Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN WAS THE ACADEMY FOUNDED?

The Academy at Ocean Reef, Inc., originally The Schoolhouse at Ocean Reef, Inc., was founded in 1989 by a group of Ocean Reef community members seeking a quality school within the Ocean Reef Community. The school opened as a pre-school through second grade.

WHERE IS THE ACADEMY LOCATED?

In 2002, The Academy moved into its new 23,000 square foot facility on South Harbor Drive. The facility includes eight classrooms with movable walls, a science lab, art/music room, library, and a large 15,000 square foot screened courtyard. The school also has a 2,000 square foot air-conditioned multi-purpose room, which serves as the cafeteria and gymnasium. A play area was designed utilizing the latest playground equipment and ground covering, to promote physical development, as well as student safety. The school offers a safe, secure environment within the gates of The Ocean Reef Club.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE ACADEMY?

The Academy at Ocean Reef prepares and nurtures the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of its students while providing a challenging and positive environment. We promote curiosity and life-long learning to emphasize the values of honor, citizenship and respect for individual differences.

IS THE ACADEMY UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE OCEAN REEF CLUB?

No. The Academy is a separate independent corporation.

WHO OVERSEES THE ACADEMY?

A Board of Trustees governs The Academy.

WHO CAN BE A STUDENT?

The Academy provides an excellent educational opportunity to any child that has access to the Ocean Reef community. Interested parents may request or pick up a school information packet from the School Office, or visit our website at www.oracademy.org.

WHAT GRADES DOES THE ACADEMY SERVE?

The grades are pre-school through eighth grade.

DOES THE SCHOOL OFFER A SEASONAL PROGRAM?

The Academy offers a seasonal program, a School-away-from-School program, for students in pre-school through eighth grade, whereby the children and grandchildren of members can spend time at Ocean Reef while keeping up with their studies in their home school. The student can attend The Academy for a minimum of one week or for several months working in their home school’s curriculum or in The Academy’s academic program.

DOES THE ACADEMY OFFER FINANCIAL AID?

The Academy offers financial aid to families who qualify. The school uses a company affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), called Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS). Parents interested in financial aid can contact the Business Office for the necessary forms, and submit the forms directly to SSS. The information submitted to SSS is confidential.

WHAT ARE THE CLASS SIZES?

The class size limit in pre-school and pre-kindergarten is up to fifteen with a teacher and teacher assistant. The number in all other grades will not exceed ten students. The small class size, provides a “family like” atmosphere, meets student needs, and stresses individual success.

DO THE STUDENTS WEAR UNIFORMS?

Uniforms are required for all students from pre-school through eighth grade. Students are expected to be well-groomed and neat in appearance. Policies on all aspects of school life are in the Student Handbook.

WHAT CURRICULUM DOES THE ACADEMY FOLLOW?

The Academy offers a challenging, well-rounded curriculum, based on state and national standards. The students are placed on their instructional levels in reading and math. They are placed above grade level, if they qualify. The school is divided into trimesters, and report cards are distributed at the end of each grading period.

DOES THE ACADEMY HAVE A LIBRARY?

The Academy has a full size library, with a collection of over 4000 books. The school has an annual book fair sponsored by the PTO.

DO THE STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS?

Each classroom has computers and there is a computer lab and twelve laptop computers stored in a mobile cart located in the library.

DOES THE ACADEMY HAVE A SCIENCE LAB?

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade go to the well-equipped Science Lab with the classroom teacher. The Science Lab provides the space and equipment for hands-on lessons and experiments.

WHAT SPECIAL CLASSES ARE OFFERED?

The Academy offers Spanish, Art, Music and Physical Education. The students in grades K-8 also do a theatrical production through Missoula’s Children Theatre each year.

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR CLASSES ARE OFFERED?

The Academy’s after school activities are provided and or/supported by the Ocean Reef Club and The Academy. The activities offered, but not limited to are: tennis, golf, swimming, karate, drama, dance, TV production, computer classes, and chess.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL HOURS?

The school building opens at 8:00 a.m., with classes beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The different grade level hours are:

Pre-school- 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten-Eighth Grade- 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

Friday is early dismissal for pre-kindergarten through eighth at 2:20 p.m.

DO THE TEACHERS HAVE THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS?

The faculty is well qualified, experienced, and dedicated to implementing the philosophy and goals of the school. The teaching staff includes classroom teachers, a physical education teacher, music/band teacher, art teacher, a Spanish teacher, and a librarian/Media Specialist.

IS THE ACADEMY ACCREDITED?

Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC) accredits school programs of pre-school through third grade. The Academy became accredited from the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) for all grades in 1998 and in 2003. The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

ARE THERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL?

The Academy welcomes parental involvement and encourages them to serve as volunteers. The school has a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that provides many services to the school. The school has opportunities for the friends of the school to volunteer.

DOES THE ACADEMY OFFER ADULT CLASSES TO THE OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY?

The Academy is presently offering beginning Spanish and computer classes. The school commends the Ocean Reef members for being life long learners, and is eager to offer opportunities of interest.

WHAT ARE THE ACADEMY’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISERS?

The major fundraiser is the Annual Giving Fund.