For information on Course
Offerings and Requirements,
check out the 2008-2009 OPS Course Guide.
To view the 2008 Academic
Awards recipients,
check out our Acadmic Awards.
Preschool:
We
have preschool for children that are four years of age before September
1st of the year that they enroll. This is from 8:00-2:30 Monday through
Friday from August until May.
Kindergarten:
Orangeburg
Prep also offers full-day kindergarten for five-year-old students. This
program’s main objective is to provide a positive atmosphere which
will promote the social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth
of children. Age-appropriate learning experiences are provided daily
in reading readiness, math readiness, science, creative art, and self-selected
play. Children must have turned five years of age before September 1st
of the year that they enroll. This is from 8:00-2:30 Monday through
Friday from August until May.
Math Department:
Mathematics
at its most basic level is a skill every individual needs to function
effectively. Just as a person can scarcely survive if he or she cannot
read, a math illiterate will be severely handicapped throughout life.
The math curriculum addresses that basic requirement from the earliest
grade levels, and seeks to train students to be nimble with numbers
and unafraid to tackle a broad range of mathematic situations. A variety
of techniques are employed, including many hands-on activities designed
to show the relationship of the subject to our everyday lives.
As
the student progresses to the upper grades, math becomes less involved
with day-to-day survival and more a vehicle to develop the highest order
of analytical thinking. Upper level courses allow students the opportunity
to study math from basic Algebra to A.P. Calculus, Statistics, and College
Math. The primary goal, however, remains the same; the development and
practice of organized, analytical thinking.
English Department:
The
English Department at OPS recognizes the fundamental importance of written
communication, whether in the form of imaginative literature or expository
writing. Because such writing perpetuates and questions values, disseminates
knowledge and experience, and delights and entertains us, it is a vital
component of every student's learning and intellectual life. We seek,
therefore, to inculcate in every student critical reading and analytical
skills along with the strategies of sound writing. Furthermore, we hope
to instill in our pupils a lifelong love of reading and an appreciation
for the great works of literature so vital to our history and culture.
Science Department:
The
Science curriculum is designed to introduce young children to the wonders
of science that can be found all around them. As the student matures,
more sophisticated studies introduce physical, earth, and life science
as both individual and interrelated disciplines. A hands-on, experiential
approach is emphasized, recognizing that children understand best what
they learn through experience and everyday activity. The development
of higher order thinking skills and a disciplined approach based on
the Scientific Method are departmental goals held in the highest regard.
At all levels, scince teachers hope that their enthusiasm will children
are encouraged to maintain a lifelong interest in science.
The
curriculum in the middle and upper levels focuses on the same goals
while beginning the process of broadening the base of knowledge within
each specific discipline. Students are required to complete a base curriculum
including Physical Science, Biology I, Biology II, and Chemistry. Beyond
that, students are encouraged to study either Physics or A.P. Chemistry.
Social Studies Department:
The
History curriculum seeks to develop students who have broad understandings
of the trends that have shaped the development of our worldwide community.
At a minimum, educated people should be expected to have a firm grasp
of the history and geography of their own country. Beyond that, a grasp
of the history and geography of our world allows us to understand current
events and make educated choices in an increasingly complicated society.
To accomplish this, a careful progression of studies of world cultures
and major events is a benchmark of the curriculum.
The
History Department accepts its role in developing analytical thinking
and strong communication skills in students. A teaching style that emphasizes
student involvement is consistent throughout the department. Group projects,
discussion, research, and class presentation are techniques commonly
employed to encourage students to think for themselves.
Finally,
the History Department recognizes its responsibility to convey a love
and appreciation of history in hopes that students will continue to
demonstrate an interest in history and current affairs for the rest
of their lives.
Foreign Language Department:
The
Orangeburg Prep Foreign Language Department seeks to help each student
achieve a developing level of proficiency in listening, reading, and
writing French or Spanish. Language should be a meaningful, communicative
activity. Our goal is to see students making comparisons between their
own language, culture, and civilization and that of their chosen foreign
language. Language is linked to art, literature, music, and social studies
so that students experience bilingual situations in a variety of classroom
and community situations.
OPS
offers a Flex program in Spanish at the Lower Campus in grades k-5 and
a Flex program in French in grades 6 and 7. Grade 8 experiences a WHOLE
LANGUAGE course and three years of both French and Spanish are offered
for credit in grades 9-12.
Fine Arts Department:
The
Fine Arts Department believes that exposing children to a wide array
of opportunities in the arts not only enriches their school experience
but also prepares them for a lifetime of joy and fulfillment. That exposure
comes from classes that actually teach skills, involvement in activities
that allow students to present their talents to various venues, and
a school wide environment that places arts in a position of importance.
Classes
in art and music begin in the earliest grades and continue throughout
high school. Students have numerous opportunities to display their skills
through competitions, showings, and plays and productions presented
for the school and community. Orangeburg Prep demonstrates its commitment
to the arts by sponsoring numerous artists through programs such as
its Visiting Artist Series presented for the public, artists-in-residence
who work directly with students, and numerous shows and performances
featuring students.
Physical Education Department:
The
Physical Education Department believes that children benefit from the
development of healthy lifestyles that include exercise and play. Emphasis
in the early grades is on developmentally appropriate activities designed
to develop an enthusiastic attitude for games that teach lessons and
help develop coordination. As students get older, P.E. seeks to introduce
students to skills that can produce life-long benefits. Classes continue
to encourage cardio-vascular health along with all other aspects of
physical conditioning and good health habits. Students can elect to
take classes such as Weight Training and Life Time Fitness.
