Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School

OLPH is an amazing school with fantastic leadership. The philosophy of the school is that the parents are the "primary educators of their child" so any parent not willing to fully participate in their child's education should not apply. The teachers are very qualified and creative. The principal's door is open to all parents. The children are happy and encouraged to be involved in all the school has to offer. OLPH is a GREAT SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, I would advise you to be aware of the experience and background of your child's teacher. I placed my child in this school. His teacher had no prior experience in this grade, in fact, it was her first year teaching this grade. As an experienced educator, I had to question inappropriate age level homework, bullying issues and classroom management. Doesn't help when their answer is to "retain" your child. I eventually pulled him out of this school, ironically my child got "Honor Roll" at his new school. To add, the principal always sided with the inexperience teacher...pulling my son out was a blessing in disguise and can't look back on the financial investment. Just ask questions, and be an advocate for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

OLPH is a great school for academics, if you are fortunate enough to make it through without encountering any problems or concerns with the teacher s favoritism consider yourself lucky. Once you start to verbalize concerns to the teacher or principal you re considered a troublemaker. Bewared of the zero tolerance policy for bullies noted in the hand book, but is NOT enforced. My child and other children in the classroom had encountered many problems regarding bulling by one particular child. The inexperienced teacher was unable to resolve any problems. Her lack of inexperience, allowed many harmful and cruel situations to take place in her care. Problems continued to escalate, from day one to the end of the school year. As a teacher, how do you allow one child to control and divide the whole classroom? Four concerned parents complained to the teacher, a few to the principal and the Father. Father PROMISED to get back to the parents, he never did. And the words that came out of the principal s mouth, there are just some things that you just don t need to know . How can a principal seat there and tell parents that. We have the right to know everything about our children
—Submitted by a parent

While OLPH can teach children manners, respect for others, responsibility, persistence,& dedication, it lacks the ability to recognize that not all children are equal & some may need more guidance than others. When behavioral issues arise, they assume the parents are responsible for the child's behavior & panic at their inability to control them. My child was expelled from OLPH because the faculty & principle were unable to manage my child's spirited soul. I was asked to speak w/ my child nearly every day, which I did, but the behavioral problems continued. I was then asked to seek professional help for my child, which I did, as if the issues would be resolved w/in days. Once the principle decided my child's behavior was unmanageable, my child was asked to leave the school. In my opinion, she was more concerned w/ how she looked in the eyes of the other children, their parents, & her staff than in the progress & well-being of the children. I enrolled my child in the public school system & after only 1 meltdown, the faculty was able to appreciate my child's sensitivity, predict the triggers, & avoid future meltdowns. It takes understanding, skill, & patience, which OLPH lacks.
—Submitted by a parent

Beware of this school. The principal is a bully and is unwilling to accept her mistakes. How Catholic is that? Furthermore, she has to much influence over the school. She does not adhere to California Ed Code Nor the Archdioses of LA. In addition, she is rude and has a superiority complex. It's a shame bc the Director, office staff, and teachers seem great. Parents fight for your rights and don't spend money under this lack of leadership. In the end it is our children's education that matters most and DUSD has excellent schools and Principals for Free
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters attended this school years ago. OLPH prepared them for a rigorous high school, and along with it, for USC and UCLA. But I am most grateful for a solid Catholic education. This morning I contacted the principal after several years. Not only did she come to the phone immediately, but remembered me and listened very politely and willingly to what I had to say. She modeled the Christian values that this school's website states that they profess to model. Thank you very much OLPH for so much.

My daughter is finishing her time at OLPH this year. During her nine years K - 8 I have been very satisfied with the school. The academics are chalenging and the grading system is very strict, you need a 93% to get an A. The teachers as a whole are very good. I believe that the teachers that were hired over the past four years or so have truly been outstandin. Mr. Miller is awesome, both Ms. Smiths have been great. Mr. Hernandez is outstanding and so is Mrs. Segura. The principal, Mrs. McMains, and the vice-principal, Mrs. Dominick, are very approachable and wiling to work with parents. About the only negative is the parent cliques that exist. Unfortunately this just a fact of life that exists everywhere. I certainly was not part of the clique, but I learned to work around them and still get my service hours completed. I would highly recommend OLH to parents seeking a quality Catholic educations. My daughter loves her school and will miss it greatly when she moves on to high school.
—Submitted by a parent

OLPH is an excellent school. I drive 50 min.each way but my two children 5th and 6th think that it is worth the sacrafice. They love their school and teachers. The principal is a wonderful person and is always willing to work with the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

olph is like a big family kids love each other and know each other no matter what grade they are , teachers are well prepare anf friedly beatiful staff i really trust OLPH
—Submitted by a parent

OLPH is a fine school and I am proud to have my children attend. I have gotten to know the teachers through my children and they have the children's best interest at heart. One of my children struggles and the teachers really work with him and want him to do well. Mrs. Mc Mains is open and inviting and truly loves the children. She has helped me many a time. My eldest child is in high school now and I feel that he was very prepared for high school. The school is safe and caring. Yes, I wish we had air conditioning and maybe someday donations can make that happen. OLPH was worth the sacrifices that I've had to make to pay the tuition. A good bet for any parent looking for a school for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

The sense of community at OLPH is strong. there is a focus on faith and values. Faculty and staff welcoming, loving and dedicated. Teachers go above and beyond to meet the kids needs. Weekly mass is a great asset and encourages kids to be better Christians.
—Submitted by a parent

The school evironment is clean and safe. However, considering the tuition is very high, there is no air conditioning! Imagine conditions on a hot day. The teachers are average. The office staff is friendly. The principal lacks involvement and needs to improve in leadership skills. The students there are respectful and the parents are very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principle, teachers and staff along with the families and students make this school an excellent choice to send your son or daughter. The Principle is very involved and cares for her staff and students and is available to parents. The staff is friendly, helpful, and competent they go beyond in being there for your children and in helping you in anyway they can. As for the teachers they are outstanding and really show that they are there to educate your children, with professionsalism and integrity. The school also has many programs set in place for each grade that helps build character and the enrinchment of your childs mind. I am very happy with OLPH and would highy recommend you to come and visit our school, and then you would see first hand why I am so pleased.- GOD BLESS
—Submitted by a parent

I am 40 years of age. When I was 10 years old, my parents wanted to enroll me at OLPH. My father was told by a nun who worked in the front office, 'Your son is better off at a public school in Downey...they are better than this school.' I never forgot that, and now that my son is in this school, I regret the moment I was talked into allowing my son to attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school where the academics and spiritual development of the child are of equal priority. The teachers are well-rounded and go beyond the call of duty. Parental involvement is outstanding and responsible for many of the 'extras' available to the students. This includes volunteer coaching, event coordination and supplementing curriculum. This is an outstanding school where the students graduate as well-rounded, globally aware citizens!
—Submitted by a parent