Orange County Business Journal Features OCASA’s New TK-6 Charter School in Tustin

“Sometimes growth begins with a simple idea: create a place where children can truly enjoy learning.”

At Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA), that idea has guided every step of our journey. What began as a community effort by parents who wanted a different kind of learning environment has continued to grow into something meaningful for families across Orange County.

Recently, OCASA was featured in the Orange County Business Journal for its newest milestone: the development of our new school campus in Tustin that will expand opportunities for students and families looking for a thoughtful, student-centered education.

This new school opening in Tustin represents more than just another campus. It reflects the growing interest among families who want a learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and confidence can grow together.

Let’s take a closer look at what this next step means for OCASA and for the community.

A New School Campus in Tustin to Serve More Families

Over the past few years, OCASA has seen increasing interest from families across Orange County. Many parents are looking for schools that combine strong academics with personal attention and meaningful learning experiences.

To meet this growing demand, OCASA is moving forward with a new school campus in Tustin that will welcome students from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

This TK-6 charter school in Tustin is designed to serve up to 900 students, giving more children the opportunity to learn in an environment that focuses on curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.

Our new school opening in Tustin is expected to welcome students beginning in August, marking an exciting new chapter for OCASA’s growing community of learners.

Transforming a Landmark Building into a Place for Learning

The campus will be located in the former KDOC-TV building, a space that has been part of the Orange County community for decades.

Through a partnership with Red Hook Capital Partners, the building is being carefully redesigned and renovated to become a modern learning environment. The project includes significant upgrades that will transform the five-story building into a vibrant charter elementary school in Tustin, CA.

Inside the building, families can expect learning spaces designed specifically for students, including:

• Bright classrooms for collaborative learning
• Dedicated science labs
• A library and reading areas
• A large auditorium for presentations and performances
• Outdoor recreation space for students
• A cafeteria that will provide free breakfast and lunch

One unique feature of this campus is that a part of the original broadcast studio will remain in place. This space will support Rocket News, OCASA’s student-run news program, where students can learn communication, storytelling, and media production.

Our New Campus Will Carry the Same STEAM Learning Built Around Curiosity

At the heart of OCASA’s approach is STEAM education: science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

As a STEAM elementary school in Tustin, the campus will focus on project-based learning, where students explore ideas through hands-on activities, teamwork, and real-world challenges.

Rather than focusing only on lectures, students will work through hands-on projects, discussions, and small-group instruction. Teachers will use student progress data to group learners thoughtfully, making sure each child receives the support they need.

This personalized learning model is part of what makes the OCASA TK-6 charter public school in Tustin unique. Students will move forward based on readiness and understanding, building confidence as they grow.

Our STEAM elementary school in Tustin will also provide opportunities for creativity, exploration, and collaboration, helping students develop both academic skills and critical thinking.

Looking Ahead

Our upcoming new school campus in Tustin represents more than growth. It reflects the trust families place in OCASA and the shared belief that learning should feel meaningful, engaging, and supportive.

As our new campus in Tustin prepares to welcome students, it will continue the mission that began nearly a decade ago: helping children grow into confident learners who are excited about discovering the world around them.

Families interested in learning more about our charter elementary school in Tustin, CA, can read the
full feature published by the Orange County Business Journal.