Orcutt Academy Charter School

I have two children at the Academy, a Freshman and a Senior. This is or first year, and we came from a private school background. I was a little nervous, but I honestly believe that we have the best of both worlds. The kids that are there want to be there. There is huge parental involvement. and if a student is struggling, there is extra help offered to any student that seeks it out ( I know of more than one teacher there that is available at school at 6:30am). The curriculum is challenging, grades are not given, they are earned. Any person who walks on campus during lunch will immediately notice two thing, the principal is outside in the lunch area, visiting with the kids, as opposed to some schools where the principal is on discipline duty all he time; and second, how polite the students are. Ask any one for help and they will give directions, or even take you where you need to go. There is a pronounced lack of cliques. My kids are involved in sports and clubs year round, and I feel that OAHS is the best choice we could have made for our kids. I would not say this school is for everyone, it is for kids who want to work hard and who want a pleasant learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to OA as a freshmen. Her grades were borderline, (2.5) but she made it. Her sophomore year was a little worse, and her gpa slipped to an overall score that caused her to be ejected from OA. She was pretty happy, but I was sad. When the junior high teachers pushed so hard that OA was the only school I should consider, I did not believe the school would kick my daughter out. The reviews on here about how caring OA is makes me feel sick.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a Junior at OAHS. Both her and I are madly in love with this school! My oldest went to RHS and my son to SMHS, and when I compare the experience I've had as a parent, I have to say that OAHS stands out way above the rest! She went from being a B student to a straight A's student, as well as being involved in 2 sports, ASB, is a class officer, CSF, NHS, she manages to juggle a heavy work academic load, keeps up with practices, club participation and still has a healthy social life! I would recommend this school to everyone!! You won't regret it if you choose to join, the staff and teachers go above and beyond! And the parent involvement is amazing! At least 1/2 the school is of academic honor standing(3.5 or higher), and more than 70% is involved in sports!!
--Submitted by a parent

This is our fourth year with the K-8 school. My two daughters love it there. The family type environment is perfect and the teachers and staff are dedicated
--Submitted by a parent

My son has made great strides since entering Orcutt Academy. I was skeptical at first, but I can't say enough good things about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a sophmore at OAHS. These kids are basically recieving a private school type education in a public school. Class sizes are small, sports programs are being added every year, and there is amazing parental involvement. In the two years my son has attended, there have been no gang fights, no drugs, just a fun wholesome learning environment with no bad influences. The kids will get out of it what they put into it.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a Sophomore at Orcutt Academy High. He is on the swim team, and swims for the Santa Maria swim club. He loves the class sizes and teachers, the academics are advanced, my daughter goes to Nipomo high and is in all AP classes, my son is doing pretty close to the same work in his English 2 class as she is doing in Junior AP English. The are adding electives every year and new sports also. Keep in mind the school is only 3 years old, I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a solid school with great teachers and a good solid academic program.
--Submitted by a parent

great staff, small class size. family like environment
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a freshmen at Orcutt Academy and complains about the school's lack of sports & electives. He tells me it is worse then junior high. I'm planning on letting him go to a different school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

The Orcutt Academy High School is an exceptional learning environment. Class sizes are small and it has a very safe feel to it. My son gets a great deal of individual attention from the staff.
--Submitted by a parent