Oakland Avenue Charter School

OACS is a great school. My child has attended this school for the past 5 years. We have seen the school grow in all positive ways. We have watched our child evolve from knowing only shapes and colors to reading chapter books and adding fractions. Parent-teacher conferences are mandatory, as they should be. Each family is required to volunteer for 20 hours per school year; it is 30 hours per school year if more than one child attends OACS. There are lots of opportunities to meet this requirement. I am always AMAZED how sooo many families wait until April to start thinking about putting in some time. I highly recommend this school. Many of the teachers know every student by name. Bullying is not tolerated. Uniforms make it easier. Inappropriate student conduct is remedied immediately. The only hassle is car line. While safety is, of course, the #1 priority, drop off and pick up should be extended to more stations along the length of the sidewalk by the playground. Logistically, this would make the line more quicker and alleviate the angst for the residents who live nearby.
—Submitted by a parent

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

My daughter is finishing up her first year at Oakland Ave Charter. We have had a great first year and are looking forward to first grade. Her teacher Mrs. Ramdehal was an incredible leader. She has a soft gentle spirit but keeps a organized and orderly class, without yelling. She is firm with the children when needed but also a soft place to land when needed. All the children in her class were reading by January of the school year. Great place to put your child if you plan to be involved in their education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very blessed to have my daughtert in this school. She loves her teacher and is learning so much. I love the way parents are involved with their children. This is a wonderfull school!!! Thank you Mrs.Tortorici you are wonderful!!
—Submitted by a parent

Loving, caring and well educated staff lead by a professional admin staff. We are very pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school the first year that it was opened and it was really a great experience for me.I was not a good student at all before i came here like my mom had to force me to do my homework and to get me to study,but to tell you the truth the reason why i did not want to do it was because i really did not even know how to study.That is what i learned during my years at Oakland Charter.Now i am a high school student and i am making stright A's and i thank all of my wonderful teachers there at oakland avenue charter school.

I currently teach at OACS and we work hard to make sure that the students are well provided for academically. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts we have had to rely on other staff members to cover lunch duties and the like. Thats not for a lack of commitment on our part. We are out there on a daily basis with morning and afternoon duty. The only time we have to work on lesson plans are planning period (30 min.) and lunch (30 min). And yes, we do use our lunches to prepare lessons for students and we come in earlier and stay later just to make sure that everything is planned appropriately. As for the parent involvement, parents are only required to volunteer 20 hours per school year in order to maintain that the parents are involved in their child's academic life and can have better communication with teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am so pleased and feel very fortunate that my 5th grader got into O.A.C.S the teachers are far better than any I have seen thus far. The schools method of teaching makes it a fun learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Our first year at this school and so far we are very pleased with how our kindergartner is doing. His teacher Ms. Damerel is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs better communication. And focus on teaching regular studies and not FCAT Being in a area where the schools are not so hot, short of moving there is no where else to go
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter gone here since kindergarten in '04. The teachers have always been sooo wonderful and all staff truly care about your child rom the teachers to the bus drivers. This is a school where all the staff knows your child and welcomes them every day with hellos and hugs calling them by name. When my husband died they staff and student family alike took up a collection and gave us gift cards for groceries or anyrhing else we needed. We will never forget how wonderful they were and how many hugs from staff and student alike helped us through such a terrible time in our lives. If your looking for a school where your child is truly treasured and appreicated for who they are, this is the school for you. You will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent