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Lower School | K4-6

Hero

At Orangewood, our lower school team is excited to work in partnership with you to equip your children to transform the world for Christ and His kingdom.  Our focus is centered on your children, uniquely created by God, with varied interests, gifts, and talents. 

Chapel
Chapel

Students participate in corporate worship each week through Bible Families, grade-level chapels, and whole campus chapels

Competitive robotics team
Competitive robotics team

Students who qualify for this 5th and 6th grade competitive team use VEX IQ, along with project-based learning in competition

RAMS on the RISE enrichment program
RAMS on the RISE enrichment program

Students in 2nd - 5th grades engage in two one-hour a week classes to build core brain skills: processing, researching, and writing.  A heavy emphasis is devoted to STEM skills.

committed to modeling Christ

"For us, being a part of Orangewood is about more than the academics, it is being part of a community committed to modeling how to be a person who loves God and people well. Our children are surrounded by people who care about their hearts as much as their minds and we are so grateful." — Brian and Kristen B.

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Student clubs

Students explore their gifts and talents through after school opportunities led by teachers and community members.

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Competitive sports teams

Students participate in learning foundational teamwork skills through weekly practice, coaching, and competition against neighboring Christian Schools.

100%

Map scores and results

OCS grade level average above the national average for those participating in standardized testing for math and language arts.

8 Courses

Parent University

Programs held throughout the school year to empower parents with the tools and resources to actively engage in their child's spiritual and educational journey.

Rams Grow

Our K4 program at Orangewood provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where young learners embark on their educational journey through play-based learning and hands-on activities.

At Orangewood, our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) curriculum focuses on a multifaceted approach to learning reading, math, social skills, and emotional development. Through a blend of structured learning and imaginative play, students build confidence and a love for learning that sets the stage for future success.

In K - 2nd Grade, our young students embark on an exciting journey of discovery and growth.  At Orangewood, we provide a balanced curriculum that integrates core academic subjects with creative arts, physical education, outdoor learning and spiritual development.

The 3rd - 5th Grade program at Orangewood is designed to challenge and inspire students as they transition from early childhood education to the intermediate grades, where they work more independently.

Our 6th Grade program serves as a pivotal year, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of middle school.  At Orangewood, we emphasize academic rigor, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth.

Learning Enviroment

God has richly blessed Orangewood with brand new facilities that have been thoughtfully designed and built to create intuitive, engaging, and student focused learning environments where our elementary aged students can explore, create, and build.

Butterfly Garden

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Butterfly Life Cycle

In first grade, students get to learn about the butterfly life cycle.  They celebrate what they learn by watching their classroom chrysalis, or pupa, grow into a caterpillar and release them in their own garden on the playground.  They then finish off the unit by going on a field trip to visit other butterfly gardens.

Flower and Vegetable Garden

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Little Gardeners' Paradise

As part of their study on seeds and plants, kindergarten students plant and nurture seeds in the outdoor garden, observing their growth.  Eventually, the vegetables they grow are used as toppings for a pizza celebration.

Media Center / Library

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Media Center and Library

Students can enjoy reading and access information from a catalog of thousands of books.

Gym

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Gymnasium

P.E. classes, team practices, drama productions, and recognition ceremonies are held in this state-of-the art space throughout the year.

Music

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Music Education

Students receive weekly instruction in music theory and learn to use their voices in worship as they play recorders, keyboards, bucket drums, and the ukulele.

Art

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Art Room

Students receive weekly art education classes that encourage and inspire their creativity.

Stage

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Stage

Performances are held throughout the year to showcase our students' creative gifts and talents.

STEM Lab

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Innovation Lab - STEM

Orangewood students engage, explore, and learn to explain their world around them through inquiry based activities.  These experiences allow for our students to enhance their problem-solving abilities in our ever-growing and changing market.

Technology

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Innovation Lab - Technology

Orangewood students engage, explore, and learn to explain their world around them through inquiry based activities.  As an Apple Distinguished school, our students are each equipped with up to date Apple educational technology that allows them to safely explore the growing digital community.

Playground

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Playground

Our students enjoy daily recess with access to climbing equipment, swings, a Gaga Ball pit, a turf field, and an open area to free play.

K4 Room

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K4

Students work together to build a Lego tower.

Kindergarten

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Kindergarten

Students work in small teacher-led reading groups.

3rd Grade

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Third Grade

Students perform distributive surgery on multiplication

6th Grade

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Sixth Grade

Classroom equipment and seating is designed for movement that allows for collaborative learning experiences.

