Ocean Shore School (formerly Laguna Salada Alternative School) features a parent-participation program, meaning that students' parents are encouraged to participate in all aspects of their child's education. This allows teachers to work with small groups of students rather than large classes. The K-8 curriculum, based on California's and Pacifica School District's framework, is augmented with field trips, hands-on activities, arts and projects. Students of different grades are also encouraged to interact and learn together, and many classrooms at Ocean Shore are mixed-grade. About 350 students attend Ocean Shore annually and it is staffed by 15 teachers.
Admission into K-8 programs at the kindergarten level in the Pacifica School District is by a lottery held during the third week in January every year. Parents may also place their child's name on a waiting list for Ocean Shore School and, as spaces become available in higher grades, they may be able to enroll their student there. A tour is required before enrollment at Ocean Shore School. Contact the school's office for scheduling.