Charleston's Independent School Directory 2018-19

www.CharlestonsPrivateSchools.com | www.CharlestonSchoolDirectory.com | www.ed.sc.gov ISD INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Oceanside Collegiate Academy High School, College and Beyond! A safe, tightknit, family-centered learning environment serving high school students pursuing rigorous curriculums and athletics as a springboard to collegiate success and beyond: Welcome to Oceanside Collegiate Academy, where preparing “Landsharks” for success is a job not taken lightly. Running strong since 2016, OCA is a tuition-free public charter high school located at 580 Faison Road in Mount Pleasant. Through a modified schedule that enables students to attend either a morning or afternoon session, they have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma, along with up to 60 transferable college credits. “During 9th and 10th grade, a typical Landshark takes a high school honors curriculum, which, in turn, gives him or her the opportunity to prepare for the rigors of the college curriculum awaiting in 11th and 12th grade,” explained Principal Brenda Corley. “OCA faculty has the opportunity to meet with and collaborate with college faculty in order to facilitate that vertical articulation and best prepare underclassmen for what’s to come.” “OCA uses college-adjunct professors who are Trident Tech certified and vetted but who teach their courses at OCA’s campus and are OCA employees,” she added. “The goal is to allow students to tackle those first two years of college with all its rigor and demands while living under their parents’ roof with all the emotional support and stability that comes with. Our college faculty is allowed and encouraged to share student progress with the students’ parents or guardians and are available to conference with both students and parents on an as-needed basis – unlike what is allowed once a student enters college.” Additionally, OCA students are fully immersed in receiving educational, personal and career-awareness skills to meet all challenges of continuing education and adulthood. OCA embraces the classical attributes of a charter-school curriculum, appealing to families on the basis of a unique educational approach – classical education or expedition learning, for example – and the special needs of families. Creating this learning enviroment benefits not only students but also parents and teachers, who are able to see the fruits of their labors. There is nearly a direct correclation to success, as Corley revealed: “Sixty-five percent of our student body participated in one or more of our athletic teams this past year. OCA fully believes in the benefits of an athletics- based education, and, in two short years, has created a legacy of unapologetic excellence for academics and athletics. Throughout their time as Landsharks, students are engaged in coursework at higher levels and are provided the necessary coaching and skill development to be successful beyond high school, develop into leaders through athletic competition and learn through community service what it takes to get to the next level!” This year’s graduating class did take it to the next level, having earned 1,400 college credits – possibly chiseling off $1.5 million in tuition, textbooks and technology costs – and having been offered $3.5 million in academic and athletic scholarships. For more information, call 843-936-7128, or visit www.oceansidecollegiateacademy.org . By Eileen Casey Photos by Eileen Casey.