Meet the Lower School Admin Team

Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller

Lower School Principal

Lower School Principal
dmiller@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2015

EDUCATION
MS Educational Leadership / MS in Special Education, Arcadia University

FUN FACT
She loves dressing up as the Cat in the Hat for Dr. Seuss' birthday, and fostering a love of reading in young children.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Grandparents' Day. 6th Grade Moving Up Parade. Pastors' Breakfast.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Hebrews 12:2

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Americano or Salted Caramel Cold Brew

Mrs. Dawn Miller grew up in a Christian home and lived at a Christian Camp for 20 years, where her father was a camp director and pastor. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at age three but truly let the Lord be the King of her life in college. Coming from a family of educators, she followed in the footsteps of her two older sisters, who also became principals. She married her best friend from college, Mark, 43 years ago. They have a daughter, Brittany, and a son, Marshal, both of whom attended Christian schools from kindergarten through high school. She has been an educator for 43 years, with 42 of those years in Christian education. She has served as a principal for 37 years, working in elementary, middle, and high schools. She felt called to pursue a master's in special education to learn how to meet each child's needs through differentiation and non-traditional methods such as hands-on learning and field trips. After completing her master's, she realized she could impact more students by going into administration, leading her to pursue a master's in educational leadership. She feels fortunate to be a member of Orangewood Church and to work in the ministry at Orangewood Christian School. She counts it a privilege to work at a school with teachers and staff dedicated to serving Christ and with a mission statement centered on impacting the world for Christ.

Melissa Milburn
Melissa Milburn

Lower School Assistant Principal

Lower School Assistant Principal
mmilburn@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2017

EDUCATION
MS Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida, MS Mental Health Counseling, Rollins College

FUN FACT
She is passionate about her faith, family, and the Florida State Seminoles.
 

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
6th grade car parade

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Colossians 3:23

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Mrs. Melissa Milburn is a life-long learner with a BS in Child Development and Psychology from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, and Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. After 14 years in the classroom, she transitioned into administration. She and her family are active members of Grace Orlando, where they enjoy fellowship with the Orangewood community.

Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson

Lower School Dean of Students

Lower School Dean of Students
janderson@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
1986

EDUCATION
BS History, Flagler College

FUN FACT
She loves playing games with her husband and friends.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Alumni returning to work and enrolling their children in OCS. Singing the school hymn,"May the Mind of Christ My Savior."

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Genesis 8:22

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Americano black

Mrs. Julie Anderson has been part of Orangewood Church and Orangewood Christian School since 1986. She was introduced to her husband through a coworker at OCS. She played volleyball and softball as an OCS student and coached volleyball (JV) for 10 years. She also played the clarinet as an OCS student. She believes that everything they do is rooted in Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Jesus alone, and for the glory of God alone. She loves how history connects everything. She was a YMCA counselor and middle school youth director before starting her career in education. She and her husband met while playing games, specifically, a card game called Big Boss. 

Shelby Feinberg
Shelby Feinberg

Lower School Dean of Students

Lower School Dean of Students
sfeinberg@ocsrams.org

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2012

EDUCATION
MS Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Southern Illinois University

FUN FACT
She is an enthusiastic Gators fan who loves the University of Florida cheer.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
A tie between Grandparents Day and Bible Families/Chapel

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Romans 12:12

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Water (all day). Pepsi (lunchtime).

Mrs. Shelby Feinberg was born in Orlando and attended Christian schools throughout elementary and high school. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) and a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University (GO SALUKIS!). She is married to her husband, Ryan, and two of their children, Corrine and Connor, have graduated from OCS. They currently have a daughter, Ryleigh, in fourth grade at the Lower School.  She finds it an honor to share her joy in the Lord with the Orangewood Christian School community. 

Dr. Micaela Bulger
Dr. Micaela Bulger

Head of Lower School Educational Services

Head of Lower School Educational Services
mbulger@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2020

EDUCATION
EdD Education, Grand Canyon University

FUN FACT
13.1 run miles = only Half-Crazy; but 26.2 run miles = the joy of The LORD is her strength!

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Be The Light parade

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Isaiah 40:31

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
100% coconut water

Dr. Micaela Bulger was born in the Republic of Panama and grew up as a U.S. Army Brat. She was mostly raised in the Canal Zone, Panama. She has two children in college, one at Liberty University and one at Baylor University. Dr. Bulger enjoys spending time with family and friends, quiet moments, adventures, the arts, and traveling.

