About Ocean Academy

Caye Caulker is a small Caribbean island situated 45 minutes from the mainland of Belize. The island has just over one thousand residents. More than four hundred children attend the island's only school: Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School (CCRCS), but when they graduate from Standard 6 (approximately age 13), they must leave the island to continue their education. Read more about their options.

Founders Heidi Curry, Joni Miller, and Dane Dingerson are opened the first High School on Caye Caulker in September of 2008. The school is located on land donated by Dane Dingerson of Caye Caulker and is starting with three classes: a "bridge" preparatory class; First Form; and Second Form. 2008-2009 teachers include Ms. Miller, Ms. Curry, Mr. Marin, Ms. Requena and Ms. Rogemma-Fuller.  Success in the first year depends upon support from our world community.

MISSION:  To provide Caye Caulker youth with the excellent secondary education that each and every one deserves, regardless of financial status.

CCOA will place specific emphasis in twelve areas:

  1. Strengthen core skills for underperforming students.
  2. Integrate experiential learning into curriculum to build real-world experiences.
  3. Create a platform from which top students may excel and prepare for University.
  4. Provide specialized attention through small classes.
  5. Promote computer literacy through daily use of computers, integrated into standard subject matter.
  6. Solicit grants and charitable donations to heavily subsidize students’ tuition.
  7. Establish a foreign exchange program for students and teachers to create a foreign revenue stream that will subsidize the education for local children, while increasing diversity at CCCHS.
  8. Integrate hands-on exposure to Caye Caulker’s industries such as water sports, boat building, and hotel management to identify interests and skill sets.
  9. Develop creativity through art and music.
  10. Encourage physical fitness through organized sports and physical education.
  11. Cultivate well-rounded, open-minded, socially and environmentally responsible youth.
  12. Expand local capacity through teacher training.

The school will begin with three classes:

“Bridge” Preparatory Class:  Students who have struggled in years past will enter a “bridge” year.  This year will allow students to strengthen their core skills, build confidence in their abilities, and prepare to excel in First Form.

First and Second Form (First two years of High School): Will follow the Belize National Curriculum and Standards. 

Plans for 2009 include a curriculum for academic or professional route. Read more.