Welcome to Ocean Academy, New Students and New Parents!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*Updated May 6th, 2020. Note that we will continue to update this page.
NEW APPLICATIONS:
1. We have not yet submitted an application for enrollment. How can we do that?
Now is a great time to apply to be ready for New Student Registration. While our school campus is physically closed, you may contact Mrs. Milvia Aguirre (624-2803) to pick up or drop off an application.
You may download the application and recommendation forms here:
Principal Recommendation 2020-21
Teacher Recommendation 2020-21
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION:
1. When and where will registration take place?
On Tuesday, May 19th at 1:30 p.m., O.A. will hold our first-ever virtual registration online.
2. How will we know what to do?
An Ocean Academy staff member will contact you to provide instructions and training for you to log-in to Google MEET.
3. What is Google MEET?
Google MEET is the application we use at Ocean Academy for online classes. Virtual meetings (seeing and hearing other persons live at the same time) is a great way to practice physical distancing while staying connected.
4. Why do I need a gmail account and how do I get one?
As soon as a student accepts the invitation to enroll at Ocean Academy, we create your school gmail (Google e-mail) account for you: lastname.firstname@oaseatide.com
You will use this gmail account to log-in to all Google Education Suite applications including Google MEET.
5. What will we do at registration?
This is our opportunity to welcome you into the O.A. Family!
We will learn about you and share our school culture: Be Mindful, Know your Passion, Make Money, Create Legacy.
We will provide information about O.A. education, policies, electronic devices, Houses, uniforms, Personal Education Plans, student-selected library, and mentoring and tutoring.
Students will also sign up for fun, virtual activities such as a virtual Treasure Hunt, Sports challenges, clubs such as cooking, art, technology, innovation, Book club, and more.
6. What is the cost of registration and when is it due?
The full registration cost is $250. This amount includes two P.E. shirts, one pair of P.E. shorts, and three badges. We know these are difficult times. We are asking that you pay a portion of that amount, $25, by Monday, May 11th, to hold your spot. If you are not able to pay at this time, please contact our Bursar (Administrative Assistant who handles payments): Ms. Saira Reyes at 628-2276 to make a plan and we will hold your spot.
We will be flexible on the remaining payment for registration which is $225.
7. How do we make the payment?
You may make a payment at Atlantic Bank to account #100299151, in the name of Ocean Academy. Please What’s App an image of the receipt to: Saira Reyes, 628-2276, to credit your account.
Another option is to message Mrs. Milvia Aguirre at 624-2803 to arrange a time to make the payment at the Ocean Academy campus office. The office is only open by appointment during this quarantine period.
SCHOOL POLICIES:
1. Where can I learn more about Ocean Academy’s school policies?
The Handbook provides information about all school policies including uniforms. We encourage you to wait to make plans for uniforms until after you learn more at the Virtual Registration.
2. Where can I learn more about Ocean Academy’s policies related to technology?
OA Student Technoloogy Agreement 2019 2020
OA Student Technology Agreement Spanish Version
3. Where can I learn more about Ocean Academy’s offerings?
Ocean Academy Caye Caulker Enrollment 2020 Web
IMPORTANT DATES:
1. When will the new school year begin?
The official secondary school calendar will be established by the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (BAPSS). Most likely, new school year will begin on Monday, the 24th of August.
2. What if schools cannot physically open at that time?
Ocean Academy is ready to begin the new school year online or on campus depending on the situation with COVID-19.
Ocean Academy students and teachers have been using devices instead of text books for several years, so it has been a smooth transition to online learning.
3. Do new students attend summer school?
Yes, all new students attend a one-week summer school as an Orientation to Ocean Academy.
Additionally, students who need to strengthen English and Math skills attend classes to boost those skills. The cost for these classes is $50.
Summer School generally takes place the last week of July or the first week of August. The date for this year has not yet been set.
SCHOOL FEES:
1. How much does it cost to attend Ocean Academy?
Ocean Academy works hard to keep the costs as low as possible for families. In addition to government funding (51% of the budget), O.A. funds education through Social Enterprise (such as Bike with Purpose), and fundraising (which helps to cover the “true cost” of the education).
The cost to families is:
Every year, a registration fee of $250 is due. This fee includes two P.E. shirts, 1 P.E. shorts, and (for NEW students only) three badges.
Additionally, a monthly fee, due on the 1st of each month, for 10 months is:
Form I: $60
Form II: $70
Form III: $75
Form IV: $75
Notes:
A. The Government of Belize provides a subsidy of $300 for all students who attended a Caye Caulker primary school (which is considered rural) and is a Belizean citizen. That lowers the monthly cost to $30 per month.
B. The Government of Belize does not provide any funding to schools for non-Belizean citizens. Therefore, O.A. school fees for international students (anyone who is not a Belizean citizen) are double the costs listed above.
C. O.A. students are encouraged to earn their school fees through one of the school’s social enterprise programs such as Bike with Purpose or Art with Purpose.