OCSA Orange County School of Arts
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Services Offered
Virtual Classes
Review Highlights
“Both my husband and I are constantly amazed by the talent and maturity of the students, faculty and parents.” in 4 reviews
“It is a very long day, and you have to be disciplined in keeping everything in check.” in 3 reviews
“There are now 11 different conservatories (I think there were 8 when I started) ranging from Classical Dance and Opera to Creative Writing and Film & Television.” in 2 reviews
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About the Business
Business owner information
Ralph O.
The Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA, pronounced "O-SHA") offers dual arts and academic programs and is the place for aspiring young artists to flourish in one of five schools of study and fourteen arts conservatory programs: School of Applied Arts ~ Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory School of Fine & Media Arts ~ Creative Writing Conservatory ~ Digital Media Arts Conservatory ~ Film & Television Conservatory ~ Integrated Arts Conservatory ~ Visual Arts Conservatory School of Dance ~ Classical & Contemporary Dance Conservatory ~ Commercial Dance Conservatory ~ International Dance Conservatory: ~~ Ballet Folklorico Program ~~ Ballroom Dance Program School of Music ~ Classical Voice Conservatory ~ Instrumental Music Conservatory: ~~ Commercial Music Program ~~ Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program ~~ Garn Guitar Program ~~ Jazz Program ~~ Orchestra Program ~~ Piano Program School of Theatre ~ Acting Conservatory ~ Musical Theatre Conservatory ~ Production & Design Conservatory
Location & Hours
Ask the Community
Q:
Do you actually have to do yearly "donations" and if yes it is actually mandatory?
A:
see https://www.ocsarts.net/parentgiving for more information.
John G., Business Manager5 years ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
32 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
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1 star
- Susie S.Costa Mesa, CA193418Sep 15, 2023
I have two children who have attended this school the last few years. It's a great school with outstanding arts education and a super inclusive community. If your child is seriously committed to the arts, this is an outstanding program. However, if your child is an athlete in traditional sports, this school is not for you. The school is located in an undesirable part of town; however, the city of Santa Ana has done a ton to revitalize and clean up the area. Additionally, security does an excellent job keeping the kids safe. I highly recommend this school.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Karen W.Newport Coast, CA4422Jun 14, 2023
My daughter has been lucky to be here since 7th grade. She's been dancing and acting professionally since she was 6, but we applied to this school for the curriculum which has not disappointed. If you can get in, go to this school! It's got the nicest "you be you" attitude with no judgment. It really is a phenomenal school for the arts as well as for higher education. Lots more I could say so feel free to reach out if you get in. Again, the academics are the best in CA. My son attends a great private school for sports, and while it's a fantastic high ranking private school, it still doesn't compare academically to OCSA.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Jeanah B.Seal Beach, CA1018416Aug 27, 2021
One of the top art schools in the state and well deserved. My child has been attending for three years now, under the Creative Writing conservatory, and has thoroughly enjoyed the program.
Academics at this school are rigorous, but reasonable and he has struggled a bit, but conservatory keeps his interests way up. I believe he wouldn't be doing as well academically had he attended a standard high school. Having his conservatory to look forward to has helped him to push through other required courses. His teachers have always been accommodating in helping him stay on top of his grades, and there is a more than competent staff of counselors and advisors ready to support him with any needs. He has utilized them frequently!
I can't speak for other conservatories, but the Creative Writing conservatory is a gift and a privilege for all aspiring young writers. It's a welcoming community of creatives where the quirkiest of kids find a home. The teachers are spectacularly brilliant and encouraging. They have more than students. They have fans. The course selection is everything you could imagine and would want to take if you had to do it over again.
Donations are strongly encouraged, but not required. As a single mother, there is very little I can do financially, but my child has not suffered because of this. Hoping when he becomes a famous writer, we can give back for all the support and love we've received.Helpful 5Thanks 2Love this 0Oh no 0 - Rae Y.WA, WA13298134Aug 3, 2020
Awesome arts school with 14 conservatories! We travel 40 miles each day for four years! Totally worth it for my daughter!
Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Young P.Fountain Valley, CA651951Mar 26, 2019Updated review
Great school. World Class Art School. Excellent Teachers, Smart students. Great Counselor. God bless OCSA.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Jun 5, 2018Previous reviewGreat school. World Class Art School. Excellent Teachers, Smart students. Great Counselor. God bless. I totally agreed that someone said "DO NOT try to get your audition material ready and get your child into OCSA unless your child has natural-born talent or sincerely passionate about instrumental music and so on"
- Shannon J.Irvine, CA1652620May 4, 2018
Love this amazing school for both of our Children! Both my husband and I are constantly amazed by the talent and maturity of the students, faculty and parents. So many wonderful people all in the same place is a blessing. My teens are happy to go to school every day and don't want to miss anything. We all go to shows outside of their Conservatories as well as shows they are in and we love supporting this school. OCSA is a superior education and we lived in NY where our children attended the best Private Schools. We have never met such a large majority of students, faculty and parents who invest so much of their time, talent and hearts into one school! This school requires more hard work and dedication than most other schools but If you're lucky enough to become a part of the OCSA family, we highly recommend it. This
Education is "lighting a fire, not filling a pale." Bravo to OCSA!!Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 1 - Deanna D.Kansas City, MO433Oct 17, 2019
Is it hard to get into OCSA? We are looking at not next year, but the year after for my granddaughter to start 7th grade.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Luz O.Santa Ana, CA0129Apr 19, 2019
OCSA is not a school for everybody that's for sure, you need to be committed, disciplined and hard working! I have a daughter who graduated in 2015, and currently have two more daughters attending OCSA, Ballet Folklorico Conservatory and Culinary Arts Conservatory. Academically OCSA is Excellent!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - David K.Irvine, CA311214114Jan 12, 2015
The administration at this school are strictly administrators and have no interest in education. It's sad to see administrators with such closed minds and even corrupt minds as to fabricate instances for their agenda.
I am extremely disappointed in how they lack any compassion for their students. The teachers on the other hand are opposite of management and are good teachers. Unfortunately they are powerless and afraid of the administration.
People, don't be fooled by the high ratings for how else will parents rate? Don't be fooled by the degrees of the administrators. If your child is already at a good school, keep them there. It's not worth it. My child was 2 years ahead of courses and a winning participant in academic contests but has now become an average student. The administration also makes no attempt to know their students and is oblivious to diverse cultures.Helpful 20Thanks 0Love this 6Oh no 0
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