As parents of three daughters, we [Marcus and Shelby*] came to realize that life was moving far too fast. Our girls were thriving in many ways, but the high-pressure environments they were in were beginning to affect their overall well-being. Deep down, we knew that if we didn’t make a change, we would look back with regret.
Whole Family Impact
As a family, we made the decision to slow down, be more intentional with our time, and reconnect with what mattered most. A family friend recommended OC Online, and it has truly been a life-changing experience. It gave our girls the flexibility to pursue their academic goals while also prioritizing family, faith, friendships, and their passion for sports. My daughter Maria shares, “What led me to OC online is because…it’s a great school and… because we were all very stressed out with our school situation. We didn’t know where we wanted to go next. So, we all decided to take kind of a break and do online school, and we had no idea how much it would help us.”
What has amazed me most is the positive impact this decision has had on our family as a whole. We are closer, more connected, and more present in each other’s lives than ever before. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and thank God for leading us to it. I would wholeheartedly recommend OC Online to any family looking for an educational experience that supports both academic success and overall well-being.
In fact, our experience with OC Online was so positive that it inspired us to apply to the in-person school as well. The supportive community, flexible learning environment, and focus on the whole child aligned perfectly with our family’s values. Seeing our daughters thrive academically and personally gave us the confidence to continue our journey with the school in a traditional campus setting. My daughter Jessie shared, “I really liked the vibe I got from the online program and obviously, the in-person school. Our main decision maker was the outstanding [sports] program, but Oaks Christian’s academic and religious studies are so profound as well. I thought the curriculum was easy to understand and all the teachers I had were very nice.”
Personal Relationships
Speaking of which, what surprised us most was the incredible support we received from the teachers and staff. From the very beginning, they understood that this was a new experience for our family and intentionally took the time to meet each of our girls where they were. The kindness, patience, and grace they extended throughout the transition made all the difference. Maria said, “Honestly, I was surprised that my teachers were so nice and patient with me because not a lot of my other teachers that I’ve had have always been the nicest.“ Their genuine care and commitment to helping our daughters succeed created an environment where they felt supported, valued, and confident from day one.
OC Online, and especially Mrs. Farinacci, did an incredible job of creating opportunities for students to connect socially and spiritually. Whether through [virtual] meetings, virtual celebrations, prayer, or regular email communication, there was always a sense of community and support available. While our family’s schedule didn’t allow us to participate in every opportunity, it was reassuring to know those connections were always there. The intentional effort to foster relationships and encourage students in their faith made the online experience feel personal and meaningful.
Balance of Academics and Flexibility
Academically, we found the coursework to be very manageable and well-balanced. About this, Maria shared, “the coursework [was] definitely challenging this entire year, but it pushed me to do my best and I’m better because of it”. The girls were able to take ownership of their assignments and work independently, which was a tremendous benefit for our family. The teachers were also incredibly flexible and understanding, recognizing that schedules can vary and so they adjusted deadlines when needed. This flexibility allowed the girls to fully engage in their academics while still pursuing their other interests and commitments, creating a learning environment that was both productive and low stress.
Reclaiming Time
OC Online was truly a life-changing experience for our family. Before enrolling, our oldest daughter attended a highly competitive prep school. While the academics were excellent, we watched the constant pressure and stress begin to take a toll on her well-being. We realized it was time to slow down and rethink what education should look like for our children. One of the most important lessons we learned is that education and schooling are not the same thing.
Children deserve the opportunity to grow not only academically, but also physically, mentally, spiritually, and athletically without the overwhelming pressure that is so common in many traditional school environments. OC Online gave our daughters time. Time to learn deeply, pursue their interests, develop healthy habits, and simply enjoy being kids. The positive change we saw in their mental health, confidence, and overall well-being was remarkable. For our family, OC Online provided an educational experience that supported the whole child, and that has made all the difference. We highly recommend OC Online!
*All names have been changed
