The high school program aims to introduce high school athletes to rowing and develop their skills to prepare them for competition. The fall season features head races, which are endurance events typically covering 5,000 meters. The spring season focuses on sprints, shorter and more intense races of 1,500 or 2,000 meters. OARS youth rowers compete in both sculling and sweep boats.

The youth program is rigorous, but the rewards are substantial. During the season, practices are held four to six days a week throughout the school year. The training regimen includes time on the water,  strength training, running, and using ergometers (rowing machines). Youth rowers must be disciplined in all aspects of their lives, both on and off the water. Punctuality and enthusiasm at practice are crucial, and maintaining a balance with academic performance is essential.

Rowers are eligible for the High School Program when they enter ninth grade. High schoolers generally spend their first High School Program year as novices. In the following years, they are considered “returners".

Many OARS rowers have continued their careers in college, some with athletic scholarships from top universities all over North America.