Learn Different @ Orinda Academy

OA maintains a 9:1 student to teacher ratio to promote personalized attention for our students.  This enables us to meet student needs in the following ways:

Teaching Styles to Meet Student Needs

• Teachers adapt to different learning styles.

• Class instruction utilizes different modalities to serve all students.
• A variety of evaluation techniques are used to monitor student progress.
• Visual resources such as web links, movies, and YouTube videos are used to enhance instruction.
• Multi-sensory lab assignments are hands-on, web based and/or computer simulations.
• Writing skills enhanced through essay revisions with one-on-one feedback.

Support Resources

• Academic coaching provided by Student Organizational Services. Students improve time management, organization, test preparation, note taking, writing, research skills, paper and project planning.
• Assignments with due dates are posted on teacher web pages accessible to students and parents.
• Handouts and assignments are available on web site as PDFs or links.
• Personalized college counseling allows students to find best college match.
• Assistive technology is encouraged to provide additional tools enabling students to meet academic demands.
• Math labs, where students can receive personal tutoring, are available two periods per day.
• Study hall with one-on-one or small group support for all academic areas.
• Assistance provided for receiving accommodations on standardized testing such as the SAT.

Accommodations

• Provide class notes
• Recording of lectures
• Extended time on tests
• Laptop computer use in the classroom
• Preferential seating
• Books-on-tape (encouraged, not provided)

Communication

• Adherence to the school motto: Parents, Students and Teachers working together.
• One faculty advisor for every 9 students.
• Parents are updated every two weeks with progress reports, including grades and teacher comments.
• Conferences are held three times per year to maintain close communication and ensure student success and progress.
• Wireless internet access is provided campus-wide to support student-teacher interaction, group work, and publication of student work.
• Collaboration with outside tutors, therapists, and specialists to ensure student success.

Activities

• A variety of elective classes provide opportunities for students to develop their individual strengths (art, music, drama, dance, multimedia, technology, & sports).
• "Educational Adventures Week" with experiential trips and hands-on classes.
• Advisory program promotes character development and community building.
• Student Council and Clubs promote social development.