DI students join other Lowcountry teens at Oceanside Collegiate Academy

When it comes to high schools, there’s a new game in town. And because it’s a public charter school, students can attend free of charge.

Oceanside Collegiate Academy (OCA) opened its doors in McClellanville this fall to serve Lowcountry high school students seeking a rigorous academic curriculum combined with outstanding athletics.

OCA was sponsored by the SC Public Charter School District to establish a dual enrollment public high school (grades 9-12) in the area. The school aims to help students not just become college-eligible, but graduate with college credit. According to the school website, OCA’s “academic programming allows students to accelerate their learning, which improves collegiate success and reduces the college dropout rate.”

The school also boasts a chance for student athletes to experience an “elite sports opportunity” with some of the Lowcountry’s top coaches.

Principal Brenda Corley says the school’s small, rigorous, and innovative dual enrollment program is attractive to many students, regardless of athletic ability.

“The OCA model is very different from the traditional high school,” said Principal Corley. “Conventional high schools require that students attend class for approximately eight hours per day. Our kids go to school in the morning or the afternoon for four hours of concentrated work. The hope is that students can use those extra hours to do more than homework. We see them working, doing internships, practicing a sport or activity they love...We have at least one student writing a book.”

“OCA also stresses the importance of making a difference in the community,” she continued. “Our students are required to do at least 20 hours of community service work to graduate. So those extra hours are put to good use.”

High school junior and Daniel Island lacrosse player Anna Kate Gardner agreed. Gardner transferred from Bishop England to Oceanside this year. She says she learned about the school from fellow athletes last spring and applied right away. Her typical school day begins at 8 a.m. and finishes just before noon.

“I have heard from a few people my age who think that the OCA schedule is unfair,” Gardner said. “But we have just as much work, just less school time to complete it. You have to be responsible with your time.”

Gardner says the school makes the most of their time academically. She is currently taking college level courses in Spanish, biology, English, history and math. Since the shortened school day allows time for more than just homework and college applications, Gardner now manages to do community service projects, two jobs, Young Life and a leadership role at her church.

“Those three hours make a huge difference,” said Anna Kate. “It’s given me time to think … about my purpose and goals and what I am called to do.”

“A few people have asked if I feel like I’m missing out on a traditional high school experience, but I don’t see it that way at all,” explained Gardner. “I hang out with my friends, I play sports, I do my homework and I receive a lot of one-on-one guidance from my teachers and counselors. I feel really blessed to have this high school experience.”

Longtime Daniel Island resident Angie Byrd is the mother of two Oceanside students. “Our family chose OCA because it offered an alternative that fit both of my children’s learning styles, lifestyles and goals,” Byrd shared.

“This year has been much different than years past,” she explained. “We have more family time and the kids are much more independent.”

“My daughter now has time to pursue her passion for dance, which can be as demanding as any sport,” said Byrd. “Instead of beginning her homework at 9 p.m., she finishes it before she heads to the studio to coach or take classes.”

“We have found that the schoolwork is no less challenging, and the teachers are very accessible,” Byrd continued. “My son drives to and from school each day, has a part-time job and is excelling in his college-level classes. This was the right choice for our family.”

Ultimately, Principal Corley says she believes schools like OCA may be the future of public education: “Our kids have the freedom and ability to understand how to set their own schedule. They have small class sizes to get to know their teachers and coaches. They do much of their work on a laptop, so the use of technology is built-in to each day.”

OCA students may also earn up to 60 hours of college credit while still in high school. “It’s a softer, and less expensive, way to enter college … the kids are supported by parents, professors and staff as they ease their way into undergraduate level work,” Corley points out.

OCA assists its seniors in applying to college and helps student athletes obtain collegiate athletic offers. The school was originally intended to primarily serve student-athletes, offering 19 sports that include boys’ and girls’ basketball, volleyball, girls’ tennis, swimming, cross country and football. However, all students ready for an academic challenge may apply. Acceptance is based on academic performance and demonstrated leadership ability during middle school.

“OCA is not bound by zoning,” said Corley. “So it’s a very exciting time to watch the school grow.”

Housed in a temporary location in McClellanville, OCA plans to begin construction on a permanent building in Mount Pleasant next year. The school will be hosting the inaugural Landshark Basketball Classic on December 6, along with Columbia-based Gray Collegiate Academy, at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena at 301 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. In addition to a basketball game between the two schools, the event will feature an opportunity to meet OCA coaches and learn about the school’s goals and mission. For additional information, visit www.oceansidecollegiateacademy.org.