Oak Ridge Children's Academy
Oak Ridge Children's Academy, 1118 W Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
About
Oak Ridge Children's Academy offers education-based care with a personalized approach to learning that focuses on the whole child through teacher-guided activities. The center serves only nutritious foods, makes physical activity a top priority at every age and stage, and emphasizes role modeling and practicing healthy eating and being active. Families can schedule free personalized tours of the facilities.
• Ages: 1–12 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Oak Ridge Children's Academy has been providing childcare in Orlando since 1979, when it was founded under the name The Guardian Angel, and it was renamed Oak Ridge Children's Academy (ORCA) after Owner/Director Maritza Lopez took over in 1988. The program reports more than 44 years of professional care and states that together the team has over 37 years of child care experience, knowledge, and growth. In 1991, ORCA received the Gold Seal of Excellence from 4C, and the center is accredited through NECPA and recognized as a Florida Gold Seal Quality Care provider and as a 5 star center within its community. The program is described as a pioneer in education-based care and is recognized locally and nationally for excellence in care and service.
The leadership team includes Owner/Director Maritza Lopez, Director Mrs Julie, and VPK teacher Ms. Lizza Cruz, who has been recognized as Teacher of the Month by the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. Teachers hold degrees in pre-school studies and are certified in CPR and First Aid, and all teachers have health and nutrition training. Each staff member is required to have Early Childhood Education Training, a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, CPR and First Aid Certification, and a stated passion for working with children. The center accepts Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness, offers preschool and a Private School program as the final step in its School Readiness Pathway, and notes that registration is open for 2025.
The mission of Oak Ridge Children's Academy states that the program recognizes and assesses each child's social-emotional development, intellectual growth, and physical skills, and that the curriculum includes everything that happens in the classroom, from interactions and meals to singing and playing. The mission also states that staff members never miss an opportunity to educate, continue to build on each child's existing informal education and holistic needs, and use teacher-guided activities to support and enrich development. The program description emphasizes a focus on the whole child with respect, love, a positive approach, and meaningful assistance, and notes that Maritza’s team uses conscious social interaction to provide children with new experiences that strengthen their emerging development. The stated goal is to serve the community with high quality child care that equips children with life skills needed to thrive in school and life.
Oak Ridge Children's Academy partners with the SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) Program, which equips high-risk youth and their families with strategies to enhance pro-social skills so youth remain in school and avoid trouble by making better choices. One parent, Fasline J., reports having a child enrolled since 2 months old and another who recently started, and describes the staff as nice, friendly, professional, and a good environment where her child looks forward to attending. Another parent, Shiloh P., reports that a child has attended since 18 months and is now 10, notes timely communication about any problems, and states that the child loves going there. A third parent, Nelson R., describes the school as amazing and says the director Mrs Julie, teachers, and staff are wonderful, pleasant, and truly care for the children and their best interests.
Last updated June 2, 2026.
• Ages: 1–12 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Oak Ridge Children's Academy has been providing childcare in Orlando since 1979, when it was founded under the name The Guardian Angel, and it was renamed Oak Ridge Children's Academy (ORCA) after Owner/Director Maritza Lopez took over in 1988. The program reports more than 44 years of professional care and states that together the team has over 37 years of child care experience, knowledge, and growth. In 1991, ORCA received the Gold Seal of Excellence from 4C, and the center is accredited through NECPA and recognized as a Florida Gold Seal Quality Care provider and as a 5 star center within its community. The program is described as a pioneer in education-based care and is recognized locally and nationally for excellence in care and service.
The leadership team includes Owner/Director Maritza Lopez, Director Mrs Julie, and VPK teacher Ms. Lizza Cruz, who has been recognized as Teacher of the Month by the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. Teachers hold degrees in pre-school studies and are certified in CPR and First Aid, and all teachers have health and nutrition training. Each staff member is required to have Early Childhood Education Training, a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, CPR and First Aid Certification, and a stated passion for working with children. The center accepts Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness, offers preschool and a Private School program as the final step in its School Readiness Pathway, and notes that registration is open for 2025.
The mission of Oak Ridge Children's Academy states that the program recognizes and assesses each child's social-emotional development, intellectual growth, and physical skills, and that the curriculum includes everything that happens in the classroom, from interactions and meals to singing and playing. The mission also states that staff members never miss an opportunity to educate, continue to build on each child's existing informal education and holistic needs, and use teacher-guided activities to support and enrich development. The program description emphasizes a focus on the whole child with respect, love, a positive approach, and meaningful assistance, and notes that Maritza’s team uses conscious social interaction to provide children with new experiences that strengthen their emerging development. The stated goal is to serve the community with high quality child care that equips children with life skills needed to thrive in school and life.
Oak Ridge Children's Academy partners with the SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) Program, which equips high-risk youth and their families with strategies to enhance pro-social skills so youth remain in school and avoid trouble by making better choices. One parent, Fasline J., reports having a child enrolled since 2 months old and another who recently started, and describes the staff as nice, friendly, professional, and a good environment where her child looks forward to attending. Another parent, Shiloh P., reports that a child has attended since 18 months and is now 10, notes timely communication about any problems, and states that the child loves going there. A third parent, Nelson R., describes the school as amazing and says the director Mrs Julie, teachers, and staff are wonderful, pleasant, and truly care for the children and their best interests.
Last updated June 2, 2026.
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