Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

When my oldest started pre-k at SB, a nearby Catholic School, I couldn't be happier. The original director/lead teacher at that time was a wonderful professional educator as you would expect & we loved her. But my child's K teacher was an older woman who would rip kids work if she didn't like it. She had no tolerance for creativity or self expression. For some reason, the school thinks the K teacher is great but we weren't too impressed. Things at that school progressively got worse so we decided to check out Fatima, which is very close. Moving our children to Fatima has been the best decision for all of us. In fact, many families have moved their kids to Fatima. Sure there are kinks like any other school but so far so good.
--Submitted by a parent

All of the great things said about this school are absolutely true, though no school is perfect. My son is in 7th grade and has been attending since he was 4 years old and the middle school is doing a great job prepping him for H.S.. In 8 years the teachers have either been very good to outstanding. However, several years ago we had one bad teacher (and the person was horrible). The principal understood the concerns and the teacher's contract was not renewed. Unlike the public schools, the principal actually can timely deal with performance problems on staff. I think only one bad teacher in 8 years is pretty amazing. If my son had left the school due to that teacher, I suppose I would be writing colorful negative comments. But knowing no situation is ever perfect - an important life lesson for children to learn - we stuck it out beyond that one teacher and have never regreted it.
--Submitted by a parent

My family and I have been a part of Our Lady of Fatima for 7 years now and we could not be happier. I am amazed at the level of educational guidance my two sons have received from preschool on up. The teaching staff is exceptional. Fatima not only provides a well-rounded core curriculum, but the arts, sciences and athletics are also a large part of the school (which is becoming harder and harder to find in most schools). Two music programs (Christmas and spring) and a school musical, science fairs, the annual speech contest and Catholic School League volleyball, basketball and baseball all provide the type of education I remember when I was a student. My husband and I could not recommend this school and the staff any more-kudos Fatima!
--Submitted by a parent

There is a 'crack in Camelot' and I'm glad to see that our family isn't the only one who is experiencing this issue! Although things started out well at OLF, this year has been quite and eye-opener. Our child's teacher is not responsive to our questions; she seems to lack empathy and understanding of how to work with younger children administering 20 minute time outs and 'next day' time outs for minor offenses; The atmosphere in the classroom is tense and the teacher often seems flustered and angry. My child no longer wants to go to school! Not a good way to start out an educational career! If you like a 'punitive' envrironment -- this school is for you! If you prefer a nurturing environment that allows 'kids to be kids' and to enjoy learning, please look further.
--Submitted by a parent

Hmmm...I would not rate this school nearly so highly as these other parents. There are some very good aspects of the school such as small class size, facilities are nice enough, curriculum is sound. But some of the teaching staff need to get their methodologies up to at least year 2000! Some of the teachers are very inexperienced with very inmature communication! I suggest a better balance between 'creativity' and 'discipline.'
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has been at this school for the past 6 years, since he was 4 years old. It has been both an excellent religious and academic environment for him. He is on track to be more than ready for High School. The principal is wonderful, we have many talented teachers, and the pastor is very involved with the school and is great with kids and parents alike. I can't recommend this school more highly.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of our daughters attended Our Lady of Fatima from Pre-K through Eighth grade. Our youngest will attend her first year of high school this fall. Both girls received an excellent academic preparation, and most importantly, a wonderful spiritual preparation.
--Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful example of a well rounded education. Not only do they care about academics but they teach it creatively and with pride. This school enforces a high moral learning for all students and students feel like people not CSAP numbers for funding. Morals seem to be forgotten in public education along with REAL discipline. Worth every penny and more.
--Submitted by a parent

OLF has great student to teacher ratios. My son and daughter are really excelling. They provide an every day balance of classroom activities and special programs. Such as having the 9 health fair; the student had a chance to find out about what they wanted to learn about. They also had celebration that coincided with the Olympics, which helped the children learn about the world and some of the countries that participated. Then they gave the kids passports encouraged the kids to find out about what countries that other classes had been studying. They are consistently creative and nurturing. They have great after school care where my kids can do their homework and play with their friends or as they get old they can play on Fatima teams.
--Submitted by a parent

We have three children at OLF and our very pleased with the acedemic excellance, quality teachers, and school pride. In addition the focus on catholic values and general goodwill are great attrributes of the school. OLF also has a great sports program that is open to all students.
--Submitted by a parent