How to Apply

 Once you have taken a campus tour and read the 3 books we strongly encourage, you are ready to begin the application process for your student by completing the steps below. 

1. Complete the online Application for Admission

You will need the following documents in an image or pdf format:

1. Most recent report card
2. For students with high school credits, a copy of their transcript
3. Student’s birth certificate or passport
4. Parents’/guardians’ driver’s licenses
5. If using an FES-EO, FTC, FES-UA, or HOPE scholarship, an award letter stating as such (if you do not yet have an award letter, upload a document explaining where you are in the process)
6. If applicable, the student’s 504 plan or IEP (please note: OCS does not offer accommodations or modifications to our educational program and we only accept students who will be comfortable in our learning environment; that said, it is important for us to be aware of such prior documentation)
7. If there is a divorce in the family that limits parental access, court documents detailing those arrangements

If your student has taken them, please also submit his or her most recent standardized test results. NOTE: Homeschooled students MUST submit the most recent test results received, and may be asked to submit portions of his or her portfolio.

2. All student applicants must demonstrate a current year 2.5 or better gpa, or an overall “satisfactory” or equivalent, depending on the grading scale used at the student’s prior school.
3. If your student is entering grade 6 through 8, have your student complete the Middle School Questionnaire. (Link is clickable on electronic version of this form as well as from the online application.)
4. If your student is entering grades 9 through 11, have your students complete the High School Questionnaire. (Link is clickable on electronic version of this form as well as from the online application.)

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, including policies and procedures found in the Parent-Student Handbook and other materials;
• Behavioral or emotional concerns that could be a disruption to the learning environment;
• Frequent absenteeism or tardiness, regardless of reason (as success at OCS necessitates the student be present at least 90% of school days);
• Academic concerns that could prevent the student from keeping up with the pace of the program;
• Other student needs or concerns that would not be well-served at OCS.

In addition, it is necessary for the family to read, understand, and agree to abide by and uphold the OCS Statement of Faith, Conduct, and Ideology; this includes sharing and reviewing it with your child(ren). Students entering grades 9 and above must have a profession of faith in Jesus Christ to apply. The primary parents/guardians of the applicant (entering K-12) must also have a Christian profession of faith.

Once we receive the above-mentioned application components, 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. (Please note: We cannot proceed with an application until we receive all the components; scholarship award letters not yet received must be explained on a document you create in its stead.)

After reviewing all the information, if it appears that your child would likely be a good fit at OCS, you will be contacted to schedule a shadow day (the student will come for a full day unless they are entering grades K or 1, in which case he or she will most likely shadow half a day – from 8:00 am until 12:00/12:30 pm).

During your child’s shadow day, he or she will be observed by faculty regarding initiative, social interactions, knowledge and skill-base, and the level to which he or she can self-direct in a variety of situations. On this day, the student will also take an admissions placement test, which will include a measure of the student’s academic knowledge in math, reading, and written communication. Results on these assessments should fall above the 50^th percentile or better to be a strong candidate for OCS. Finally, on a day following your child’s visit, administration will meet with the students who interacted with your child to hear their feedback regarding how well they feel your child would adapt to and fit in at our school.

The testing/application fee is $150 and is due on the day the student comes for the shadowing visit.

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. Students who score below the 50^th percentile academically may be accepted with special conditions to help fill in the learning gaps accordingly.

After the completion of the shadow day, 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 shadow day, normally takes 7 - 10 business days. During busy application periods (usually springtime), please allow for an additional 5 business days.

Once acceptance is complete, the family will receive an enrollment email with all items necessary for admissions completion. The necessary items, 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. Parents whose students are not accepted will also be notified via email.

Thank you very much for considering OCS. It is our very great honor and joy to serve your family!

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