While Ocean Charter is sponsored and overseen by LAUSD, it is independent of the District and is, for all purposes other than special education, its own school district. OCS has its own governing board that oversees the school, while administration runs daily operations and works collaboratively with the board, faculty, and parents to implement OCS’ mission and vision.

OCS’ Waldorf Education curriculum provides a standards-based, creative, experiential and ecological approach in the teaching of academics. Our curriculum enhances the growth of the student’s creativity and imagination through the arts. This approach nurtures the whole child, promoting the development of healthy, responsible and creative human beings. OCS is the only public Waldorf school in Los Angeles.

There is no cost to attend Ocean Charter School. Any student in the state of California can attend. Like any other public school, we receive state and federal monies to operate. Like all public schools, however, these monies do not cover the cost of implementing our curriculum. We have assorted fundraising events and rely on volunteerism to make up the difference.

In TK, the maximum enrollment is 24 per class in 2022-23, dropping to 20 per class in 2023-24. In Kindergarten, the maximum enrollment is 27 per class. In grades 1-8th, it is typically 28 per class.

OCS is committed to reflecting the diversity of our surrounding neighborhoods. OCS families speak a total of 16 different languages at home. (2021-2022: Socioeconomically Disadvantaged: 20%, White: 49%, Two or more races: 13%, Hispanic or Latino: 26%, Black or African American: 5%, Asian: 8%.)

All OCS teachers hold a California teaching credential. In addition to a credential, OCS teachers participate in annual Waldorf teacher trainings and work with a Waldorf mentor throughout the school year. Many of OCS’ teachers have already completed their Waldorf Certification. Those not yet fully Waldorf trained are required to complete their Waldorf certification within the first few years of their employment at OCS.

All OCS teachers hold a California teaching credential. In addition to a credential, OCS teachers participate in annual Waldorf teacher trainings and work with a Waldorf mentor throughout the school year. Many of OCS’ teachers have already completed their Waldorf Certification. Those not yet fully Waldorf trained are required to complete their Waldorf certification within the first few years of their employment at OCS.

Parent volunteers are an essential part of OCS’ ability to bring Waldorf methods to a free, public school setting. Our parents volunteer at every level of our school’s daily life. Whether researching and writing grants, providing student transportation on field trips, helping in the classroom, participating on a school committee, tending the garden, chairing one of our annual fundraisers or serving as an ACG Governor, there are an almost infinite number of ways that parents can volunteer and serve our school. We encourage parents to think about their passions and talents and find ways to apply these to volunteer opportunities at OCS. Upon enrollment, you will be provided with the OCS Navigation Guide which, among other things, will help direct you to get in touch with the right person to establish your volunteerism.

OCS has several fundraisers throughout the year. Our annual Winter Faire, Silent Auction and weekly Reef Café are a few of the fundraising and beloved community building events scheduled throughout the year. However, our biggest fundraiser of the year is our Annual Family Giving drive. All OCS families are encouraged to participate in Annual Family Giving at whatever contribution level is most comfortable for them. We don’t request a specific amount but instead strive for 100% participation by all enrolled families. Every contribution to Annual Family Giving, no matter the size, brings us closer to the ultimate goal of 100% participation.