Oasis Christian Academy is a privateChristian school located in southwest Winter Haven, Florida. The academy currently offers classes for students in pre-kindergarten three through twelfth grade on three campuses in the greater Winter Haven area.
History
Oasis Christian Academy was founded as Haven Christian Academy in 1977 as a ministry of Haven Baptist Church. In July 2010, the church rebranded as Oasis Church and the academy followed suit. In 2016, OCA relocated the high school to Life Church at Auburndale to accommodate growing enrollment. In early 2017, the academy expanded to a third campus at Lake Shipp Baptist Church, to house the early education department as a result of continued growth. In August 2017, the academy and Oasis Church dissolved their ministry partnership, and OCA began operations as an independent non-profit entity. The academy is governed by an independent board of directors of whom serve in a voluntary capacity.
Locations
Oasis Christian Academy is located in three locations:
The main campus houses the elementary and middle schools located at 151 King Rd, Winter Haven
The high school campus is located at 581 Berkley Rd, Auburndale
The early education campus is located at Winter Haven
Ms. Jenny Barton Addison is the Head of School. Ms. Barton Addison was at Heritage Christian Academy for 10 years before joining OCA in 2011. Ms. Barton Addison has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Florida Southern College and a master's degree in educational leadership from Southeastern University. Mrs. Teresa Wilson is the director of early education. Mrs. Wilson has a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of South Florida and a master's degree in special education from Liberty University. Mr. Michael Shannon is the Dean of Students for the elementary and middle school. Mr. Shannon has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Harris University, a master's degree in biblical theology from Harris University, and a master's degree in applied science from Harris University. Dr. Teresa Paton is the principal for the high school. Dr. Paton has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southeastern University, a master's degree in elementary education from Southeastern University, and holds her doctorate in special education form Northcentral University.
Academics
Oasis Christian Academy provides a traditional classroom setting utilizing differentiated instruction from certified faculty members. All curriculum is structured as required by ACSI and the State of Florida.
Early education
OCA offers a half-day or full day early education program for three and four-year-olds, which is fully accredited and licensed by the State of Florida. OCA is also a licensed VPK provider. Extended care is available for an additional fee. The early education curriculum focuses on essential childhood developmental areas through a domain-based environment where students can explore, develop, and interact with other children in a varied, structured setting.
Elementary (K5- 4th grade)
OCA elementary students participate in a traditional classroom setting. Enrichment classes are also part of the daily educational structure and include: art, chapel, computer, library, music, physical education, and Spanish classes. Students also participate in class field trips that supplement the curriculum and extend the classroom into the local community.
Middle school prep (5th grade)
Students in 5th grade learn to transition from a traditional elementary classroom setting to a middle school one by focusing heavily on the core subjects of Bible, math, grammar, history, literature, and science with multiple teachers in a seven-period day. Students also participate in enrichment classes which include: chapel, computer, library, and physical education. In addition, field trips that supplement the curriculum and extend the classroom into the local community are utilized as well.
Middle school (6th- 8th grade)
OCA middle school students participate in a multitude of classes with a variety of teachers in a seven-period day. Additionally, middle school students participate in a range of enrichment classes that include: chapel, computer, digital literacy, drama, library, music, and physical education. Furthermore, middle-school students take part in activities, field trips, and leadership opportunities applicable to their peer group.
High school (9th- 12th grade)
OCA high school students participate in a multitude of core classes with a variety of teachers in a seven-period day. The core subjects include: Bible, English, literature, math, science, social studies, and Spanish. Each students is placed on an academic plan that will focus on a specific post-high school program. All high school students take the PSAT, PLAN, SAT, and ACT as part of their academic requirements. In addition, each student applies annually for admittance into a career academy that offers focused instruction in a potential post-high school vocation. Current academy options are as follows:
Behavioral Sciences
Business
Communication
Fines Arts
Practical Ministries
Web Application and Development
Dual enrollment
As a result of partnerships with Southeastern University, Warner University, and Polk State College, students who are in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades have the opportunity to dual enroll. OCA also partner with Traviss Technical College giving eleventh and twelfth graders the opportunity to dual enroll in technical programs. There are a variety available programs for students at Traviss ranging from administrative office specialist, dental assisting and electricity, to nursing and welding.
Post-Secondary Education
Oasis Christian Academy graduated its first senior class in 1980 and has since graduated forty senior classes for a total of 258 graduates as of June 2020. Approximately 90% of all Oasis Christian Academy graduates have pursued post-secondary education across the United States.
Athletics
Oasis Christian Academy has a football/soccer field located on the main campus and a basketball/volleyball court on the high school campus. OCA is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association. Sports offered at OCA are as follows:
For cross country, competitive athletic opportunities begin in 3rd grade, opportunities for golf & baseball are available beginning in 7th grade, opportunities for football begin in 8th grade, and for all other sports competitive athletic opportunities begin in 6th grade.
