Academics
Cultivating Life-Long Learners
Our rigorous curriculum prepares our students for success in college and beyond. We also draw inspiration from the rich cultural production of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and weave the visual and performing arts through every part of our curriculum.
Core Values
“Coming to OCA has been a transformative experience for me because this school has allowed me to grow as a person and develop the skills necessary to become a leader in this world. The support from OCA as I navigated balancing academics, sports, being the President of student government, all while applying for college, was unmatched. I plan on attending my dream school, Vanderbilt University, to study Political Science.”
“OCA served as a fundamental part of figuring out who I am and my interests. My teachers and the staff at OCA were determined to help me succeed, from encouraging me to stay on track to helping me figure out my career path. At OCA, I found many passions; advocating for my peers to help rebuild our school yard and finding a new interest in volleyball (which I had never played before coming to OCA). Because of OCA, I am now college bound to pursue nursing.”
“OCA was truly a life changing experience for me. My goal here has always been to leave the school better than I found it. Through my participation in volleyball, student government, our first APUSH class as well as all the other AP Classes I’ve taken, I believe that I’ve always stayed true to my principle of integrity at OCA. The tight knit community made it possible for me to take my next steps at Lafayette College, studying Engineering.”
OCA’s Class of 2024 Core Value Scholars. From left: James Robinson, Tasnima Eyni, and Dyonis Diaz. James and Dyonis were named Posse Scholars and awarded full scholarships to Vanderbilt University and Lafayette College.
College and Career Counseling
The College Office is the central hub for students’ post-secondary planning, where they receive guidance on academic course loads, college applications, scholarship opportunities, and career paths. Our counselor empowers our students to navigate their future plans with confidence and clarity.
As a result, in 2023, 91% of our graduating class matriculated to a post-secondary degree program. That’s five percentage points higher than the Department of Education’s goal for 2026.
A Rich and Rigorous Curriculum
With our diverse course offerings, including six Advanced Placement Courses, we empower our students to take charge of their learning and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
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9th Grade
Global Studies I; English 9; Spanish 1; Algebra I or Geometry; Living Environment or Earth; Science; Arts Elective; Physical Education
10th Grade
Global Studies II; English 10; Spanish I; Geometry or Algebra II; Earth Science, Chemistry, or Science Research; Arts Elective; Physical Education
11th Grade
U.S. History or AP U.S.; History; English 11; Spanish II; Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or AP Pre-Calculus; Chemistry, Science Research, or AP Biology; Arts Elective; Physical Education
12th Grade
Government and Economics; English 12 or AP English Literature and Composition; Pre-Calculus, AP Pre-Calculus, or AP Calculus AB; Arts Elective ; Physical Education
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AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Literature and Composition, AP Pre-Calculus, AP United States History, AP Music Theory
Tracking Progress
Our results speak for themselves
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93% High School Graduation Rate -
100% College Acceptance Rate -
12:1 Student to Faculty Ratio
Ms. Alvarado teaches a lesson to her Spanish 3 class.
