After School

Kindergarten

We focus on nurturing a well-rounded kindergarten student. To ensure this, we provide a diverse schedule of classes such as Phonics/ Book Club, GABE, Art, and Homework Help.

Grades 1st-6th

Each week, students in grades 1st-6th will enrich their education and hone their skills by participating in weekly classes for Book Club, Math Club, and Writing Club, as well as daily homework help. The goal of homework help is to make sure students are finishing their homework on time and correctly. There is also a Friday Art Club class for those students who have completed all of their homework and projects for the week.

Grades 7th-8th

During the transitional years between elementary school and high school, it is imperative that students begin building good study habits that will ensure their success later on. Students in Grades 7th-8th will also participate in weekly Book Club, Math Club, and Writing Club class as well as daily independent study time (with homework help as needed).

Grades 9th-12th College Prep

OLS’s college prep program will prepare students for all that is expected of them during their high school years and will make sure they are on the right track for the transition from high school to college. The program runs Monday through Saturday, during which they will receive help with their school classes (primarily English, Science, and Math), take a career placement test, and begin SAT prep. They will also take SAT prep throughout the summer. To make sure all of the students in our college prep program are well-rounded and have lots of good experience to list on their college applications, we offer opportunities to get involved with up to 5 hours of community service every month (which is enough to cover the high school community service requirements). In addition to all of this, students can participate in university tours to get a feel for which local universities they may be interested in attending.

Language Arts

Beginning Phonics

Students at this level will work on digraphs (sounds made by combining letters, such as the “sh” and “tr” sounds) and will memorize longer sight words containing 4-6 letters. This advanced level of phonics will require students to do more independent reading both in class and at home for homework. They will also begin having weekly quizzes on their sight words.

Advanced Phonics

Students at this level will work on digraphs (sounds made by combining letters, such as the “sh” and “tr” sounds) and will memorize longer sight words containing 4-6 letters. This advanced level of phonics will require students to do more independent reading both in class and at home for homework. They will also begin having weekly quizzes on their sight words.

Baby Genius (Pre K)

This program is for those students who have a basic knowledge of English and are striving to achieve a strong platform to further strengthen their English learning. Students will be given access to online websites that will allow them to freely read many picture books. In addition to the reading, students will be guided by an instructor on activities, such as singing American songs, recognizing sight words, reading books out loud, and such other activities. These instructor-led activities will allow students to practice pronunciation, make picture and word associations, and explore new and exciting words. The books along with the activities will help students be successful in building a strong platform with which students can further develop their language skills.

Little Genius (Kinder)

This program is designed for those students who are looking to build a solid foundation towards reading and writing English. This class focuses on four main axioms: vocabulary, reading, speaking, and listening. In the development of these focuses, students will utilize online websites that will give them free access to many books and will engage in activities that will be guided by the instructor. The books and activities will aid in the students’ ability to make connections between words and pictures, a skill that will give them a proficient knowledge base and will ultimately help them move on to more difficult reading skills.

1st-3rd Book Club

Our lower elementary-level book clubs foster an enjoyment of reading while strengthening students’ reading skills. At this beginning level, we focus on vocabulary and understanding. Students often perform an activity in class that is connected to what they read in order to help them better understand the book or its characters. Students will also get feedback on their comprehension and vocabulary homework in class.

4th-6th Book Club

Our upper elementary-level book clubs increase reading comprehension, broaden students' vocabulary, and help our students begin a life-long habit of reading. Students read interesting novels and, in addition to understanding what is happening in each book, student begin to look at why things happen. The whole class will engage in discussions about the novel and its characters while reviewing comprehension and vocabulary homework.

7th-12th Book Club

Our junior high and high school students often read the classics of the Western cannon, including many challenging novels. Junior high students get prepared for the level of vocabulary and comprehension that will be expected of them in high school, while high school students focus on SAT level vocabulary and comprehension skills. There is also a shift in focus to more critical thinking questions. Students complete comprehension and vocabulary homework and are held to a high standard.

1st-3rd Grade Writing Club

Lower elementary students begin with writing fact-based information about themselves and subjects that they are familiar with. They also write many creative stories that help them to add detail and develop a fondness for writing. The majority of our focus at this level is towards sentence structure, correct use of vocabulary, proper punctuation, and overall clarity.

4th-6th Grade Writing Club

Students in upper elementary grades will continue writing creative stories and will also begin writing expository essays to introduce them to the idea of explaining in greater detail. These students work on using more complex sentence structures and more varied vocabulary.

7-8th Grade Writing Club

Middle school students will prepare for the rigors of high school writing by being introduced to the more formal writing structure that will be expected of them in high school. They will also experience the full writing process, with each step being outlined and explained so that students understand the importance of an organized writing process. Grammar, punctuation, and word choice will still be a large focus in order to make sure students are strong in these areas before entering high school.

