OPS School

Orange, California

A foundation in literacy and mathematics expands through experiments, discussion and digital creation.

Outdoor school sports area

School introduction

OPS School in Orange has more than four decades of history, beginning with nine pupils under founders with public-school teaching experience. Smaller classes, foundational academics and attentive teaching remain central, with reading skills, confidence and respect for others developed together.

The school serves preschool through Grade 8, combining academic progression with physical activity and social-emotional growth. Art, music, technology and maker learning broaden school life, creating opportunities to explore interests, collaborate and solve problems alongside core academic study.

Curriculum

Elementary reading begins with phonics, supported by Wonders, literature and Step Up to Writing for comprehension, vocabulary and paragraph development. Mathematics combines concepts with hands-on application. Science uses questions and experiments across life, physical and Earth science; Grade 3 social studies explores westward expansion, while Grade 4 focuses on California history.

Middle-school English develops argument and expression through novels, Socratic seminars and speeches. Mathematics offers acceleration for suitably prepared learners. Grades 6–8 use Amplify Science, progressing through Earth and planetary topics, life and ecosystems, and practical physics and chemistry challenges.

Two computer labs support research, citation, presentations and coding. Grade 5 introduces Scratch; Grades 7–8 can practise filming, editing and layout through school news and yearbook. Options also include advanced art, music composition, leadership and Spanish. Contact an advisor about short-stay course and activity access.

The regular Character/Bible curriculum uses biblical stories to explore themes such as responsibility and care. Contact an advisor about short-term participation.
Middle-school Spanish is sequential, and the school states that students cannot switch into it midway through the year. Contact an advisor about short-stay options.

School features

Phonics and structured writing
Inquiry science and literary discussion
Scratch, school news and yearbook projects
Art, music and maker learning

Grades available for short-term study & entry requirements

Grades available for short-term study: K–Grade 8

School application requirements

The application pack requires a complete parent-signed form, copies of the passport identity page and visa, where applicable, English immunization records, and student health or travel insurance evidence.
Parent and student signatures are required on the school’s conduct and rights agreement.
Provide the US accommodation address and a US emergency telephone number that can be answered immediately.
At least a very basic understanding of English is required.
A calendar week does not necessarily contain five full school days; holidays and half-days affect attendance.

Dates, duration & fees

Duration: Application materials list stays of two to twelve weeks.
Dates: Enquiries are welcome year-round. Contact an advisor about attendance dates.
Fees: Contact an advisor

Accommodation & documents

Accommodation: Day School

Contact an advisor about accommodation arrangements.

Documents typically needed

Usually prepare a valid passport or applicable identity document.
If applicable, prepare a valid U.S. visa or other entry and stay documents, according to the student’s status and proposed school arrangement.
Immunization records and any health documents required by the school.
Recent school reports or a learning summary; contact an advisor about grade-specific documents.