Julie Bowles
Julie Bowles

Lower School Guidance Counselor

Lower School Guidance Counselor
jbowles@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2021

EDUCATION
MA Education/School Counseling, Georgia State University

FUN FACT
She enjoys "Buddy Tuesday," when she brings her dog, Buddy, to school. It brings her joy to see and hear the kids play with him, ensuring she never has a bad day on Tuesday.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Singing the School Hymn: "May the Mind of Christ My Savior"

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
The book of Romans

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
LaCroix sparkling water

Mrs. Julie Bowles is from Atlanta, Georgia and is married to John, an OCS alum. They decided Orangewood was a good place to raise their children, Jonah and Chloe. Prior to joining Orangewood, they lived and worked in Decatur, GA, and Bangkok, Thailand. In her 20s, while attending Perimeter Church in Atlanta, God opened her eyes to why His Grace is Amazing. She finds redemption in all the best stories.

Catherine Baylon
Catherine Baylon

Lower School Student Health Coordinator

Lower School Student Health Coordinator
cbaylon@ocsrams.org
Apple Teacher Certified

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2013

EDUCATION
BS Healthcare Administration, University of Central Florida

FUN FACT
Her family is her greatest joy, and they are her everything.

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
Be The Light parade

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Proverbs 22:6 and Isaiah 58:11

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
LaCroix (Limoncello, Key Lime, Cherry Blossom, or Mojito)

Originally from New Orleans, Mrs. Catherine Baylon has lived in Florida most of her life. She has a BS in Healthcare Administration from University of Central Florida. She met her husband in college, and they have two daughters in 11th grade at OCS, who are legacy students and lifers. Go Rams!

Laura Palmquist
Laura Palmquist

Lower School Administrative Assistant

Lower School Administrative Assistant
lpalmquist@ocsrams.org

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2016

EDUCATION
BA Seminary RTS, Eastern Kentucky

FUN FACT
She loves studying God's word - Know. Grow. Go!

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
All-school opening convocation service with families coming together to pray and worship

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Psalm 5:11

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
Chai Tea Latte or Chick-fil-A frozen coffee

Mrs. Laura Palmquist grew up in Louisville, KY, but has lived in Norfolk, Atlanta, and Chattanooga. She met her husband in high school, and they have been together since 1981. They have two OCS alumni children and two grandchildren whom they visit in Ohio whenever possible. They have been members of Orangewood Church for over 20 years and cherish being part of the OCS/OPC family. Laura started working for Orangewood Church at MCP preschool when it opened in 2008 and moved to her current position as the Lower School Administration Assistant in 2016.

Dr. Sara Porter
Dr. Sara Porter

Lower School Administrative Assistant

Lower School Administrative Assistant
sporter@ocsrams.org

JOINED ORANGEWOOD
2019

EDUCATION
PhD Physical Therapy, University of Florida

FUN FACT
She finds joy in creating fun family memories, and figuring out puzzles (whether written logic puzzles or injuries to the human body with her physical therapy background).

FAVORITE OCS TRADITION
6th-grade moving up car parade

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Proverbs 19:21

FAVORITE BEVERAGE
All the coffee! There isn't a coffee she wouldn't drink.

Dr. Sara Porter is a daughter, wife, mother, sister, twin, and friend. She and her husband started dating in high school, and after college and grad school (Go Gators!), they returned to Orlando. After eight years working at Advent Health as a Physical Therapist with the cardiopulmonary team specializing in LVAD/Heart/Lung transplants, she embraced her new role as a stay-at-home mom to their two wonderful children, John and Charlotte. Finding a school that partnered with them in instilling a Christian foundation for their children was crucial, and having a twin who works and teaches at that school was a bonus. God continued to open doors for their family, and after starting as a volunteer in the classroom and library, she joined the Orangewood team as a classroom aide, then in 2022 became part of the front office staff. Through every milestone and transition, she has noticed God's hand and will continue to follow His plan for her and her family.

 

 

Explore more about what being a RAM has to offer

 

 

Student Experience

Talk a closer look at the day to day life of a Ram.

Athletics

Our athletic program is rooted in Christian values, commitment, discipline, and leadership.

Fine Arts

Every student has been created by God with unique and wonderful gifts and talents.  At Orangewood, our fine arts programs strive to help each student discover and develop these talents and teach students how there gifts are an act of worship to God.

Lower School Faculty

When students arrive on campus each day, they're welcomed by some of the leading minds in independent education.