About Ogdensburg Free Academy

Welcome to OFA

7-8 Principal Steve Putman

My experiences as a 1991 OCSD graduate, teacher, OFA Secondary Principal, BOCES CTE Principal at Seaway Area Technical Center and Northwest Technical Center, and CTE Culinary Arts Instructor at BOCES have given me a thorough education. These roles have also allowed me to work with students and administrators from all 18 school districts in St. Lawrence County.

As a lifelong resident of Ogdensburg and a parent of three OCSD graduates I have a unique perspective and understanding of the school and community. As the OFA Grade 7-8 Principal, I enjoy working with students, parents, faculty, and staff to help our students achieve their academic and extracurricular aspirations.

Our goal in grades 7-8 is to prepare our students for a successful transition to grades 9-12 in a positive and supportive school climate. Working as a team, the faculty and staff strive to create a safe, rigorous, learning environment for all students to succeed. The strong extracurricular programs at OFA support students and help them develop respect for themselves and others.

Mr. Putman can be reached at (315) 393-0900 Ext: 31907.

9-12 Principal Cynthia Tuttle

Welcome to Ogdensburg Free Academy! I began my work in administration at OFA in 2005 as Assistant Principal for grades 9-12, and then as Principal in 2006. I previously taught HS Business for 16 years at Potsdam Senior High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oswego and my Master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam.

OFA is committed to providing our students with a safe, orderly, and educationally sound learning environment. Our goal is to prepare our students for a successful post-secondary educational experience and/or provide them with the necessary skills and work ethic to prove successful in today’s work force.

I believe it is equally important to instill in our students strong leadership qualities, a high degree of integrity, and a respect for others and self. Additionally, I believe we need to support students in obtaining the necessary skills, abilities, and characteristics to become responsible, capable and productive members of society.

Whether you are new to our district or if you are a returning student, we, at OFA, encourage you to become involved in our impressive athletic and/or arts programs as well as an active participant of any of our many, many extracurricular activities!

Ms. Tuttle can be reached at (315) 393-0900 Ext: 31912.

7-12 Assistant Principal Tony Bjork

Welcome to Ogdensburg Free Academy (OFA) – Home of the Blue Devils! I’m an OFA graduate; class of 1985. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University and my Masters of Education (Educational Leadership/Administration) from Northern Arizona University. I taught and coached in the state of Arizona for nearly ten (10) years. In 2003, I relocated back to New York, and was the Athletic Coordinator at Salmon River Central School. Upon my return to Ogdensburg in 2005, I was employed at OFA as a Physical Education teacher and coach; in 2006 I became the Director of Athletics and Physical Education; in 2013-2014 I transitioned into administration as the OFA Assistant Principal, Grades 9-12/Athletic Director, and with the commencement of the 2022-2023 academic year, I became the OFA Assistant Principal, Grades 7-12.

As a student at OFA, your child will experience an educational environment conducive to their growth not only academically, but holistically. Our faculty and staff are unparalleled! These highly motivated and dedicated professionals are here to encourage and guide your child, preparing them to become successful in all of their endeavors.

In the classroom, our strong and sound teachers will provide your child with a classroom experience second to none, enabling them to achieve academic success. Our hard-working and enthusiastic coaches and advisors will perpetuate this sense of accomplishment by leading and mentoring them while they pursue other areas of interest, outside the classroom. Extra-curricular activities are an “extension” of the classroom, a supplemental and vital component of the high school educational experience. Participation in any of the multitude and variety of extra-curricular activities offered at OFA is a privilege, and contingent upon the fulfillment of responsibilities by the student. These responsibilities, standards of behavior and expectations, both in and out of the classroom, are set forth and outlined in the Ogdensburg City School District’s (OCSD) adopted Student Code of Conduct.

I relish my role as an educator/administrator with the OCSD—an educational system that has such high, yet attainable standards and expectations for the youth of our community. Our goal has always been, and our purpose will continue to be, preparing all of “our” children for the challenges they will face after they depart the hallowed halls of OFA—providing them with the tools and confidence they will need to become our nation’s future leaders. With your involvement and support, I’m confident that we will continue this tradition of excellence. Let’s Go Big Blue!

Mr. Bjork can be reached at (315) 393-0900 Ext: 31997.