9-12th Grade Writing Class

At this level, we focus on the various essay types used in high school classes. These types include expository, persuasive/argumentative, and analytical essays. Each new essay type is discussed and modeled before students begin brainstorming their responses to the topic, which allows students to have a clearer idea of the goal and see a good example. Students receive personal feedback on their writing and individualized coaching on the writing process.

Story Writing

In this creative writing class, students will begin working on pieces that require them to use their imagination. Although inspiration will be the main determinant of what students write about each week, students will also be guided by themes and specific writing exercises to help keep their creativity flowing. Peer evaluation and class discussions of each student’s work will play a major role in this class. In many cases, stories completed in this class will be eligible for entry into various writing competitions for students who are looking for an extra challenge.

Scholastic Writing Competition

While being guided through the full writing process, students will learn what it takes to write works that meet competition guidelines. Students will read submissions from past winners of Scholastic Writing Awards and analyze what made these writers and their works successful. Multiple projects will be completed before choosing the final submission piece. Along the way, students can also enter other writing contests for additional feedback.

Spelling Bee

This class will prepare students to compete in local spelling bees by giving them the tools they need to help them spell both familiar and unfamiliar words. Students will keep a notebook in which they will write their new word list each week. Word lists are organized by levels and by themes, and there will be in-class spelling bees each week to quiz students on their list words from the prior week. Rather than merely spending every class spelling random words, teachers will go over language rules that will assist students in making educated guesses when spelling words they haven’t heard before. We will also be discussing the meanings of the words on our word lists each week so that students will not only know how to spell them but will also be able to understand and use them in their daily lives.

Math

PreK-Kinder LEGO Math

Math becomes a lot more fun for little ones when it involves colorful Lego pieces. Word problems are a lot easier when students are able to see the units right in front of them. This program is designed for students in kindergarten or 1st grade.

1st-6th Grade Math Club (School Curriculum)

We cover the technical skills needed to evaluate math questions using the four basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The difficulty increases as we introduce new kinds of numbers and notations. In addition to teaching the students how to perform more complex operations in class and working through examples from previous homework, we correct misconceptions and improve their comprehension of the material continuously.

1st-6th Grade Math Club (Word Problems)

We work on textual mathematics questions that employ technical skills and problem solving strategies. We will work with probability, geometric figures, and finding unknown values. Word problems are analyzed in class, and students are taught how to interpret text and convert it into mathematical equations that they are already familiar with solving. They are taught to use a process that makes sense out of each question and breaks them up into easier steps.

7-8th Math Class

At this level, we focus on the fundamentals of algebraic relationships of equations, inequalities, graphs, and functions. Courses include Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry. Students will use algebraic operations to find solutions and, later, how to impose algebraic concepts on more complex questions. This will allow them to learn a more logical approach to problem solving.

9-12th Math Class

9-12th Math Class Thsese classes involve a more rigorous manipulation, analysis, and understanding of functions and their graphs. Courses include Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and Calculus. Students are taught functions combining polynomials and trigonometry as well as mathematical analysis for graphing complex equations. In Calculus, they are taught the fundamentals of using the derivative of an integration that is used in application problems.

Math Competition Class

Math Kangaroo

More than 40 countries around the world participate in this logic-based mathematics competition for students in grades 1 through 12. Participants have 75 minutes to complete up to 30 multiple choice questions with a maximum score of 150 points.

Math Counts

MATHCOUNTS is a national program for middle school students that gauges their mathematical abilities and involves them in enrichment, coaching, and competition. Students can compete individually or as part of a team in an environment that stimulates mathematical success. People who do well in MATHCOUNTS do well on the SAT.

Orange County Math Field Day

This is a day-long event sponsored by the Orange County Math Council to promote excellence in mathematics, teamwork, goal achievement, and school spirit.

AMC

AMC stands for American Math Competition. The AMC 8 is an exam consisting of 25 multiple choice questions, varying in duration from 40 to 75 minutes based on difficulty. It is designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem solving skills as well as to distinguish exceptional students.

What is STEM?

STEM is a program that promotes study in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (as well as their related fields). These fields are frequently on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery all over the world in higher academics and, as such, have been noted as being necessary for the future prosperity and success of the United States as a global leader. As part of the Obama administration, these subjects have been given an additional emphasis, with many new programs, competitions, and awards popping up recently as a result.

GABE

Students will learn a lot about shapes, forms, structures, and building principles in this hands-on, interactive class. They will develop their spatial and logical reasoning skills, as well as make some impressive structures, through the exploration of ten different “gifts”. Then, they will participate in some integrated building activities that will help them better understand how the knowledge they’ve gained applies in their everyday lives.

