What follows is information I share with parents during a typical tour of the school to show them that God has blessed OCS.  We are unique in our excellence with regards to spiritual atmosphere, academics, technology, faculty and students.  Below are some points that I emphasize with parents as we discuss aspects of the school.  Enjoy! 

• Christian school for Christian families – Over 100 churches are represented at OCS.  Every secondary student professes to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and at least one parent for each elementary child.  Our diversity allows us to have Bible classes instead of religion classes. 
• Chapels – Chapels are an important time for our teachers and students.  Along with having Bible class everyday, elementary students have chapel one day a week, middle school three days a week and high school every day.  On Thursday’s local Pastors, Youth Pastors, or Christian workers come in and speak.  Praise is lead by the students.  Other than Thursday, high school chapels are 15 minutes long.  Students regularly prepare dramas, messages, praise and presentations designed to remind us there is a God and it is not us. 
• Computer Labs – At OCS we believe computers are not only an item for the future, they apply right now.  Each classroom has at least one computer and we have two computer labs. 

o        Apple Mac Lab – OCS is unique in offering students the ability to learn “the apple system.”  Apple computers are known to be friendlier for editing video and digital images.  Students make their own yearbook, design and print posters that are used to teach English in China at a school we sponsor, and create DVD’s that are presented in chapels. 

o        Microsoft PC Lab – Of course, we have a traditional computer lab, but with a little extra.  The Oakland Press recorded that OCS is the only high school in the state that offers Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.  Yes, this is the same certification that is earned in special college programs or in IT work places.  Our students can get certification from Microsoft in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, and Outlook. 

• Our teachers – All of our teachers are state certified and have certification with the Association of Christian Schools International.  The 39 teachers have an average of 18 years teaching experience and have attained 16 master degrees and 4 doctorates.  Staff longevity is a blessed strength with 29 employees having more than 10 years experience at OCS.  Five of our teachers graduated from OCS.

• Athletics – OCS has a complete athletic program for elementary through high school.  Varsity sports for girls and boys are as follows: 

• Girls – Volleyball, Cross-country, Cheer leading, Competitive Cheerleading, Basketball, Bowling, Softball, Soccer, Track and field. 

• Boys – Soccer, Football, Cross-country, Basketball, Bowling, Golf, Baseball, Track and Field. 

• Facilities - The Detroit News labeled Oakland Christian’s athletic facilities as one of the most beautiful in all the state.  Although we are only about 1 mile from the Palace of Auburn Hills, our 45 acres are nestled in the privacy of the wooded land.  Inside, improvements are constantly being made.  The gymnasium has a new wooden floor, the band and choir rooms have just been totally renovated, new lockers were just installed for all secondary students, and we just added an entire pre-school center.  Our multi-purpose room gives us a second gym, but also allows us to have a full service cafeteria.  God has blessed us and we strive to use what He has given us for Him. 

• Academics – Through faculty, Christian curriculum, and concerned parents we are able to help students reach a higher level.  Our MEAP scores range in the higher 90% with all of our graduates heading toward College and University.  A few years ago the governor awarded their Trophy to the school with the highest test scores in the state.  Oakland Christian won the Governor’s Cup and continued to increase their test scores.  Unfortunately, the program wasn’t continued.  US News and World Report identified Oakland Christian as one of the premier school in Michigan for preparing students for college. 

• Uniforms – It has been said, “When you look good, you feel good.”  Our students display modesty and professionalism while wearing slacks/skorts with a variety of polo’s. 

• Foreign Languages –  Spanish is taught from age 3 through elementary.  In seventh grade students take a semester of Spanish and a semester of French.  From there they choose which language they want to study through High School.  A few students have chosen to take independent studies in German and Italian. We are hoping to add Chinese to our elementary after school program. 

• High School Trips – Our High School students have the opportunity each year to get involved in a spiritual adventure.  We have ministered in Mexico eleven times building churches, running a Vacation bible School, soccer evangelism, hurricane relief efforts, and open air preaching and singing.  Twice we have touched the lives of those in Costa Rica through carnivals, Vacation Bible School, work projects and friendship evangelism.  We just returned from our third trip to China.  Traveling from Tiananmen Square to the Great Wall we made stops at 2 needy children orphanages, a migrant children community center, an Old Folk’s Home for those who were persecuted for Christ in China, and a special English school that Oakland Christian sponsors.  We were blessed as we went to be a blessing to others.  Every other year we take a trip to Europe.  Besides experiencing the culture and practicing our language skills, we see Church History.  Each stop holds museums of older religious art and cathedrals with a history that challenges the depth of our faith.  Finally, every year our juniors visit Washington D.C  Scriptures are etched everywhere reminding us of our Christian heritage which we need to hold on to and pass to the next generation.  Some of the best teaching happens outside the classroom. 

• Music – The elementary has a full music program that leads to the Choir starting in seventh grade.  As early as third grade we have strings being taught.  In sixth grade students can join the Band or continue with strings. In the last few years we have seen our students receive highest ratings at the state competition. 

• Tutoring Center –   OCS has a staff supervised after school tutoring program helping students immediately get a grasp on their work while allowing honor students the opportunity to serve others. 

• Omega Center – After school day care is available for our Elementary and Middle School students until 6:00 p.m. 

• Distant Learning Program – Oakland Christian School is on the cutting edge.  God honored the prayers of some faithful women 40 years ago and now He continues to lead us even into global education.  As soon as 2009, OCS education will be accessible through the Internet.  These are exciting times.