Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Charter School?
For general questions about charter schools please click here.

Is Charter School a part of the Los Angeles Unified School District?
While Ocean Charter is sponsored and overseen by LAUSD, it is independent of the District and is, for all purposes other than special education, its own school district.

How is this different from any other Los Angeles public school?
Ocean Charter School's Whole Child Curriculum provides a standards based, creative, experiential and ecological approach in the teaching of academics. Our curriculum enhances the growth of the student's creativity and imagination through the arts. This approach nurtures the whole child, promoting the development of healthy, responsible, and creative human beings
The Whole Child Curriculum is informed by the Waldorf educational method. For more information on traditional Waldorf Schools click here. Ocean Charter is a non-sectarian school in its educational programs, admission policies, employment practices and all other operations.

How much does Ocean Charter School cost?
There is no cost to attend Ocean Charter School. Any student in the state of California can attend. Like any other public school we receive state and federal monies to operate. Like all public schools, however, these monies do not cover the cost of implementing our curriculum. We have assorted fundraising events and rely on volunteerism to make up the difference.

Why does Ocean Charter have two years of Kindergarten?
The Whole Child Curriculum's non-academic, play-based two year of kindergarten is designed to prepare the children for success in our program in the higher grades. Both younger and older kindergarteners benefit from mixed aged classes which offer learning and leadership opportunities as they interact with each other.

How many children are in each class?
20 in Kindergarten through third grade and 24 in fourth and above.

Is the June 1st cut-off for Grades entrance firm?
Yes. The June first cut-off date is mandatory. We believe in a slow growth model, finding that children are much more successful in school and in life if they are given more of an opportunity to ease themselves into formal academics rather than having it thrust upon them at a young age.

Do the students take standardized tests?
Like all public school students our students will take the standardized tests demanded by the California Department of Education. While we understand the importance of standardized testing in this era of No Child Left Behind, we do not explicity teach to the tests. Our students are taught basic test-taking skills and are exposed to the majority of the material covered in the tests.

Does Ocean Charter School offer Aftercare and/or Beforecare?
Aftercare is provided by LEAP onsite. Enrichment classes and freeplay. Extended hours go until 6pm.