Our Lady of the Assumption School

I have two children, a son and a daughter, who have attended OLA since kinder. Both have had amazing experiences - the teachers are focused and caring, the instructional program is rigorous, the leadership on campus and within the parish is dynamic and engaging. And the results are tangible. OLA provided my son, who is now in high school, with a very strong academic foundation, including study skills and test-taking skills, that have made him extremely competitive at Damien HS. But in addition to having a rigorous academic program, OLA also does an exemplary job of teaching values, respect and community spirit. For instance, in addition to the standard local philanthropies, the holiday parties always have a community service aspect, allowing students to appreciate the beauty of giving back to the community. OLA also hits the extracurriculars - sports, student government, clubs, art, music and a mentor system that provides opportunities for peer support both academically (tutoring) and through the K-2/7-8 buddy program, wherein the jr high kids are able to buddy up with the youngers. And they have daycare! I continue to recommend OLA to friends and family!
—Submitted by a parent

Um, I wonder if any of the last several reviews were written by spammers who really have never stepped foot in OLA.... My daughter has just started her third year at OLA, and we couldn't be happier. Both my husband and I attended Ivy League colleges, he is a professor, and we care a lot about education. State test scores prove that the quality of basic education (reading and math) at OLA is just as good as that at Claremont's best public elementaries, namely, Condit, Chapparal and Sycamore. In addition, OLA continues to offer programs that the public elementaries have eliminated or severely restricted, such as art, music and physical education. And OLA explicitly teaches something that no public school is even allowed to teach, namely, values of love, respect and responsibility. The commenter below who criticized our pastor is clearly a spammer because Father Charles is a dynamic and hilarious former news TV news reporter (before he became a priest) who is beloved by all. Better than public elementaries and much cheaper than Foothill Country Day School, OLA welcomes students of all faiths (and no faith). If you care about education and live in the Claremont area, give it a look.
—Submitted by a parent

We did not have a pleasant experience at this school and I took my child out in 2009. From what I have heard, things have gotten worse. The principal is extremely aloof and unfriendly with parents. I passed her several times at school and even while helping out in the book fair and she never looked at me, smiled, introduced herself, etc. You can tell some of the teachers are unhappy with her but they cannot say anything about it. As a result, some have left. Morale is low with the staff and there were several events when there were hardly teachers in attendance. Parents had to hold down the fort and tried their best but it is not the same as school staff presence. The curriculum is NOT aligned to the California Content standards. I don't care what they say...it is not. Lots of busy worksheet work and low level thinking practice. The school is not preparing your children for their futures. Very settled in old ways that are not the worlds our kids are going into. The false sense of security parents feel in a "small Catholic environment" is what keeps this school going. Needs a major overhaul and it should start with the principal
—Submitted by a parent

There are many great teachers at this school...Ortiz, Cortez,Lawrence, Garvey, Myers, and Coleman to name more than a few...but sadly the ones who are rude, dismissive, and punitive have shaped my experience at this school. Catholic? Christian? Laughable!!!! I include the current Pastor and the previous Pastor as strikes against this place they are both..rude...arrogant..and unpleasant.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended since kindergarden 2005, and I loved the school but, recently not so much. My child was assaulted on the campus 3 individual times and not only was I not notified the students in question were not disciplined. The communication between principal and staff is very poor. They blame each other and do not accept responsibility. I pay a premium price for to attended school and now I think i would have been better off with public. they have a zero tolerance for violence.
—Submitted by a parent

If there is a problem with a teacher and your child, the principle is extremely biased towards the teachers. You are expected to work it out or leave the school. Although there are 2 classes per grade, the principle will not put your child in the other class if there is a problem. Of course there are going to be problems with students and teachers just like at any other school. Some teachers are not very good at this school. There is also no confidentiality if there is a problem. The front office staff is not friendly or professional.
—Submitted by a parent

I have just had my son complete 9 years here (K-8) and my youngest started kindergarten this year. My son, although not academically motivated, was definitely guided through his education path and consistently encouraged and coached to excel. Certainly, his turning point to 'loving school' came in 5th grade with Mr Ortiz, an amazing teacher that boys can relate to if they haven't already found their school 'calling.' I am pleased to announce that in going to high school, my son picked a school that would provide him with additional challenges and push him to succeed rather than allow him to take the easy route, a decision I think he would have made otherwise had he come through a lesser school. Parent involvement is required but warranted as students internalize their parents' participation and recognize this as interest and support. We have an accomplished musician/songwriter for music and faculty is altogether outstanding.
—Submitted by Mom of 3 OLA Students, a parent

The classroom size is too big. It has about 32 students per class compare to 20 students in most other private and public school.
—Submitted by Cruiser, a parent

My daughter has been attending this school for five years and enjoys the teachers, students, and school. I feel confident when I drop her off in the morning that this is a safe environment for her. Academically, she is excelling. She is also involved in after school sports. I am very happy being a part of this school and she is too.
—Submitted by a parent