FAQ's

Our program begins with Jr. Kindergarten for children who are at least four years old by the start of the school year and continues through Grade 12, offering a seamless, consistent educational experience from early childhood through graduation. At Oakland Christian, all students share one campus, creating meaningful opportunities for students of all ages to connect, learn from, and encourage one another. Learn more about our grade levels here.

You can start the application process online through our Apply to OCS page. Once your application is submitted, our Admissions Office will reach out with next steps, which include admissions testing and a family interview.

Applications open on November 1 for the upcoming school year. Applications are accepted year-round, though decisions are based on space available. We encourage you to apply early.

Yes, an application fee, paid with a credit or debit card, is required at the time of submission. The application fee is $150 per student.

Applications will be processed and decisions will be given on the following dates, depending on space available: December 16, January 22, & February 11. February 11 is the decision day for all Jr. Kindergarten and Kindergarten early enrollment applications. 

Early Enrollment Period Begins: November 1    
Tuition Assistance Application Opens: December 1
Current Family Re-Enrollment: January 26
Open Enrollment: February 10
 

Yes, students entering Jr. Kindergarten or Kindergarten are given a developmental assessment to determine readiness. Students entering grades 1–2 are given an entrance test in reading; students entering grades 3–5 are given entrance tests in math & reading; and students entering grades 6–12 are tested in math, reading, & language arts.

Prospective students’ academic screening scores are compared to the average scores for their grade level at OCS. Our goal is to identify students who will be academically successful at OCS—not only those with the very highest scores.

Oakland Christian School is looking for a fit in two areas: a faith fit - we seek to partner with Christian families, and an academic fit - our goal is to identify students who will be academically successful at OCS.

Yes, applications are accepted throughout the year and students may enroll if space is available.

Yes. We are accredited by Christian Schools International and Cognia Global Commission.

Our curriculum combines strong academics with Biblical integration throughout using our Teaching for Transformation Program. We prioritize college-prep with 17 AP courses, the AP Capstone Diploma Program, honors classes, college dual-enrollment, and Oakland Technical Early College Program available to high school students. We offer S.T.E.M. classes for all students in dedicated learning spaces. Curriculum Overview

Yes. Our teachers are certified by the state of Michigan in their subject area.

Class sizes at Oakland Christian are intentionally kept small to support meaningful learning and strong relationships. Junior Kindergarten is capped at 16 students, Kindergarten at 20, and grades 1–5 at 24. While grades 6–12 average about 40–50 students per grade, individual class sizes remain small—typically ranging from 12 to 24 students, with most on the lower end. This intentional approach allows our teachers to provide personalized attention and truly know and support each student.

At OCS, we use technology intentionally to enhance learning and prepare students for the digital world in developmentally appropriate ways. Students use school-issued Chromebooks that are thoughtfully integrated into instruction to support learning and skill development. As part of our commitment to focused, distraction-free learning, our campus is a phone-free environment for students at all grade levels during school hours. This approach allows students to stay engaged in the classroom, build meaningful relationships, and develop healthy technology habits.

We are able to support some students with learning differences. We evaluate each student individually to see if we have the staff and resources for that student and to see if that student can be successful in our environment.  We typically cannot support students who need modified assignments or curriculum. 

Tuition costs are as follows: 
Jr. Kindergarten Half-Day Tuition: $7,540    
Jr. Kindergarten Full-Day Tuition: $9,520    
Kindergarten Tuition: $11,390
Elementary Tuition: $12,825
Middle School Tuition: $14,360
High School Tuition: $14,670        

A full breakdown of tuition and fees is available on our Tuition page.

Yes. We are committed to making a private Christian education accessible. Families may apply for need-based financial aid beginning on December 1 for the following school year. Families apply through FACTS Financial Aid Management using a secure online platform. Learn more here.

Yes, tuition is billed monthly based on a 12-month cycle beginning May 1 and ending April 30 each school year. Payments are calculated by adding tuition charges for each student and dividing by 12. Families enrolling students after May 1 may be expected to make additional payments to catch up on those that were not made during the summer months (May–August). Tuition will be billed and collected by FACTS Management with payments made from a checking or savings account via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card (FACTS charges an additional fee for credit cards), to be received on the 5th, 15th, or 25th day of each month. 