LEGO Building

Using a variety of Lego pieces, students will be able to recreate nearly any element from their community, including buildings and outdoor areas, to help them understand what it takes for a community to function well. This also gives students a springboard from which they can discuss what goes on around them in their community and the different roles and responsibilities for each part of their community.

Abacus

With the new common core standards set forth by the state of California, abacus classes are in high demand. It is now a primary goal in all math classes to present students with mathematical concepts in a visual way. Taking an abacus class will prepare your son or daughter to learn visually. Students will begin by studying the features and uses of the abacus. Once they know how to do basic counting from 1 to 100 on the abacus, they will move on to learn basic adding and subtracting. They will also be introduced to the concept of tens and how to add or subtract by tens.

Little Genius Engineering

Students will develop their fine motor skills through the use of smaller pieces to build more technical structures. Motorized elements will also be incorporated to add interest and help students understand how the building design affects movement and vice versa.

Robotics Engineering

The goal of this class is to implement the functional applications of robotics and technology through projects that use everyday components and simple engineering principles.

Computer Programming

In this C++/ Java Programming class, students will learn how to create object-oriented programs. They will learn how to store data in data-types and arrays, as well as how to access date using pointers and references. They will also learn how to direct program flow using functions and loops.

SAT

The SAT is an educational aptitude test that assesses how well-formed a student’s reasoning and verbal abilities are. It is composed of 3 parts: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and a required Writing test. The math section covers Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics.

Students are penalized for wrong answers, which means that guessing can be dangerous. Students should be familiar with the types of questions that are asked because they can only score positive points from answering correctly. This test is widely used throughout the United States and is great for students who excel at problem solving and reasoning.

We teach all sections of the SAT: writing & grammar, critical reading, and math. Students can sign up for individual sections or take all three. Students who sign up for our Saturday session will study all three sections as well as take a weekly practice test to assess their progress and prepare them to take the real test.

ACT

This test is similar to the SAT, with the main difference being that the ACT measures what a student has learned in school. The ACT also has a few more components. It consists of 5 test areas: English (mechanics and rhetoric), Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test (which may be required by some universities). The math section here is more advanced than the SAT math because it also includes some Trigonometry.

For this test, students are not penalized for wrong answers. This test, although more common in the Southern and Midwestern parts of the U.S., is now accepted at nearly every university as well and is a wonderful option for those students who do well in school but don’t do as well in high-pressure critical thinking situations.

AP

The Advanced Placement (AP) program was created by the College Board to expose high school students to college-level curricula and examinations. Taking these classes allows students to take an end-of-course exam for which a passing grade counts as college credit at many American colleges and universities. Getting early college credits permits these students to partially or completely bypass the equivalent college course, giving them a head start.

IB

IB stands for International Baccalaureate, which is a non-profit educational foundation that develops the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills that students aged 3 to 19 need to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. It prepares students for success in college and their lives beyond. Students who enter the program must choose certain classes to fulfill program requirements. In order to be a part of the IB program, you must have a good academic record and pass the IB Test with a satisfactory grade.

SSAT

The Secondary School Admission Test is used by many independent and private schools to determine whether or not to admit students grades 3-11. It measures a student’s verbal, quantitative, and reading skills with an emphasis in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

TOEFL

This class is designed to help students meet and exceed their goals for the TOEFL test. Students will be counseled in any of the four areas (reading, listening, speaking, or writing) that they need to improve in. Sample tests are used to get students used to the format and difficulty level of the test, as well as to familiarize them with the type of material that the questions and prompts will be based off of. For the reading portion of the test, teachers will help students use techniques that will get them through the reading more quickly and efficiently. For the listening and speaking portions of the test, students will be given tips on how to take notes that will help them to answers the associated questions. Also, students will record many speaking responses in class, listen to them together with the teacher, and receive feedback on what could be done better. Finally, the writing portion will be worked on through at-home writing followed by in-class correction and feedback.

TOEIC

The Test of English for International Communication measures the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment. Students can take either the TOEIC Listening & Reading Test or the TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test. Scores are used by employers to determine a potential employee’s English fluency.

Competitions & Awards

Congressional Award

The Congressional Award is a prestigious award that colleges love to see on applications because it is Congress’ only award for youth and recognizes student initiative, service, and achievement. In order to earn this award, students must engage in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Optimus has options to help students meet all four of these requirements. Our instructors will act as your advisors who will review the requirements and guidelines, help you set goals, approve your goals, make sure you have qualified Validators, review your progress, and sign your Record Book.

Johns Hopkins CTY & SET

In order to be eligible to participate in the Johns Hopkins CTY Summer Program, students must first achieve at least the minimum required score on an eligibility test (SAT, ACT, Advanced SCAT, and/or STB). We can help them reach that goal enrolling in one of our SAT classes or getting private help to practice.

