The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 14% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Ocean Academy Charter School
Ocean Academy Charter School is a K-8 charter school that operates as its own district in Ocean County, New Jersey. It enrolls a moderate-sized student body for a single-school district of this grade span. The school is currently expanding, with a new high school building recently opened, and plans to extend its grade range through 12th grade, offering families a continuous K-12 charter option—a notable development for those seeking a single school pathway through graduation.
The student population is heavily Hispanic, with a small share of Black students and a very small White presence. Data on economic disadvantage, special education, and English learner status were not available from the provided records, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about these support structures.
On state assessments, the overall proficiency picture across tested subjects and grades sits below the midpoint among Ocean County's districts. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above starts at a moderate level in third grade and then declines noticeably in each successive grade, reaching a low point by eighth grade. A similar pattern appears in English language arts, where third grade shows a moderate proficiency rate, climbing to a stronger rate in seventh grade, then dropping sharply in eighth grade. Science results are available for fifth and eighth grades; the fifth-grade proficiency rate is low, and the eighth-grade rate is very low—a parent may want to look into this further with the school, especially since science assessment performance is a common area of focus in many districts.
On the positive side, the school's chronic absenteeism rate is in the top quartile among Ocean County's districts, meaning it is notably low—a strong indicator that students are consistently in class. Per-pupil current spending falls in the lower range compared to other districts in the county, which may reflect the charter's operational model rather than any resource concern, though a family curious about specific programs might ask how the budget is allocated.
Because the school currently serves only grades K-8, there is no graduation rate to report. The charter structure means admission is typically by lottery, and the school's website is referenced in the provided materials as a source for further information.
Overall, Ocean Academy Charter School presents as a relatively small K-8 option with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic student body. Its academic results are mixed: earlier elementary grades show moderate proficiency, but performance in upper grades, especially in math and science, is weaker. The low chronic absenteeism rate is a clear strength. For families who value a continuous school environment from kindergarten through high school and are comfortable with a charter's independent governance, the planned expansion to 12th grade may be a significant draw. However, the current middle-grade test results and the lack of available data on special populations and economic need are areas worth exploring directly with the school.
See more original research from School Decision →