Our Lady of the Ridge

The parent involvement and the over all culture of the school is like no other. The parents that complain about no snack time and having too much homework, should send their kids off to a public school. OLOR's principal is a very dedicated person who ensures that the kids receive a quality education. Most kids excel in their high school of choice, because they have a strong educational foundation from this school. I also need to mention that the "public school kids" that play in our sports programs are part of our Religious Education program. They are also parish families, who support and contribute to OLOR as well. OLOR is a very caring school. There are plenty of other schools in the area (both private and public), for those who are unhappy at OLOR. There is a strong reason why they haven't left. The reason and the bottom line is that at OLOR the tuition is affordable, the quality of the education is very high. The parents of this school are very involved too.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my child in this school. I'm thinking of not returning. The only thing keeping me in this school is the cheap tuition. However, you get what you pay for. This school was good but has declined over the years. The camaraderie between the parents has disappeared and the quality of the curriculum has declined steeply. Some of their assignments contain no long-term educational value. Several (not all) of the teachers are mean to the kids. Last year, we lost over 10 families because of the things that I am mentioning here. The sports program is mediocre. Most of the kids do not attend the school; they attend public schools. This is upsetting because the public students get more play time than the school students which isn't fair when those families don't financially support the school/sports program. They claim that they have Spanish classes but they only meet for a few minutes per week, the instruction is poor, they use a software program not an actual Spanish book. The kids have nothing to reference or guide them when they are given assignments. Not what you expect from a language class. Disheartened with the changes but I must think of what is best for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes to Our Lady of the Ridge School and I believe I could find no better place for her education. The curriculum is tough and prepares every student for the future. Most of the graduates from OLOR are in honor classes in both public and private institutions. The school is small and can take the time to focus on the educational needs of each student.
—Submitted by a parent

There are numerous posts about the excellence of the academics, and yet as a parent I did not see the enrichment opportunities or resources that we now have at another local school. I have never seen data that the OLOR test scores are higher than the local public options. With no science fair, no history fair, and questionable teaching qualifications, I am skeptical. Sorry that I didn't make the deciaion to leave sooner for the benefit of my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Prospect parent poster before this- Why are all these recent reviews 'legitimate'? Because we care for our school family & we gather together to stand behind each other. I attended an open house before enrolling my daughter in kindergarten 4 years ago. The minute I walked through the doors, I knew we were home. The children & teachers were so welcoming, polite, & when I saw how the teachers interacted with the kids, I knew this was where I wanted my children to be. I do not live in the immediate area, but if I can handle driving my kids too and from school Monday through Friday, why can't I attend mass there? I've been fined the $100 for missed mass once, and I'm fine with it- it is cheaper than the non-parishioner rate that should be charged for not attending their mass. In the end, the education the kids receive, the respect that they are given & taught is an excellent foundation for children's educational life- you will never find another school like OLOR. Good luck with whatever educational route you choose for your child/ children- and if in the end you do choose OLOR, you won't be sorry!
—Submitted by a parent

Dear prospective parent, you can attend mass at another parish. You just have to let them know that you are doing that for that week. If you do that, you won't be charged the additional $100. They are willing to work with you. The reason for that charge is that we have families that aren't doing their fair share for the church and school. If everybody would just do what they are suppose to, they wouldn't have to do that. If you aren't attending mass regularly, you aren't a parishioner and therefore should be paying the nonparishiner rate. That is where the extra $100 comes into play. I am sending 2 kids to OLOR for less than it would cost to send 1 elsewhere. Best of all, my kids are getting a quality education and a sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent

OLOR is an excellent school with affordable tuition. Compare this tuition with the other Catholic schools around and you would be shocked at how much more affordable it is. The faculty is very caring and the classes are structured and challenging. Going to Church every Sunday is a small thing to ask of the families whose children are receiving this wonderful education and if you need to miss a few times they will work with you. The principal is extremely dedicated and devoted as well as the rest of the staff. The homework is appropriate for each grade level. I can't think of anything bad to say about OLOR!
—Submitted by a parent

