Our Lady of Mount Carmel School

We pulled our children out of Mt. Carmel for financial reasons. The cost was becoming more than we could manage, and most of the financial assistance is geared toward low income families. It was with much sadness and worry that we left. After moving them to a local public school, however, we were shocked to see how much they had been missing academically. Their grades were good at Mt. Carmel, but they were instantly behind once they left and spent half a year catching up to their peers. It was surprising, and it made us a little sad, given the hard sale parents are given about the academic advantages they receive at Mt. Carmel. It is a fine Catholic environment, but only this justifies the cost; despite the hype, the academics are not up to standards compared to the right public school curriculum. While we did initially leave because of the cost of tuition, in the end we are relieved that our kids are now getting a better education. A sad realization.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is an absolute blessing for my three children, and I have been impressed with every aspect of daily life at OLMC. It is a solid, faithfully Catholic community, and my children are thriving educationally in this faith-centered environment. I love the way our faith is woven into everything throughout the day as it should be! The administration and staff are excellent, caring, connected, responsive, and dedicated. The greatest thought and care is put into everything they do. The teachers have been wonderful and kind, and the quality of instruction is very high. The community of children has been warm and welcoming to us as newcomers, and any instances of normal misbehavior are handled quickly and appropriately. I wouldn't have my children attend any other school in the world, and we will be an OLMC family for life.
--Submitted by a parent

My two older children went to Mt. Carmel and then I took them out and put them at the school across the street from our home. I liked the community aspect of OLMC and the staff we're always very welcoming. However, academically, you just can't beat the Kyrene school district. I have one child currently in their Little Lambs pre-school and I am having a serious debate with my family on whether or not he will attend school there. I have trouble justifying spending money on a school who's processes of learning are somewhat outdated. For example, Math. At Kyrene they teach "mental math". My son has friends and cousin's at OLMC, same age, who are so behind in the way they process math problems. Another example, computers. At my neighborhood school, from K-5 every classroom is equipped with 2 Dell desktop and 6 Dell laptop computers. The teachers use a "smart board" instead of a chalk board or white board. My son types his projects and homework at home, saves it on a "jump drive" and downloads it at school. I gave OLMC 3 stars because the community and safe atmosphere, but academically, really think about it if you have schools in your area like ours.
--Submitted by a parent

Mount Carmel has been a great shcool. The work is challenging and there is a noticable difference between the work my daughter receives there and what other children we know receive at public shcools. The community is wonderful and there is great parent participation. It is worth every dollar.
--Submitted by a parent

The first five years at the school were really great, not without problems, but overall great. The last several years have brought many changes, most of which are not positive. The faculty seem to pick and choose which children get disciplined. The restrooms are always in a terribly aweful state during the school day. There is too much bullying and meaness among the children. Not exactly a reinforcement of Catholic values we were hoping for. The education isn't bad, but the atmosphere in the playground and elsewhere outside the classroom is bad.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends Kindergarten at OLMC. Teachers and administration go above and beyond. Plenty of volunteer opportunities for parents. It's a pretty tight-knit school where kids can feel safe and understood. The principal is no-nonsense but also very personable. As for the educational challenges...if your child requires more of a challenge, than they are more than willing to work with you. I noticed an earlier review that mentioned the reading level was too low for the child. This is interesting, since I have witnessed firsthand the continual review of individual children and their reading levels. My child's class has kids still learning basic words and then other kids who read on a 3rd grade level. And all are learning at the pace they need. Big thumbs up on OLMC!
--Submitted by a parent

It's a small, close-knit community and a calm environment.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am a student at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and I'm in the 8th grade. I stared the school in 6th grade and love it. Mt. Carmel's teachers are wonderful and really work with the children and the principle leadership is above expectations. I can only say good things about Mt. Carmel and am certainly going to miss Mt. Carmel when I'm in high school. Mt. Carmel is a great school to send your children to learn in a safe and loving environment.
--Submitted by a student

My child attended the preschool at OLMC (LIttle Lambs) and has been in the elementary school for two years now. I am more than please with his education. The teachers are very dedicated and highly qualified. The music program they have is wonderful. The music teacher goes above and beyond to put together a great program. Starting in the first grade students also have Spanish two days a week. My daughter will begin Kindergarten in the 2008-09 school year and we are looking forward to having another child part of the OLMC community. A great education in both standard academics and the Catholic faith.
--Submitted by a parent

When we first looked at schools five years ago, I looked and looked until we visted OLMC. At that point, my search came to a screeching halt because I knew OLMC was everything I was looking for in a school for my daughter. I have never been disappointed - OLMC has more than fulfilled my expectations. Bottom line is that I feel that my children are truly loved and academically challenged. The faculty and leadership are outstanding. The campus is older and might not be as striking as other schools. Don't let external appearances misguide you - what lies inside is golden.
--Submitted by a parent