The OCA Way
College preparation is important—but college isn’t the singular destination. OCA prepares students for college, career, service, leadership, and the unique calling God has placed on their lives. That philosophy is especially visible in the high-school program, where faith, personal responsibility, independent learning, and Early University come together.
Wisdom Over Information.
At Oakdale Christian Academy, education is about more than academics. We develop faith, wisdom, character, confidence, and purpose.
Students are encouraged to understand deeply, think independently, work hard, and persevere, building confidence through true mastery.
And through it all, Christ remains at the center—guiding students to live God’s truth, serve others, and discover the purpose He has for their lives.
We educate the whole child—mind, heart and spirit—so they can walk in truth, live with integrity, and lead with courage.
The following are our five OCA Way principles:
Faith Over Culture
We don’t simply teach students what to think. We ground them in Biblical truth so they can understand what they believe – and why.
Mastery Over Completion
Learning isn’t about finishing the worksheet. Students keep working until understanding becomes competence – and competence becomes confidence. OCA’s current academic model explicitly emphasizes assessment-driven instruction and mastery learning.
Purpose Over Pressure
Excellence doesn’t require anxiety. Students are challenged to work hard in an environment where they are supported, encouraged, and free to experience the joy of learning. OCA currently describes this philosophy as “rigorous without stress”.
Character Over Achievement Only
Grades matter. Character matters more. Love, humility, service, perseverance, kindness, courtesy, honor, and respect are intentionally developed alongside academic excellence.
Character of Courage
Oakdale Christian Academy’s primary purpose is to introduce the love and character of Christ to our students, and to help them develop their relationship with Him to the fullest. Our desire is for each student to develop a character lived out in reverence and respect for God. Love, humility, sacrifice and service will be hallmarks of our successful student.
Mastering Learning
An inspired learner, one whose eagerness to learn is driven by desire and purpose, is easily prepared and transitioned to the rigor of college courses. The richness and variety of university level courses are the exciting reward. Early College students achieve at least 16 units per year, graduating with a full year or more of college completed. This may sound like a stressful feat, but with individualized instruction, endless support and comprehensive curriculum, our students exceed expectations at every turn, all the while with smiles on their faces.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm 32:8