About Us

 

PHILOSOPHY: The founders of Ouachita Christian School had a vision of a school that would provide a quality academic education and a thorough knowledge of Biblical heritage. The goal of the school's administration, faculty, and staff is to guide each student into an awareness of his or her own worth as an individual and an awareness of the worth and individuality of others. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop to his or her fullest potential in all areas of learning at a rate suited to individual abilities. We accept students of various racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. This emphasis is reflected in both curriculum and admissions policies. OCS offers a college-prep curriculum. Our goal is to make learning a stimulating experience, emphasizing basic disciplines, critical thinking, and artistic expression so our students will develop the motivation, discipline, and intellectual curiosity necessary to fulfill their potential. To meet this goal, we provide faculty members who are not only well prepared in their disciplines but who also appreciate the individual differences of their students. At OCS, we want our students to grow in understanding of their spiritual nature and their moral responsibilities. We want them to accept accountability for their actions and attitudes, both on campus and in the community. We want them, as loyal citizens of our country, to grow in appreciation of both their rights and their obligations and to acquire the ability and desire to participate constructively in the activities of society. These goals are rooted in our belief that each person is made in the image of God and therefore worthy of dignity and respect.​

 

VISION: Our vision is to help form committed Christian leaders who will become dedicated Christians that serve their respective communities and teach others about the kingdom of Jesus.

 

YEARLY THEMES: Based on input from staff, parents, students, and administrators, the school selects an annual theme which represents an attribute of the Christian walk. This theme is developed throughout the year in a variety of ways: with a memory verse and schoolwide song, in chapel services, on bulletin boards, through acts of service, on the wall, in every classroom and the main hallway. Field trip T-shirts sport the theme, carrying the message out into the larger community.

 

ACCREDITATION: Dually accredited by AdvancED and National Christian School Association; approved by the State of Louisiana Department of Education; member of Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). Students eligible to participate in the Louisiana Board of Regents' scholarship and grant programs, including TOPS.

 

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS: All of our teachers have a minimum baccalaureate degree with full state private school certification. One-third of our staff has completed master’s degrees in their chosen field. All of our teachers have the necessary hours in education/professional teaching courses. Our student/teacher ratio is approximately 15:1; our goal is not to exceed 20 per classroom.

 

TARGET STUDENT POPULATION: We provide a Christ-centered, college-preparatory curriculum for our students. We are not able to provide services for students who have been expelled, suspended or failed in another school system. We reinforce basic Christian values on and off campus behavior for our students. Alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances are not beneficial for a child’s Christian walk and thus not permitted for OCS students. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action which may result in expulsion.

 

ACTIVITIES: Because we believe a well-rounded education goes beyond classroom instruction, extracurricular activities are strongly supported at OCS. Activities include regional and state Literary Rally, a nationally-recognized Art department, Band, Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, Softball, Soccer, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Tennis and Golf. Students in sixth grade and under participate in various sports with other OCS families through local recreational leagues.

 

CURRICULUM: We offer daily Bible courses and prayer, weekly chapel, a Christian-worldview in curriculum, and Christian teachers/coaches/staff. We offer the traditional scope and sequence for grades K-12, with the Abeka curriculum principally in lower grades and Precepts curriculum in others. We use Accelerated Reading, Accelerated Math and Abeka materials. We offer the TOPS curriculum for all students. We offer AP courses in American History, Calculus and English. We offer Honors selections in Math, Art, English, Fine Arts Survey, Science and Social Studies. We offer the languages of French and Spanish beginning in high school dual enrollment courses with the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana Tech University, international, national and local chaperoned trips.

 

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION: We recognize that communication with parents is vital to a student’s success. We communicate differently depending on the age of the student, but our goal of connecting with the parent is always the same. Elementary students bring home weekly updates on assignments and grades. In first through 12th grades, we use PlusPortals. This is an online service that allows parents access to lesson plans, homework, and current grades for their student. We also schedule parent-teacher conferences and send emails or notes when needed in an effort to keep the parent informed.