Admissions

1. Fill out and submit a Student Application online. There is also a testing/application fee of $150 due the day the student comes for placement testing and his/her classroom experience. You will need the following items to complete the application (pdf or image files only):
   • ​​Student birth certificate
   • Student's most recent report card (entering 1-12)
   • Student's current transcript (entering grades 10-12)
   • Both parent/guardians's driver licenses/state issued identification
   • Award letters (if applicable) from Step Up for Students, AAA Scholarships, or McKay (if McKay, the most recent IEP or 504 plan)
2. All student applicants must demonstrate a current year 2.5 gpa or greater, or an overall “Satisfactory” or equivalent, depending on the grading scale used at the student’s prior school. 
3. For students entering Kindergarten, a parent tour and student admissions testing is required as part of the application process. 
4. For students entering grades 6 through 8, a Middle School Student Questionnaire is required at the time of application. Through the questionnaire, testing, parent tour, and classroom observation experience, students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academic challenge and growth, Christian character, a desire for relationship with the Lord, a "no quit" attitude, and respect for authority, parents, and peers.
5. For students entering grades 9 through 12, a High School Student Questionnaire is required at the time of application. Through the questionnaire, testing, parent tour, and classroom observation experience, students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academic challenge and growth, Christian character, a desire for relationship with the Lord, a "no quit" attitude, and respect for authority, parents, and peers.  
6. For students who will be utilizing a Florida Tax Credit (FTC) or Family Empowerment (FEP) Scholarship through either Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarships, the Letter of Award must be included. If the letter has not yet been received by the parent, the student will be considered a full-pay student until the letter is received, and all tuition and fees due according to standard due dates and procedures. Families who utilize a FTC Scholarship are responsible for any remaining tuition and fees balances, and standard due dates and procedures will apply.
   • OCS Tuition Assistance Grants: Administered by Odessa Christian School on a first-come, first-served basis, these limited availability grants are meant to further support families who qualify for FTC/FES Scholarships, but who are unable to meet the full remaining balance of tuition and fees. There will always be some level of family contribution, however, it is our hope that these grants will be a blessing to as many families as possible. Students must be accepted to OCS before families can apply for an OCS Tuition Assistance Grant. Please ask for more information to learn more about the availability of these grants.
7. For students who will be utilizing the McKay Scholarship, an IEP/504 and any supporting documentation must be included in the application material. Any remaining balance due after all scholarship funds are received is considered the financial responsibility of the parent(s), and standard due dates and procedures will apply. OCS accepts students under the McKay Scholarship according to limited specifications, and students must be able to be a part of our regular academic program; OCS does not offer accommodations or modifications to our learning struc. We desire the best learning environment for all students, and if OCS is not the best fit for your family, we will happily provide information regarding other schools who may better suit your student’s learning needs. Please ask to speak with an administrator for more information. 
8. For students who will be utilizing a Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA; formerly Gardiner) through either SUFS or AAA, an IEP/504 and/or any supporting documentation must be included in the application material. Any remaining balance due after all scholarship funds are received is considered the financial responsibility of the parent(s), and standard due dates and procedures will apply. OCS accepts students under the Gardiner Scholarship according to limited specifications, and students must be able to be a part of our regular academic program. We desire the best learning environment for all students, and if OCS is not the best fit for your family, we will happily provide information regarding other schools who may better suit your student’s learning needs. Please ask to speak with an administrator for more information.
9. In order to successfully deliver a sound Christian college-preparatory education in a comfortable learning environment, we are not able to meet the needs of students/families who exhibit one or more of the following: 
   • Dismissal from any prior school;
   • A history of aggression, violence, or bullying, whether verbal or physical; 
   • Significant conflicts with OCS matters of religious ideology, doctrine, or faith;
   • Significant conflicts with OCS approaches to teaching and learning;
   • Behavioral concerns that could be a disruption to the learning environment; 
   • Frequent absenteeism or tardiness;
   • Academic concerns that could prevent the student from keeping up with the pace of the class;
   • Other student needs or concerns that would not be well-served at OCS.
10. Once ALL application components have been received, the materials will be read and reviewed by our admissions team. We may contact you and/or your child’s current or prior schools for more information. 
11. Once step 10 (above) is completed, if it appears that your child would likely be a good fit at OCS, you will be contacted to schedule an admissions placement test, which will include a measure of the student’s academic knowledge in math and reading. The testing/application fee is $150 and is due on the day the student comes for the classroom visit and placement test. This will also include observations regarding social, behavioral, spiritual, and emotional affect demonstrated by your child. Students who do not exhibit a willingness to participate, character traits conducive to the Christian atmosphere of Odessa Christian School, a desire to do one’s best in learning, and a positive attitude will not be accepted.
12. After the completion of steps 1 through 11 above, we will review and pray over all information and contact you via email regarding your child’s admission status, and, if applicable, final enrollment procedures. This process, after the completion of the placement test and interview, normally takes 7 - 10 business days. During busy application periods, please allow for an additional 5 business days.
14. Once acceptance is complete, the parent will receive an Enrollment Packet with all items necessary for admissions completion. This completed packet, along with full CA Fee, will be due within ten days of the student’s acceptance in order to guarantee the student’s place on the roll. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Odessa Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic origin.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Mark 12:30