Qualifying for the Julian C. Stanley Study of Exceptional Talent (SET) requires reaching a score of at least 700 on either the Mathematical or Verbal (Critical Reading) part of the SAT before the age of 13 (or score an additional ten points for each additional month of age). These are very difficult standards to meet, but they are made more achievable through help from one of our excellent Optimus teachers.

Scholastic Writing Competition

While being guided through the full writing process, students will learn what it takes to write works that meet competition guidelines. Students will read submissions from past winners of Scholastic Writing Awards and analyze what made these writers and their works successful. Multiple projects will be completed before choosing the final submission piece. Along the way, students can also enter other writing contests for additional feedback.

Spelling Bee

This class will prepare students to compete in local spelling bees by giving them the tools they need to help them spell both familiar and unfamiliar words. Students will keep a notebook in which they will write their new word list each week. Word lists are organized by levels and by themes, and there will be in-class spelling bees each week to quiz students on their list words from the prior week. Rather than merely spending every class spelling random words, teachers will go over language rules that will assist students in making educated guesses when spelling words they haven’t heard before. We will also be discussing the meanings of the words on our word lists each week so that students will not only know how to spell them but will also be able to understand and use them in their daily lives.

Math Kangaroo

More than 40 countries around the world participate in this logic-based mathematics competition for students in grades 1 through 12. Participants have 75 minutes to complete up to 30 multiple choice questions with a maximum score of 150 points.

Math Counts

MATHCOUNTS is a national program for middle school students that gauges their mathematical abilities and involves them in enrichment, coaching, and competition. Students can compete individually or as part of a team in an environment that stimulates mathematical success. People who do well in MATHCOUNTS do well on the SAT.

Orange County Math Field Day

AMC

AMC stands for American Math Competition. The AMC 8 is an exam consisting of 25 multiple choice questions, varying in duration from 40 to 75 minutes based on difficulty. It is designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem solving skills as well as to distinguish exceptional students.

Summer/Winter

Summer (Local Students)

There are two summer programs to choose from: Summer Schedule I that runs Monday-Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, or Summer Schedule II that runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm. Both programs include instruction in reading, writing, math, science, presentation, and cooking. Summer Schedule II also adds homework help Monday-Thursday to make sure students get all the time and assistance needed to complete their summer OLS homework, as well as an art class and field trip that will take place on Fridays. The OLS Summer Program is a great way to keep students learning all through summer and prevent them from forgetting what they learned at school!

Weekly Theme

Each week is organized by a theme (such as Sci-Fi Week, History Week, and Around the World Week) that guide the activities students do in each of their classes that week. We have had great success using themes and find that students really look forward to finding out the next theme!

Presentation

Most adults are terrified of public speaking. Optimus wants to get students comfortable with talking in front of their peers so that they will be better prepared to face the challenge later in life. Students must present something in front of the class. Sometimes, they can bring an item from home or choose an item from the classroom. However, we often ask students to complete a project (usually writing, drawing, or creating a prop for a skit) based on the topic of the day to present to their classmates.

Science Project

Students love to get hands-on in this class! We get students thinking about how and why things work the way they do, how technology and products have changed over time, or what might happen in a certain experiment. Many of our experiments use common materials so that students can recreate the experiment at home if desired.

Cooking

This is usually students’ favorite class! The instructors choose and prepare a food that fits the theme of the week. Students learn about where the dish originated, what each ingredient is, and how the food is usually prepared/served/eaten. Before the food is made, students will create their own recipe card for the recipe. After the food has been made, students sample the food and discuss their thoughts about it. On the last week of the summer program, each student’s recipe cards will be bound together and turned into a recipe book that they can take home. (Note: For safety reasons, students are not always allowed to participate in the actual preparation of the food, but the process is always demonstrated and explained before students are given a sample to try.)

Art

Each week, students will learn about and practice a new type of art, using that week’s theme for inspiration. Students enjoy the chance to be creative and let their imaginations run free!

Field Trip

Past field trips have included places such as the beach, the zoo, the OC Fair, Sky Zone, and the movies. Locations for field trips are decided based on the number, ages, and interests of students who are attending. (Note: Students who are NOT signed up for Summer Schedule II may still attend field trips if space is available. Please speak to the Director to find out what the extra cost will be.)

Preschool Summer Schedule

Kindergarten Summer Schedule

1st-8th Summer Schedule I

1st-8th Summer Schedule II

SAT Summer Schedule

Summer Camp International

Winter (IB Prep)

This program is offered for two weeks in December and will prepare students to pass the International Baccalaureate Entrance Exam that takes place in January. Students who wish to attend Troy High School, Sunny Hills High School, Sonora High School, or Valencia High School will need to pass this exam in order to be placed in the IB program.