Oakland Avenue Charter School

My children have attended OACS since its opening day and tomorrow is our last day at the school. These years have been great and not so great. My older daughter flew through the school with no problems. My youngest is an ESE student and we found out too late that OACS was not the school for her. The ESE program is lacking but, because the school is small the teachers and staff all work closely with one another and the parents. If the city of Oakland would work with the teachers and staff and stop the power struggle the school would be better. Just because you can successfully run a town does not mean you can run a school. On opening day the town assured parents that OACS would not be a typical school teaching only what is on the FCAT. Every student would have a well rounded education. Well, it has has become what it promised it would not be a school that teaches strictly FCAT.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending this school for the past three years and he's been blessed to have three very caring, engaging, and inspiring teachers. While there is not a strong ESE program in place at OACS... my son benefits directly from his teachers despite some of the challenges he has with learning. We look forward to three more happy and successful years at OACS.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a WONDERFUL SCHOOL!! It reminds me of the kind of school I attended as a child. All of the teachers, principals, etc., know the kids by name and they encourage parent participation. The hours they call volunteering are nothing I wouldn't be doing regardless of whether I got volunteer hours for attending (ex: parent/teacher conferences, helping with a class party or field trip). This is my children's second year at OACS and I couldn't ask for a better environment to have them in. I have comfort in knowing my kids go to a loving environment where the teachers aren't afraid to hug the kids, where they learn about all cultures and they have fun! My son struggles with math and his second grade teacher has worked with him individually for many hours and has never been judgemental and is always encouraging him. There is an exceptional balance of academics and consideration of kids needing to be kids at OACS and that is something that is hard to find these days!! I can't say enough good things about this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a teacher at OACS and have been for the past five years. In response to the parent that complained about parents having to do most of the work in order to hold us up, this is just absurd and very far from factual. I myself work 5o hour work weeks and also spend some of my weekends preparing material for my class. I am not the only teacher that does this. This is the norm not the exception. We are a dedicated, exceptional group of teachers that are overworked and underpaid due to budget cuts. However, we still teach because we love what we do. The parent involvement is simply to assist already overworked teachers and allows parents to be inolved with their children's education.
--Submitted by a teacher

The school is very clean. The PTO is wonderful. You go in knowing you will have to do at least 20 hours of service to the school. However, the staff is not supportive and very unorganized. Don't try to see your child's records or rely on anyone to answer a question. If they owe you something , FORGET ABOUT IT. Don't let them think you trust them, they WILL take advantage of you. They will make you think they actually care but remember it is just a business to them. All about their bottom line and protecting their people. OCPS has no say in the matter. Just the town of Oakland, FL. So I hope you have no problems here and are able to get through the year. Maybe you wont get a BULLY of a teacher that will intimidate your child to the point of no return.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with OACS for the past 3 years. The teachers and staff hold the children accountable for their schoolwork and behavior. They do not tolerate disrespect. We have observed the children from our local elementary school getting off the bus and most being belligerent, mouthy bullies. If our child says the teacher is being "strict", then I know the teacher is doing his/her job! We just wish drop off and pick up was less cumbersome and time-consuming. Perhaps we should consult the logistics folks at Disney? :-)
--Submitted by a parent

Oakland Avenue Charter is a wonderful school. My son is in Kindergarten and has ADHD. His teacher has been such a wonderful help and encouragement when it comes to my son. She goes beyond the call of duty. I do agree with the person that mentioned they do not offer many special education classes. However, most parents should expect to help teach their child at home a little if they need 'extra' help. Or they need to pay for private school or tutoring.....
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been a disappointment. I enrolled my child in a charter to get better education, but that hasn't been the case. If you are looking for a school that is unorganized and relies on parents to do most of the work (because they fill it is our duty to hold them up) then this is a school for you. This School also doesn t have enough Special Education programs for those kids that are in need with learning disabilities. Sadly enough, my husband and I are looking to move my kid from this school because of the poor educations giving to the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

My children started at the school when it opened its doors. This school has a dedicated staff and it worked hard to get where it's at.
--Submitted by a parent

Love the small private school feel. They have an excellent music program - violin, piano, electric guitar and acoustic guitar. Also, a cool science club!
--Submitted by a parent