Tuition covers classes, books, and a Chromebook for use during the school year. Families should note that school supplies, athletics, and before/after care are not included.

Our school day runs from 7:45–3:00 for grades 6–12 and 8:00–3:15 for elementary. 

Yes, extended care is available before and after school for families who need it. The center is open Monday–Friday, beginning the first day of school. The center will be closed on scheduled or unscheduled days off (in-service, holidays, snow days, etc.). Alpha Care begins each day at 7 am. Omega Care begins each day after school and operates until 6:00 pm. The cost for before and after-school childcare is $8.50 per hour per child.

Yes. Students may purchase lunch through our cafeteria or bring lunch from home. We are a nut-restricted school.

Students can explore a wide range of activities, including music, theater, fine arts, robotics, clubs, and service opportunities. We offer 17 varsity sports as well as Middle School and JV teams. 

We offer weekly chapels, service opportunities to live out faith in the community, retreats for middle and high school students, times for prayer and worship, ways to serve on campus, and teachers and staff who guide students through a biblical perspective. We use the Teaching for Transformation (TfT) program to shape learning through the lens of God’s story. TfT helps students connect classroom lessons to their identity and calling in Christ through three core practices: Storyline, Biblical Throughlines, and Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx). Together, these practices invite students to see themselves as active participants in God’s redemptive work. 

At least one parent in each household should actively practice the Christian faith and affirm our Statement of Faith. For students in grades 6–12, we ask that they personally identify with the Christian faith as well. This shared foundation allows our school and families to partner well in students’ academic, personal growth, and faith development.

We are a non-denominational Christian school serving families from a range of Christian traditions, representing 110+ different churches. Oakland Christian School views Christian education as the process of instructing and learning in an atmosphere where God and His written Word are the highest authority. We intend to challenge and motivate students to find their highest potential in spiritual, academic, social, and physical growth. Believing that all truth is God's truth, we strive to integrate the student's learning experience with a Bible-centered worldview, enabling the student to realize a life of purpose that is beneficial to people and glorifying to God. 

Parents are an important part of our community. We offer many opportunities for involvement, from volunteering in classrooms and events to participating in in our Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and prayer groups.

There are so many ways for families to get involved and make a difference at Oakland Christian School. Families at Oakland Christian School play a vital role in supporting faculty, enriching our community, and modeling commitment to education. Each family is required to participate in the Family Service Hour Program, completing 20 hours per school year (May 1–April 30) to stay actively involved in school life. 

A schoolwide “Campus Connection” email is sent every Sunday with upcoming events and announcements. Elementary parents receive a weekly newsletter, “Lancers Answers,” with elementary-specific information. Online assignments are posted on a platform called Schoology, and occasional text messages provide urgent alerts, such as snow day announcements. We also post current events and announcements on our Campus Life page.

The safety of our students is a top priority. All OCS staff are trained in crisis management, and our Safety Leadership Team assesses and implements safety standards including keeping a secure building during school hours, use of security cameras, Live Scan fingerprinting background checks for all employees, and screening all volunteers. In addition, we have a security officer on campus every day during school hours.

At Oakland Christian School, discipline is rooted in the biblical model of loving correction, intended to train students toward maturity in Christ. Administrators, though imperfect, seek to discipline with Christian love for the good of the student and community, often using restorative approaches and external resources like counseling when needed. Discipline aims to replace negative behavior with positive growth. Teachers handle initial issues, while more serious or repeated misconduct may result in progressive, redemptive consequences.

At OCS, we believe students thrive when they feel seen, supported, and connected. Our Christian environment encourages students to treat one another with respect, kindness, and integrity. Teachers build strong relationships with students and foster classrooms where everyone belongs. When challenges arise, we focus on growth, restoration, and partnership with families so students continue to develop academically, relationally, and in character.
 

At OCS, our close-knit community allows teachers and staff to build strong relationships with students, which helps peer concerns surface quickly rather than being overlooked. We take any report of bullying or ongoing conflict seriously and respond with care and consistency.

Families are brought into the conversation early so we can work together to support students and reinforce positive behavior. Our responses are guided by a biblical perspective that emphasizes treating others with kindness, taking responsibility for actions, and seeking restoration and growth.