FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OCA

1. What is the hashkafa of Ohr Chadash Academy?
  • Our hashkafa is rooted in the inherent kedusha of all learning, which inspires us to provide excellence in Judaic and general studies. We integrate general studies into an Orthodox Torah perspective to prepare our students for a life of religious and secular cohesion that allows them to fulfill their personal aspirations. Emphasizing Yirat Shamayim, refined middot, and a life-long love of learning, we produce ethical, productive individuals who will contribute confidently to the world around them.
2. What makes Ohr Chadash special or unique?
  • We view Torah learning and general studies as complementary areas of exploration, each of which requires top-notch skills to be exciting for life-long learning.
  • We focus on providing each student the requisite skills to find his or her individual passion and place in life.
  • We develop  derech eretz and kavod habriot to shape a sense of community – starting in school and extending out to include local, Israel and world Jewry.
  • We embrace educational technology as a powerful tool to be mastered and used responsibly for students to flourish as 21st century learners and producers.
  • We draw on many learning disciplines and tools available to develop the person already inside each child to his or her fullest Torah and academic potential.
3. What is the Ohr Chadash position on co-ed classes?
  • Out of our commitment to excellence, Ohr Chadash provides equality in learning to boys and girls so each benefits from the learning strengths of the other in a religiously appropriate way.
  • In mixed classes learning equality is demonstrated, mutual skills are enhanced, social skills are developed, and respect for gender and individual differences are learned. At the appropriate age we regard co-ed learning as an enrichment strategy.
4. When do girls and boys go into separate classes?
  • In 5th grade and up girls and boys are separated for limudei kodesh studies. Beginning in 2020, 5th grade and up will be separated for both general studies and limudei kodesh classes.
5. Where do students from the 8th grade graduating class go to high school?
  • OCA graduates attend a number of different high schools in Baltimore and Silver Spring including Bais Yaakov of Baltimore, Berman Hebrew Academy, Beth Tfiloh, Yeshiva of Greater Washington, Yeshivat Mekor Chaim (YMC), Ner Israel, and Toras Chaim. 
6. What extended day/extracurricular options does Ohr Chadash provide?
  • We offer a great after-school program, OCA Stay and Play, with options for 1 or 2-hour stays until 5:30 pm.
  • The first hour offers engaging, fun, and creative activities that are different each day of the week.
  • The second hour, children participate in indoor or outdoor play. 
  • You have the option of enrolling your children for one or two hours, one, two, three or four days each week.
7. How does Ohr Chadash support those with varying learning needs?
  • Teachers use a differentiated learning model in the classroom for varying levels of student ability.
  • A staff special educator goes into the classroom to support students during class instruction time and also pulls students out to give one on one instruction if needed.
  • We partner with Shemesh for other support services where needed.
8. Does Ohr Chadash provide tuition assistance?
  • A small, confidential committee reviews all applications for tuition assistance and assistance is awarded on a needs and funds available basis. Please contact Mrs. Devora Cohen in our Finance office to help walk you through your FA application. 
9. Whom do I contact with other questions or for further information?