Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School

I would not recommend this school. My child has been attending this school since kindergarten and is now going to the third grade. Class size in kindergarten was about 21 kids with a teacher and an assistant (4 classes). Class size in first grade was 23 with a teacher and an assistant (4 classes). However, the second grade there were 28 to 31 kids in a class with only a teacher (3 classes). The teacher seemed to be overwhelmed and had no patience. The extended day program is run by mostly young adults and teacher assistants who sit around talking rather than observing the children. There are many inconsistencies with the way the children are disciplined. My child got into several fights this year. When he told the teachers, they did nothing about it. He has been pushed to the ground & surrounded by several kids and yelled at and nothing was done. Finally, we told him to defend himself. Another parent told me that she thought her child was also being bullied but he would not tell her. Another concern is not knowing how OLOM compares academically overall to other private schools. It is a mystery. You really don't know if you are getting what you pay for.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure of the teacher's educational background and experience. Many schools have this information accessible on the website. It makes me think that they have something to hide
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at OLOM. One in 5th Grade and the other in 1st Grade. Both of my kids have been in Mercy since Pre-K. I have never encountered any major problems there or anything that the administration at Mercy didn't handle properly. The teachers are very caring and have a genuine concern for the kids. The children are taught a variety of enrichment curriculums at an earlly age including Computer, Spanish and Art. Academics at Mercy are outstanding. The students DO have to complete a Math Workbook and complete book reports during the summer months when they are away from school. They are graded on these when they return to school the following year. My children don't like the extra summer work however I agree with it. I think it helps with strenghening their Math skills. Also, it keeps things fresh in their minds during the summer break. Mercy does have intramural school sports at a young age including basketball, flag football, T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, and soccer. Most of these are co-ed with the exception of flag football. I have NO COMPLAINTS about OLOM. We love it there! They make you feel like family. We have made friendships there that will last a lifetime!!
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal Mrs. Villa is great!!! There are tons of great academic programs and several great teachers. Some of the younger teachers need a little more experience, but I suppose they'll catch up.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very picky about every little thing your child does. Sports are okay. Could be better. The hole pink and yellow slips thing is not a very good way to teach your child how to behave. If your child gets all A's then I would say its an okay school, but if your child is an average student say B's and C's and if even an A then this is not the school for your child. If your child is average then they WILL have a hard time there.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and a fastidious consumer of education. My children have moved on to high school. My experiences at Mercy have been mixed with good years and bad years. My main focus is on the academics. The environment, staff, athletics, and extracurricular activities are all fine and grade level appropriate. It's reputation is good. When I have had issues it has primarily been in the area of comprehensiveness of the curriculum. The school does not develop writing skills well. There is not enough reading, no book reports. Teacher turnover is high. Good, rigorous teachers are sometimes beaten down by parents, effectively dumbing down the school. Teachers use handouts and supplements rather than old fashioned textbooks making it hard to study and have a well developed resource. Thankfully, the honors program helps somewhat. Overall if you want average to good and not excellent this school is fine.
—Submitted by a parent

School has great atmosphere. Lack of Prinicpal support for parents. Academic programs need re-evaluating and not enough art, drama and sports. Teachers and school system seem out of touch regarding the areas of discipline.
—Submitted by a parent

Good atmosphere;however,class size was over crowded this year 35 per class in some cases.
—Submitted by a parent

Good availability of extracurriculars and other additional classes but academics tend toward the average without much regard for differing levels of uptake and experience among the students.
—Submitted by a parent