We have the lowest tuition for Catholic schools in the area. To be able to get that, all families must attend mass. I don't get what people don't understand about that. If you can't make mass that weekend, you just need to talk to Father Wayne and let him know your circumstances. It isn't that difficult, and it is something I have done myself. I personally don't want my tuition raised because people don't want to bothered with going to church. That is part of why you send your kids to Catholic school. Onto the school itself, OLOR's test scores are high. They have a music and art program (which is something my public school has cut). There is definitely sense of community too.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Unlike many of the public schools in the area, they have art and music classes. The principal and teachers truly care about their students. Test scores are excellent too. As stated below, the tuition is affordable. In this economy, Catholic school is luxury, and OLOR has made it possible for many more of us to be able to afford Catholic School. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

We love OLOR for so many things. The Catholic environment, the outstanding academics, but mostly because of the wonderful teachers and staff! They love and care for our kids as if they were their own. There is no price for peace of mind in knowing that your children are receiving a quality education in a genuine Catholic environment!
—Submitted by a parent

Our Lady of the Ridge school is focused on providing the best education for their students.. They have truly provided a wonderful foundation academically and spiritually. The teachers continually strive to educate our children to the best of their ability. Our Lady of the Ridge students excel and achieve excellent standardized test scores. There is a strong sense of family at the school. There are many, families who volunteer at the school to provide all the children with a great sense of community from girl scouts, youth ministry and many other activities and organizations. Best of all we have seen many graduates from OLOR who have grown to become upstanding, caring and wonderful adults thanks to the great leadership of the Principal. We hope you will come to see OLOR. I encourage you to see for yourself what my family has already experienced!
—Submitted by a parent

I understand the concern with having to pay an extra $100 for missing mass. However, I can guarantee that if your work required you to do this you would manage to find the time. It is funny that the only people who seem to be offended by this are the ones who attend church every week. If you don't want to be a "practicing" Catholic, then don't be hypocritical and send your children to a Catholic school. I am sorry that you are going to pull your children from our close knit school. They will truly be missing out. You should not be able to reap the benefits of our generous church if you do not consistently support it. Our school is overflowing with concerned staff and parents and you cannot put a price on this!
—Submitted by a parent

I think OLOR is a fabulous school.. The Academics are the best around!My child has recieved a wonderful education and I couldn't of asked for anything better. The faith community is so wonderful. I would like to commend Sr. Stephanie for a job well done. The staff are wonderful and caring people. As for the others who complain about going to church, why send your child to a Catholic School if you don't plan to keep up with the faith. Hmm?
—Submitted by a parent

My child will be leaving this school. They are charging parents $100 if they don't go to church. I work weekends and I usually go to OLOR, but sometimes going to another church meets our schedule. We should not be bullied into where we go to Church. These are hard economic times and I have been picking up extra shifts on the weekends to make ends meet.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall the staff is great and the tuition is cheap. However, they have instituted a rule that you will be charged $100 every time you miss mass. Really? My husband and I both work on the weekends usually and we try to go to their Mass times as much as we can, but it happens to work out to say to my parents parish where the kids are being baby sat and so we go there. We should be bullied into where envelope drops. I will be pulling my child out of this school. I am sick and tired of the Catholic Church thinking they can do whatever they darn well please. If the school is hurting for money then raise the tuition to comparable to all the schools. And I though talking about Catholics Coming Home and passing out a book on Christmas was crazy. This beats it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from there and my other daughter will be in the 4th grade during 2009. We absolutely love the school and the teachers are great and really care about giving the best education possible.
—Submitted by a parent

Our Lady of the Ridge is an excellent school that provides the direction and education that I want for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely wonderful. The teachers and staff genuinely care about the children. The work is advance and my child had some trouble with it but she's fine now and above average. Must warn you though; LOTS of homework.
—Submitted by a parent