Who We Are
Who We Are
Welcome
Ocean Crest Academy is an academic program offering learner-led, place-based experiential education in the Comox Valley.
At OCA, we are guided by values that place learner-led experiential learning, connection to nature, and community at the heart of education. We empower young people in grades 8–12 to become curious, capable, and compassionate learners. Rooted in small class sizes and enriched by outdoor learning, we nurture independence, resilience, and a deep connection to community and the natural world. Our mission is to prepare students not just for academic success, but for a lifetime of thoughtful action, creativity, and leadership.
We foster curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning while cultivating resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. Through small class sizes, we nurture authentic relationships that encourage belonging and collaboration. Grounded in integrity, responsibility, and respect, we prepare students to engage thoughtfully and ethically with the world around them.
Our Vision
Our vision is to inspire the next generation of resilient, compassionate, and capable leaders who are deeply connected to both the natural world and their communities.
We aspire to be recognized as a place where students engage fully in learning that is experiential, interdisciplinary, and transformative — where the mountains and ocean serve as living classrooms, and small, supportive communities empower each learner to reach their highest potential.
Through this approach, we envision graduates who carry curiosity, integrity, and a sense of stewardship into the wider world, shaping a more thoughtful, sustainable, and interconnected future.
Our Values
Experiential Education
We believe knowledge is best gained through hands-on engagement, inquiry, and real-world application that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.
Connection to Nature
We honor the profound lessons offered by the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship, ecological awareness, and a sense of belonging to the land and sea.
Community & Belonging
Through small class sizes and a culture of respect, we nurture meaningful relationships that encourage collaboration, mutual support, and personal confidence.
Curiosity & Innovation
We encourage exploration, creativity, and diverse perspectives, cultivating a spirit of lifelong learning and innovation.
Integrity & Responsibility
We uphold honesty, accountability, and respect as the cornerstones of ethical citizenship and leadership within our school and beyond.
Resilience & Growth
We view challenges as opportunities for growth, building perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness as students navigate both academic and life experiences.
Our Philosophy
At OCA, we believe that education is most powerful when it is lived, experienced, and deeply connected to the world around us. Our philosophy is rooted in the conviction that students learn best through meaningful engagement — where curiosity drives inquiry, and challenges become opportunities for growth.
By drawing inspiration from both mountain and ocean environments, we provide a living classroom that nurtures resilience, adaptability, and stewardship, while instilling an enduring respect for the natural world.
We embrace small class sizes as essential to cultivating authentic relationships and fostering a strong sense of belonging. This intimate learning environment empowers students to take risks, collaborate openly, and discover their individual strengths and passions.
Guided by integrity, responsibility, and respect, we seek to prepare young people not only for academic achievement but for a lifetime of thoughtful leadership, ethical citizenship, and creative contribution.
Ultimately, our philosophy reflects a holistic view of education: one that integrates mind, body, and spirit; honors diversity and multiple ways of knowing; and inspires students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
Explore our full program or start your application today.