Our Lady of Refuge School

Our Lady of Refuge is an excellent school and community. The class sizes are small so that the students receive individual attention. The principal knows every student by name. The parents are dedicated and involved. Every year, the students are accepted into the programs at the high schools of their choice. The junior high math program and science lab are excellent. The computer program is the best I've seen and my children have been able to take more advanced computer classes upon entering high school. We love this school and think it is one of the best kept secrets in Long Beach.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a terrible school. It took leaving OLR to find out it is using old books that both other public/private schools have stopped using a long time ago. The principal should be called Dr. Jekyl instead of Dr. Bravo as she is selective of whose concerns she'll listen to and it is precisely why so many parents are unhappy with her plus much more. Yes, on a good day she is kind to some students/parents, but she also has been caught criticizing students' projects a little too loud for other parents to over hear. This aside, our overall experience was as if we were going to the worst public school out there - not worth paying for that's for sure when there are so many other great Catholic schools around that take pride in your child and show exemplary professionalism.
--Submitted by a parent

My name is Daisy, my daughter Kristina goes to Our Lady of Refuge Kinder. What I like about the school ... first her teachers, Mrs Cota and Mrs Contreras are the best kinder teachers I have ever seen. They have motherly attitude towards the kids. Second, Dr Bravo their principal, she has that charm for each kid. She is not hard to approach. Third the other teachers, eventhough my daughter is not their pupil, they know her name and I noticed that they have shown concern to her too. That gave me sense of security and peace of mind. Fourth, Mr Maramba the music teacher, he does a great job. Fifth, Fr Ray who I always see him making his rounds to the school. Lastly the staff who is very helpful, OLR is a small community and that is what makes it perfect for every kid start their journey.
--Submitted by a parent

hi my name is britney i have been going to our lady of refuge school since kinder i am now in 7th grade. Our prinicpal and faculty are the best group too work together to make this school healthy clean and organzied and loving. i would send any child there in a heart beat.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent school and Principle. Wouldnt think of sending our child anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is okay. My child has gone here for a couple of years, but I am not sending them back. There isn't any grass fields for them to play on; only black asphalt, the sports program is a joke, and the parents are worse than high school kids with the gossip and cattyness. I guess if that kind of stuff is what you are looking for, then go a head and send your kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from OLR in 2007 and i must say the education i recieved was suberb. i always felt appreciated and loved by the staff and my classmates. everyone knew eachother and actually cared what we all had to say. I do admit that the extracuricualr activities are sub par(i played on the basketball team for 4 years and was on the academic decathalon team my 8th grade year) although the land it is on is small, we were able to use it to the fullest extent. i would send my child there in a heart beat.
--Submitted by a student

OLR has an excellent educational program and the principal does seem to be into her students. However, there needs to be more diversity at this school in the form of office employees, teachers, and students. There needs to be more cultural diversity.
--Submitted by a parent

Professionalism is seriously lacking at this school. They need to add after school activities. Day care safety. Acknowledgment of all parents, concerning child safety in a day care environment. Teachers need to have more responsiblity for children.
--Submitted by a former student

My daughter has been a student at OLR since Kindergarten. OLR is a family and makes you feel like a beloved member. My child's friends are polite and compassionate and my daughter is sweet and considerate. The principal is very active and knows every child and parent by name. She greets you with a hug and a smile every time you see her. I wouldn't have my daughter in any other school. I am a single parent and struggle financially to keep her in this school but it's worth every penny. I would recommend this school to every parent looking for a warm, friendly and academic rich environment.
--Submitted by Vanessa Accardi, a parent