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Academics

The OCS students learn by doing. They construct knowledge through hands-on engagement. Using project-based learning, teachers guide authentic and purposeful investigations that enable discovery while building the skills students need to be successful.

In each of our three divisions, Montessori, Lower (grades 1-5), and Upper (grades 6-12), we have designed a developmentally appropriate program that is challenging, sparks a love of learning, and enhances the many academic and interpersonal strengths our students bring with them every day.

Montessori 

Toddler - Kindergarten

The foundation for the development of an individual's personality is created during the first years of life. The OCS Montessori offers an excellent beginning with fully trained teachers in Montessori philosophy. We strive to create a child-centered approach which encourages more creativity, imagination, and questions. 

 

Lower School

Grades 1-5

The Lower School program provides a strong foundation of concepts and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, art, Islamic studies, Quran, Arabic language, library, and physical education in a supportive environment. Teachers integrate hands-on activities, simulations, field trips, and multimedia projects with the academic program. Basic skills are taught in a sequential scheme that progresses at each grade level.

Upper School

Grades 6-12

In Upper School, students continue to gain skills and knowledge in all of the core academic areas of English, history, science, math, Islamic studies, Quran and Arabic language, and have the opportunity to explore new areas in AVID and other electives. Students at each grade level work with passionate teachers to gain knowledge and expand their critical thinking through research projects, lab experiments, and hands-on activities. 

Curriculum

The educational program at OCS follows the curriculum set by the State of California Common Core standards and utilizes state-adopted textbooks. The subjects taught are Language Arts/English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Computer Education, and Health and Physical Education. We have three additional subjects, including Qur’an, Arabic Language, and Islamic Studies. This basic program is expanded and enriched at every level with Islamic curricula providing students with exceptional learning opportunities.

Common Core 

Common is a Nationwide Initiative to have the same academic standards for each grade level across all 50 states. Common Core emphasizes more critical thinking, student talk time, and project-based learning that ties the curriculum with real-life examples.

OCS has adopted a new Common Core curriculum in Mathematics in the 2014-2015 school year and adopted the Common Core English Language Arts curriculum in the 2015-2016 school year.

In Mathematics, there will be greater focus on fewer topics; linking topics and thinking across grades; and a balance between both conceptual understanding and procedural skills and fluency. 

Accelerated Reader

OCS has adopted Accelerated Reader for all grades - Kindergarten to 8th grade - to help strengthen our students' reading comprehension.

What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR is a computer program that helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer.
(Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives children, teachers, and librarians feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.

Physical Education

OCS takes pride in its Physical Education program that it offers to its students. Students have Physical Education class twice a week, which includes team sports, track and field events, cardio vascular and stretching exercises. Team sports include:

  • Flag Football 
  • Baseball 
  • Basketball 
  • Soccer 
  • Tennis


In addition, students participate in the National and Presidential Fitness Program, Jump Rope for Heart, Sports Day & Iron Student/Teacher Challenge and School-wide Soccer Tournaments.

Schedule 

The elementary program schedule includes:

  • Language Arts (1.5 hours daily) 
  • Mathematics (1.5 hours daily) 
  • Qur'an (30 minutes daily) 
  • Arabic (30 minutes daily) 
  • Islamic Studies (30 minutes daily) 
  • Science and Social Studies (2.5 hours weekly) 
  • Physical Education (1.5 hours weekly) 
  • Computer (1.5 hours weekly) 
  • Library/Accelerated Reader (45 minutes weekly)