We use the Core Knowledge Curriculum, as well as the Georgia Performance Standards. The school is an Official Core Knowledge School.

Our students score above state and national averages on every section of standardized tests. On Georgia’s CRCT tests, more than 90% are meeting and exceeding in most subjects (see details under our testing tab). Over one-fourth of our 8^th graders qualified to enter into specialty high school programs. We had 100% pass rate for 8th graders taking high school exams in Math I, Spanish I, and 9^th grade literature/composition. 88% of Oglethorpe’s 8^th graders met or exceeded on the 8^th grade writing exam, compared with 64% in the system and 75% in the state. Our former students consistently tell us that they are “more than prepared” for high schools throughout the county.

The most important curriculum innovations are that we have split the traditional language arts curriculum into a reading class and a writing class. This allows teachers time to teach the important skills of reading comprehension, vocabulary, Latin and Greek root words, and literary terms in reading. Writing teachers can focus on grammar, mechanics, spelling, writing, and research.

Oglethorpe students have had so much success with the extra time on task that we also split our math curriculum into two parts – one class focuses on algebraic concepts, and the other focuses on geometry.

We use heterogeneously grouped classes, meaning that there are students of low, medium and high ability in each classroom. Gifted students are “clustered” in groups of 8-10 students per class.

Students who are motivated may participate in a number of academic teams and academic competitions. Oglethorpe participates in the Science Fair, the Social Science Fair, the Spelling Bee, the Geography Bee, the PAGE Academic Bowl, the Reading Quiz Bowl, several math competitions, Odyssey of the Mind competition, and the media festival, as well as local, district and national writing competitions. At the end of the school year, students who have earned an 85 average and have no discipline infractions higher than a level 1 are allowed to choose one Talent Blitz trip to attend. These trips are highly anticipated each year by the students and faculty, and include such activities as trolley tours of the city, kayaking to Little Tybee, dolphin cruises, trips to the newspaper and television station, pottery painting, and other highly engaging activities. All students are encouraged to participate.

Young adolescents experience more change during the middle years than at any other time of life except from birth to age three. Since its founding, Oglethorpe Charter School has been structured using a model endorsed by the National Middle School. Our culture includes:

Because of the way the school is structured, every student participates in a club that takes place during school hours. Middle school athletics are encouraged. After-school clubs include the National Junior Beta Club, the National Junior Honor Society, and the National Association of Student Councils. School-wide social events help create a spirit of community - Fall Fling, Spirit Week, a Beta Dance and the Yearbook Party. Assemblies are geared toward showcasing student accomplishments. Highlights include the annual Talent Show and the Poetry Slam.

Oglethorpe enrolls approximately 400 students each year, all of whom are selected by lottery. We have a diverse student body – in the 2009-2010 class, we have 54% African-American students; 4% Asian students; 2% Hispanic students; 2% mixed raced students; and 38% Caucasian students. Approximately one-third of Oglethorpe’s students are identified as gifted.