Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to get answers to some inquiries? You’ve come to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orangeville Christian School is a private, independent Christian School serving Shelburne, Caledon, Grand Valley and Orangeville as well as rural Dufferin County.

There are a number of questions that we typically get asked here at Orangeville Christian School. We decided to put together a frequently asked questions section to provide some answers to those questions.

Why should we choose OCS?

A shared vision of Christian education draws parents to partner with Orangeville Christian School. Our commitment to pursue excellence in education for the glory of God (Col. 3:23) can be best described as “kingdom-class”. A kingdom-class Christian school seeks to educate both the mind and soul, so that students’ lives are transformed, others are served, and God is glorified.

Our prayer for all our students is that they become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Becoming a faithful disciple begins with a personal response to God’s plan of redemption, the development of a personal relationship with God, and is expressed through a Christ-like character. Cultivating Christian character and culture is essential to promoting a life of servant leadership. We are privileged and honoured that you have partnered with us as we pursue excellence and kingdom-class education for the glory of God.

Do you know of families that are searching for a Christian school committed to pursuing excellence for the glory of God? Be sure to speak to them about OCS. Your discussion will have eternal consequences.

What makes OCS unique?

OCS is a Christian school with high academic and behaviourial standards. We are committed to nurturing students to reach their highest potential. We are blessed with a unique community atmosphere of 150 students and active, involved parents.

Is there before and after school supervision?

Before and after school care is provided for students in JK through Grade 8. The morning times are 7:00-8:45 am and the evening times are from 3:45-6:00 pm. Arrangements for supervision are made with the front office.

Do you offer a part-time or full-time program for Kindergarten?

Orangeville Christian School offers a full-day, part-time kindergarten program on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with a staff to student ratio of approximately 1:18 in both Junior and Senior Kindergarten. A full-day, full-time kindergarten program is also available by participating in our play-based program offered on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students enjoy a full program, including French, Art, Music, Physical Education and Library. Outdoor play and rest time provide the children with a break from the busy routine of the classroom.

Where do OCS students go after Grade 8?

Our graduates go on to be successful in local and independent high schools in Dufferin County and surrounding regions.

What types of Christian outreach does the school support?

Our students participate in Christian service from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Recent activities include clean-up at local parks, Headwaters Foundation Radioathon, Humane Society, Homeless Shelter, Food Bank, sponsor children, Avalon Retirement Home etc.

Are teachers fully qualified?

At OCS, we are privileged to have a professional, collaborative, and innovative staff. Our classroom teachers have completed studies and professional training in recognized educational institutes. OCS is committed to the ongoing professional development of all our staff members.

Is Orangeville Christian School associated with one denomination?

OCS is a non-denominational Christian school serving more than ten area churches. The school strives to respect the distinctive teachings of each family’s local congregation while joyfully affirming the essential unifying truths of the Christian faith.

How is the school governed?

OCS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors selected from the Orangeville Christian School Society membership. OCS is a non-profit organization with charitable status.

How does the school encourage involvement among parents, teachers, and students?

We welcome and encourage the involvement of parents in many areas of the life of the school. Field trips, pizza lunches, sports coaching, and school community events are just some of the ways our parents are involved. We highly value our parent volunteers and the contributions they make toward the well-being of our school community!

How do Pizza Wednesdays work?

The school offers an optional service to teachers and students through an outside pizza lunch provider. The students enjoy a pizza lunch every Wednesday in the school gymnasium in their house teams.

Do you have the same holidays as the Upper Grand School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board?

Our school calendar follows the same holiday calendar as the UGSB and DPCSB for both the Christmas and March breaks. We do not share all the same professional development/activity days.

Do you accept donations?

Yes, we are a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Please contact the school office for more details.

Why should we choose OCS?

A shared vision of Christian education draws parents to partner with Orangeville Christian School. Our commitment to pursue excellence in education for the glory of God (Col. 3:23) can be best described as “kingdom-class”. A kingdom-class Christian school seeks to educate both the mind and soul, so that students’ lives are transformed, others are served, and God is glorified.

Our prayer for all our students is that they become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Becoming a faithful disciple begins with a personal response to God’s plan of redemption, the development of a personal relationship with God, and is expressed through a Christ-like character. Cultivating Christian character and culture is essential to promoting a life of servant leadership. We are privileged and honoured that you have partnered with us as we pursue excellence and kingdom-class education for the glory of God.

Do you know of families that are searching for a Christian school committed to pursuing excellence for the glory of God? Be sure to speak to them about OCS. Your discussion will have eternal consequences.

Why Choose an Ontario Independent (Private) School?
On May 3, 2007 a report entitled, “Who Chooses Ontario Independent (Private) Schools and Why?” written by Deani Van Pelt, assistant professor in education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, along with Patricia Allison and Derek Allison, both instructors in the education faculty at the University of Western Ontario, was released to the pubic. The report was released after studying the answers provided by respondents to a parental survey.

The report, published by the Fraser Institute (an independent Canadian research organization), is the most comprehensive study of its kind and is based on a survey of 919 Ontario households with children attending private schools. Van Pelt reported that parents are choosing private schools because they feel the public system isn’t meeting the needs of their children. Regardless of whether they are seeking a sounder academic environment or a learning environment that reflects their religious faith, the answers to the survey reflect dissatisfaction with the current public school system.

The survey asked parents to rate how important their disappointment with other school options was in choosing their current private school. Fully 94 per cent of respondents said that disappointment with public or separate schools was a factor in their choice of a private school.

