Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School

I would not have my child in any other school. Having had her enrolled in a different school early-on, I can honestly say that there is no comparison. Her elem. experience has been excellent! She looks forward to the challenge of mid-school. Her teachers have her well-prepared to move forward. It will also be exciting to have the new gym & cafeteria next year!
--Submitted by a parent

I attend Lourdes from 5-8th grades and i wish i had started there sooner. It is by far one of the best schools i have ever attended. Most of my teachers are great and make class fun instead of just boring learning. There are lots of sports and clubs for the children to be involved in. There is homework but not a lot. The teachers review until ALL of the students understand the materials which does not normally make the students too behind in their academics because most of the students are very bright. We do a lot of expiraments and labs. The students are for the most part all friends and if someone is somewhat of an outcast, no one bullies them, they just leave them alone or try and make friends with them. The lunches are okay. Only about half of them are good but we get two choices so there is normally a good, healthy choice. I would definitely suggest this school to send your children to.

My step-daughter attended OLL for almost a year. To say the least, it was a terrible disappointment. The academics were the same as the public school, but the teachers and staff were markedly less concerned with her well-being than those at Slidell Junior High. Let me repeat that - the public school teachers cared far more about my daughter than those at a school you pay thousands to attend. The Assistant Principal is not only rude, he is even aggressive. The office staff is also inept. We withdrew our daughter and gave the school three-weeks notice, however they were still unable to process her withdrawal quickly enough to start her new school on time - even though we called them several times. To compare, Bonne Ecole Elementary had our other daughter's package ready and waiting to fax to the new school, it took them all of 5 minutes. Bottom line, for a school that is supposedly associated with Christianity, there are few Christian values present. My impression - money talks at OLL.
--Submitted by a parent

School is okay. Supposed to be a Christian environment but that is only based on how much money you donate to this school. Also, they really drop the ball in Middle School especially in Math and Science.
--Submitted by a parent

3Rd grade has been incredible. Our new , mrs. Schneider is a wonderful teacher. Her patience & understanding is a+++. The other 3rd grade teacher has a completely differernt style--not warm and fuzzy-yet effective. She too is an excellent teacher. I have been warned that the upper grades after 4th are -not so good. I am not sure abouth the years to come, but up to 3rd is spectacular!!! way to go oll
--Submitted by a parent

This is the 5th year that my child has attended this school. It has been my experience that it is much better in the lower grades. Once they get to 5th grade, it leaves very much to be desired. Last year the language teacher was absent more than she was there. This left the children with a substitute for more than half the year. Then, this same teacher is allowed back to teach again. C'mon.... Is this really what you are paying for? I think that the current principal has been there way too long. They need to get this crusty guy out and put some newer, more fresh idea minded people in. My child will be attending another public school soon...
--Submitted by a parent

Couldn't have chosen a better school for my 4 children. Two boys and then two girls all attended pre-k through 8th grades. Two have graduated from Pope John Paul High School and did very well due to the excellent background they received at Lourdes. They were well prepared to compete with the students from St. Margaret and Lake Castle. One had the highest GPA in the school their senior year while taking 5 honor courses. They didn't just fall out of the sky and they were never classified as gifted. They were schooled at Our Lady of Lourdes. I commend the Principal, faculty and staff that work hard with the parents so that the students will have success in the academic life. YES their school bags are heavy. They do have homework almost every night. That's part of why they succeed. The school also has excellent exta curricular activities. Go see!!
--Submitted by a parent

My child started in the 1st grade 11 days before Hurricane Katrina. When we returned in December she was greeted w/ cheers by the other children. What a pleasure this school has been. This school was the reason we moved to Slidell from Mandeville. The school environment is wonderful, the church community is fantastic. Fathers Frank & Kyle are the two best priests I've ever listened to at mass. My child is getting a good education and wonderful guidance in her faith. I do feel that there is too much homework and we have to 'teach' our child in the evenings. AR program expectations are too much. Kids need to be kids too. The amount of homework leaves little time to have fun. I would recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Lower grades ok -- after 4th grade, look elsewhere -- unchristian behavior. Less emphasis should be put on trying to push SAT scores up and more emphasis on actually educating the children in lower grades. Tutoring is highly recommended -- you shouldn't have to pay for tutoring when paying tuition. After several years, had enough and finally pulled all kids (3 of them) out.
--Submitted by pmb, a parent

I have only 1 child who just completed 1st grade. The teacher, Mrs. Cherie legendre, was spectacular! She utilized traditional and alternative teaching techniques throughout the school year creating excitment and enthusiasm from the students. I have no first-hand knowledge of the higher grades, but the pre-k and kindergarden are also excellent. My daughter will attend 2nd grade next school year. I wish all teachers could be as creative and caring as Mrs. Legendre!! R. Lupo
--Submitted by a parent