Update for the 2019-2020 (NOT 2018-2019 School Year) School Year for Students NEW TO OCS:

• For elementary grades, OCS will continue to accept students into Kindergarten through Grade 5 who meet acceptance criteria.
• For parents seeking to apply for their child for middle school, the student must apply to enter, and be accepted to OCS, as an entering 5th grader.
• For entry into the high school as a student new to OCS, the student must apply for, and be accepted to OCS as an entering 9th grader.

Due to the expectation level of our academic program, especially in math and language arts, and on the basis of character development, we have found it advantageous to our students and overall programs in middle and high school for students to have experienced the strong background of the preceding years for middle and high school at OCS.

1. Fill out and submit a Student Application. 
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 new students entering grades 1 through 6, one Elementary Student Recommendation Form is required. For new students entering grades 7 through 12, one Upper School Math Student Recommendation Form and one Upper School English Student Recommendation Form is required (for a total of two recommendations for students entering 7th—12th grades). These forms should be given by the parent to the teacher(s) who are to complete them, and then the teacher must fax or mail the form to Odessa Christian School directly. Forms turned in by the parent or student cannot be accepted.
4. For students entering grades 6 through 8, a Middle School Student Questionnaire is required at the time of application. Through the questionnaire, testing, and shadow experience, students are expected to demonstrate academic maturity, a high level of character, a desire for relationship with the Lord, 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 and student shadow day, students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Students are also expected to demonstrate commitment to academic challenge, strong character, a sense of social and creation stewardship, respect for authority, parents, and peers, and a “no quit” attitude. Enrollment is a privilege, not a right.
6. For students who will be utilizing the SUFS scholarship, a AAA Scholarship, or a Gardiner Scholarship, 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. 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.
7. For students who will be utilizing the McKay Scholarship, or a Gardiner Scholarship through either SUFS or AAA, 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 or Gardiner Scholarship according to limited specifications. For students who are eligible for these scholarships, if there are any questions regarding their plans, you will be contacted by a school representative to determine whether OCS is best for your child. After this time, if it seems appropriate, application procedures will be continued. If it is determined by OCS that continuation of application procedures is not appropriate, the registration fee will be refunded. 
8. 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 who exhibit one or more of the following: 

   · Dismissal from any prior school.

   · A history of aggression, violence, or bullying, whether verbal or physical. 

   · Behavioral concerns that could be a disruption to the learning environment.  

   · 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.

9. Once ALL the items listed in #1 through #10 have been met, the application packet 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. 
10. Once step 11 (above) is completed, if it appears that your child would likely be a good fit at OCS, you will be contacted to schedule a placement test, which will include a measure of the student’s academic knowledge in math and reading. 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, and a positive attitude will not be accepted.
11. In addition, students entering grade 4 and above are required to shadow for a full day and participate in all class work and activities for that day. At times, students entering lower grades may be asked to shadow. The student’s placement test will be administered during the time he or she is shadowing. Students who apply AFTER the last available shadowing date of the school year may be accepted on a provisional basis. 
12. After the completion of steps 1 through 12 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, normally takes 7 - 10 business days. During February through April, please allow for an additional 5 business days due to a heavy application load.
13. 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. Families who turn in their Curriculum and Activity Fee after March 31 will incur a $50 increase per child, which will be due upon enrollment.

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