bonus to our school.

Posted: November 15, 2017

From the executive level to the Principal/Vice Principal, this is a group that knows what this school is all about, believes in the vision and is working hard to realize that vision every day.

Posted: November 15, 2017

The charter calls for individualized learning plans - whether a child needs more help than their peers or is ready to move on to more advanced concepts. The teachers and the administration provide the support needed to accommodate these kids.

Posted: November 15, 2017

The addition of a Vice Principal this year has made a huge difference in this area, which admitedly was a weak point in year one of the school.

Posted: November 15, 2017

With a focus on a positive approach to "discipline", this school encourages empathy and compassion in the students.

Posted: November 15, 2017

As a parent, the experience has been great, but more importantly my children are happy, challenged and eager to go to school each day. The ability to learn at a more individualized pace and experience hands-on science, art, music, etc engages them at a level that's exciting to watch.

Posted: November 15, 2017

Homework is eased in by age group and in discussion with the teachers can be more selectively applied. They take individualized learning seriously.

Posted: November 15, 2017

The teachers and assistant teachers have truly opted in to the charter and educational style of OCASA.

Posted: November 15, 2017

Choosing OCASA was the best decision we made last year, even though it was a brand new school. My son is still happy, he learns a lot compare to the public school he went before. They have tons of field trips. Awesome school!

Posted: November 15, 2017

I am one of those who believe that homework is an ineffective way of learning. So, this is one of the reasons we chose this school and we are happy about it.

Posted: November 15, 2017

In the 2016-2017 school year, our son's 4th Grade teacher Dana Ware was chosen "Family Favorite Teacher" by Parenting OC magazine. This tells all. Teachers are great at OCASA

Posted: November 15, 2017