The dedication of teachers at private schools was listed as very important by 91 per cent of parents in the survey, while more than 80 per cent of respondents said the emphasis on academics by private schools was very important. Teaching right from wrong and school safety were also very important reasons for choosing a private school for almost all parents surveyed.

Van Pelt also noted that while enrolment in Ontario’s publicly funded schools has not even doubled over the last four decades, attendance at private schools has more than quadrupled. Parents tend to be attracted to schools that show strong leadership, clear goals, flexibility, good discipline, high expectations and parent-teacher collaboration. Many parents believe they will find those qualities in a private school.

The report also looked at the characteristics of families that choose private schools for their children and found they tend to have higher levels of education, higher status occupations or self-employment, and a greater involvement in civic affairs.

Although the report is over eleven years old, its findings are just as valid today. Christian and secular parents are looking for alternatives to our government funded schools and Orangeville Christian School is an excellent choice. Do you know families that are among the ones mentioned above? Be sure to speak to them about OCS and the characteristics that make us unique.

Download our brand new eBook today!

"3 Reasons Why Orangeville Christian School Is The Right Choice" will detail why choosing an Independent Christian School is a great alternative.

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Voted #1 in Dufferin County 

9 Years in a row and counting.

The community of Dufferin County has voted the Orangeville Christian School the #1 School for the 9th consecutive year. We cannot thank the community enough for their continued support of OCS.

Book a tour or download our new eBook and see why choosing a private school is a great alternative. 

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Alyssa Edward
Alyssa Edward

Just left us a 5 star review

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Alyssa Edward
February 22, 2023

OCS has been fantastic for our family and our children. Our kids are learning so much, and they feel safe in an amazing school environment.

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Beth Amy
February 13, 2023

Our kids love OCS and we really appreciate how personable and community oriented the school is. Our son struggled with being behind in some classes and within a week of starting they had identified and set him up with an in school tutor and it made a massive difference.

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Christine Kennedy
February 12, 2023

We are thrilled with OCS. The environment, the classroom, the content, and the experiences they provide demonstrate a deep care and love for each and every student. Truly so thankful for how they are equipping and building up the next generation.

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Becky Prins
February 10, 2023

We feel incredibly blessed to have an option like OCS for our children to attend! Teachers are amazing, and while always striving to provide excellent academic challenges and incorporate new experiences, they also actually care about my kids. They encourage, correct, and connect with love and intentionality. The facilities are awesome as well and we are especially excited about this year's school play! Thank you for all you do OCS!

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Julia G
February 10, 2023

OCS is everything a school should be, and so much more. Their priority is the wellbeing of the students and this is evident in how the students are nurtured and cared for. OCS offers rich programming and curriculum to ensure that the needs of all students are met. The educators are extremely knowledgeable and work tirelessly for the benefit of all students. I am impressed daily by how happy my daughter is to attend school and the depth of knowledge and quality of work that she brings home. OCS is not only preparing students to be higher level thinkers and problem solvers, it is instilling core values of kindess and empathy within it's students. I cannot imagine a better place for my daughter to embark on her educational journey.

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Cheryl Birch
February 9, 2023

We have had students enrolled at OCS from 2015 to 2023. Every single year we have been so thankful to have fabulous and approachable teachers. We're so appreciative of the affirmation of identity and God's love that our kids receive at OCS. We have found the math curriculum and individual monitoring of academic progress to be much improved at OCS from what we experienced in the public school system. The sports and music programs are excellent. We have greatly enjoyed the love of reading developed by the Battle of the Books club, and other initiatives at OCS, that we feel have given our kids an advantage in their preparation for high school.

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Wayne Johnson
February 9, 2023

We, as a family, had no problem posting a review for OCS!!! Our journey there began in September/2014 when our grandson was enrolled in JK. His experience there was positive in every aspect…academically, socially and spiritually. Eventually, Wayne began working there in a maintenance position and Judy as both an EA and supply teacher. Although we have both retired, Wayne continues to volunteer on the maintenance committee and Judy as supply. We plan to continue supporting OCS to the best of our abilities in the future!!!

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Greg Bennett
February 9, 2023
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Suzy Koolen
February 9, 2023

My daughter loves OCS. The staff and fellow students have been very welcoming as she joined half way through the year. My daughter is finally receiving a quality education. Highly recommend!

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Steve Koolen
February 9, 2023

Very friendly and welcoming staff and students. Small class sizes for better learning. My daughter was miserable at her old school, and is now back to her happy self at Orangeville Christian School.

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Erika F
February 9, 2023

OCS has been incredible for our 3 children who started this year. I couldn’t be happier with our experience. The teachers are caring and attentive and take the time to get to know each student individually. The academic program has been challenging and rewarding and we have seen so much growth in all our children. The environment feels safe and is community based and the school offers a wide range of activities for the children and their families. Overall, I am extremely impressed by the commitment to excellence that is evident at this school and would highly recommend it to other parents.

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Robyn Johnstone
October 7, 2020

OCS is more than just a school, it is a community and a family where parents truly are partners in the education of their children! We feel truly blessed to have our two children here! The teachers are amazing and the facility itself is top notch!

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Sunny G
February 7, 2020
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Skye W
April 11, 2019

Been here, great place. I recommend it.

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wP SK
December 1, 2017
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Jackie Tucker
September 13, 2017

Great school, teachers very intuitive of the students, great one on one time.

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Siobhan Bell
August 12, 2017

Excellent teachers, caring and supportive school family. Top notch academics!

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Reg Walker
April 19, 2017

Great facilities