A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to OCASA Schools

“Every great learning journey begins with a single step, and at OCASA, that step starts with a school tour.”

Applying to a new school can feel like a big decision, especially when you are looking for the right environment where your child can learn, grow, and truly shine. Whether you are exploring OCASA for the first time or already know a little about our joyful approach to learning, this guide will walk you through the complete enrollment process at OCASA, step by step.

At OCASA, we have made the enrollment process simple, supportive, and family-friendly, because we understand that choosing a school is not just about a learning space; it’s about finding a place where your child feels at home. So let’s explore the enrollment timeline at OCASA first.

OCASA Enrollment Timeline

Once you have explored our campuses and are ready to apply, the next step is to submit your online application. The application window will be open from January 5th, 2026, through February 27th, 2026, at 5 pm.

If there are more applicants than available seats, OCASA will hold a random lottery on March 11th, 2026, at 3 pm. Students not offered a seat will automatically be added to the waitlist, keeping them eligible for any openings that may become available. Applications will reopen after the lottery for families who wish to join the waitlist.

All applicants will receive lottery results via email on or before April 1st, 2026.

Steps to Enroll at OCASA

Step 1: Learn About OCASA and Choose a Campus

Before starting your application, you can take a little time to explore our OCASA campuses. Families can choose from OCASA Elementary (TK-5) in Laguna Niguel, OCASA Middle School (6-8) in Aliso Viejo, or our brand-new OCASA Tustin (TK-6) (which is opening soon in Fall 2026).

Each of our campuses offers its own mix of learning spaces, programs, and community connections, yet every one of these shares the same joyful, student-centered approach to learning that makes OCASA special.

To help you get a true feel for our schools, we offer in-person school tours at our Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo campuses and virtual information sessions for families interested in the upcoming Tustin location. These visits are a great way to meet our staff, see classrooms in action, and ask questions about our programs and enrollment.

You can explore all current tour dates, session schedules, and enrollment details right on our Enroll page.

Step 2: Start the Online Application

Once you have chosen your campus, the next step is simple: go to the OCASA Enroll page and complete the online application.

When open enrollment is available, you will be able to fill out the form directly through our online enrollment system, PowerSchool. If the enrollment window is temporarily closed, don’t worry. You can still use the same form to join the waitlist, ensuring your child’s name is added to the next available spot.

Required Documents:

Birth verification (birth certificate)

Two proofs of address (utility bill, lease)

Step 3: What Happens If Seats Are Full (Lottery and Waitlist)

At OCASA, we love to have so many families as a part of our community, and when the number of applications is greater than the available seats, we hold a random lottery to ensure fairness. Students not selected in the initial round are automatically placed on the waitlist, which means they will still have a chance to join if spots open later.

Example: Imagine applying for OCASA Elementary and receiving an email that says, “Your child has been placed on the waitlist.” It simply means that if a seat becomes available, you will be contacted in the order assigned by the lottery. The majority of families who start on the waitlist do end up getting a spot, so always stay positive and check your email for updates.

Step 4: If Your Child Is Offered a Seat, Complete Registration

If you receive an offer, congratulations! You will get an email from OCASA with a link to your Online Registration Package. This is where you have to upload or provide a few important documents to finalize your child’s spot. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get ready:

Required Documents:

Current immunization records

Other documents (as required)

Recommended to have ready (helpful and commonly requested at enrollment):

Recent report card or transcript (for students entering middle school or transferring)

Proof of guardianship or custody documents (if applicable)

Emergency contact and health or medication information

Many parents find it easiest to gather these documents early, even before the offer email arrives. You might create a small folder at home labeled “OCASA Enrollment” so everything is ready to upload. That way, when your child’s offer comes through, you can complete the registration in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Set Up Your Portals and Stay Connected

Once your child is officially enrolled, you will receive details about logging into the PowerSchool and ParentSquare portals.

PowerSchool is a portal where you will find attendance, grades, and school information, while ParentSquare is your main communication hub with OCASA. Through it, you will get updates, reminders, and event notices directly from teachers and administrators.

Example: You might open ParentSquare and see a message like, “Spirit Week starts Monday!” or “Don’t forget to submit your field trip permission slip.” It’s a great way to stay involved and informed, keeping your child’s school life organized and fun.

Step 6: Need Help? We Are Here for You

If anything feels unclear during the enrollment process at OCASA, you can always reach out by using the contact form on the OCASA website, emailing admissions@ocasa.org, or calling 949-269-3290.

Our admissions team is warm, responsive, and ready to help with any questions, from document uploads to tour schedules.

Exciting News: OCASA Tustin Is Coming Soon

We are thrilled to share that OCASA is expanding with a brand-new school opening in Tustin in Fall 2026, serving students in grades TK-6.

This new campus will carry forward the same joyful, student-centered learning experience that OCASA families already love in our existing schools. Here, students will explore core academics, STEAM, art, and music in small, engaging classrooms filled with curiosity and creativity.

Conclusion

Applying to OCASA is more than a form or a process; it’s the beginning of a meaningful partnership between parents and our learning community. So whether you are exploring the enrollment process for OCASA Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, the enrollment process for OCASA Middle School in Aliso Viejo, or preparing to join our newest school in Tustin, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We can’t wait to welcome you into our community, where learning feels joyful, meaningful, and full of possibilities.