Our Lady of Czestochowa

My children attend the pre-school program of Our Lady of Czestochowa (OLC) called Little Harbor Academy (LHA) and I can honestly say that I am very happy with this school. Not only is it affordable as compared to other schools around the area, LHA provides an outstanding curriculum that is montessori based but not as rigid. More importantly, my children always looks forward to going to school and comes home happy. The class size is small and the teacher is very attentive. It is the teachers that make a difference in this school and they are just wonderful. I find my children's teacher to be caring and my girls just love her. This is my children's first year in school and it has been a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a son at a more advanced level for his grade and a daughter slightly below before going to OLC. We were quite impressed by the principal on how much she was involved in evaluating them along with other teachers and making arrangement for our kids' special needs. Over last couple years, we were happy with the curriculum and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Good School & teachers. Contraint is its facility. Playground etc. Due to this it probably lacks on the extra curricular front a good school should offer in higher grades. The current open space they have is also used for parking, so where would the kids play? I recommend them to look at the football field as options. Setup Table Tennis etc.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in PK-4 and has been thriving at OLC sicne Toddler 2s. So far, we've found the curriculum to be well-developed, the facilities clean and comforting, the faculty warm, competent and caring, and the principal is works tirelessly to keep up quality and parental involvement. Tuition is reasonable, relatively speaking. OLC's popularity seems to have grown in recent years (probably as a result of the current principal), it has encountered some minor growing pains, but the staff have put in great efforts to minimize these. On balance, I think enrollment growth will be a plus, as one of the critiques has been that the higher grade sizes were too small, thus making it a bit insular. Now it seems like there's great energy at this school. Bottom line, my daughter loves OLC - she asks to go back all summer long!
—Submitted by a parent

Great School... Our boys love this school, the teachers are amazing, the principal is very hands on and always looking for ways to keep the school up to date. Brand new touch screen computers are perfect for the younger kids. Several after school activities. This is our thrid year with the school and we couldn't be any happier
—Submitted by a parent

There are smartboards in both of my daughters' classrooms as there are smartboards in all of the rooms in grades 1through 8. My girls have been in the school for the past five years, and I am very pleased. The new principal has a background in good NJ public schools, and she strives to keep OLC as up-to-date and competitive as a good NJ suburban public school. We just got the standardized test results, and our kids our off the charts. Also, my husband and I feel very happy to send our kids to a place where the kids and families are very nice.
—Submitted by a parent

great teachers, principal and a new curriculum with strong academic focus and programs. My wish list: Computers for every student Smartboards in classrooms expanded foreign language program
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School..New principal is awesome!!!. I recomment this school strongly. My daughter is attending this school from last 5 yrs and I am completely satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is bit $$ but i think it's worth. this is the 2nd year for my daughter. she enjoys everyday; she tells me what they have done in school almost everyday. compare to a year ago there is huge difference; she just grown so much. there are some mixed reviews but as parents we have do our parts.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful little school that nurtures the children and offers an excellent academic program as well as interesting enrichment programs. My grandaughter attends pre- k and amazes us with the knowledge learned and the enthusiasm she has for attending class each day. I recommend this school highly.

My daughter goes to the 2 year old Montessori program. The teachers for this class are Miss Jolly, Miss Cathy and Miss Amy. I am giving it 4 stars only because my daughter is too young to give any feedback so this is simply my opinion. I have been VERY happy with the class. Art and music are taught regularly and I've seen my child learn in both these areas. Communications from the school is very good through very frequent letters that are sent back and one on one time as needed.
—Submitted by a parent

My child stayed in OLC from K to 5. I should have pulled him out earlier since I feel that he lost very valuable time for 6 years in this school. For me it just a total waste of money sending a child to this school. Kids do not do anything even in higher grades. Teachers even give answers to tests before the actual test. So what's the use of testing the kids? I agree with everyone who says that this school is just for show. The principal is the most unapproachable principal of them all. She only cares about those who have money. If you 'look' not rich, she will not even say HI or smile at you. I am glad I pulled my son out of this school. Think about where you spend your money in this type of economy. OLC is not worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

Our greatest mistake was to put our son in this scool and leave him in it for a few years thinking maybe it was the teacher , maybe its him, the school is useless for the children and for the parents, I have nothing good to say except MRs Hannah was a great teacher assisstant
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best elementary school in Downtown Jersey City. The teachers are excellent and there are high expectations for every student. Every teacher my son has had has gone the extra mile and communicated with me. My friends at the public schools, even the charter schools, have had a far different experience. I highly recommend the OLC School!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm very surprised about the mixed reviews. I guess the old saying is true you can't please all of the people all of the time. Well, I'm very pleased and have been for quit a while with the olc school. My child has be nurtured and challenged during her years at olc school. The teachers are dedicated to the children 100%. The staff is very help. The principal is always introducing new programs to keep the childrens minds stimulated. Thank you !Thank you! Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

I not surprised at the mixed reviews. I think so much depends on the individual teacher that your child has and the other students in that class. My child is in elementary school and one year has been great, than a lousy year, than an OK year. Gym, art, and Spanish are inconsistant and definately have to be supplimented outside of school. There isn't a parent-teacher association, or parent organization. If you're looking for a private school or quality suburban school vibe, with lots of parent participation, a challenging curriculum, school plays, etc. this isn't it. However disappointed I've been, the school provides the basics well; but, we're moving our child to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended LHA in 2005, it was good as they just started out. Last year in PreK3 program, the teachers were totally inexperienced and the attitude of the principal was 'my way or the highway!' It is very disaapointing when the only way for parents to contibute was through $$ and not ideas. The school is disorganised and everything is 'for show', from corridors to classrooms decorations to christmas concerts. Quality curriculum is lacking. Students are not challenged. Welfare of pupils and parents not met, can you imagine waiting in the cold/rain for drop off/pickup??
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attend last year in the PreK3 program. My daughter was very shy and the teachers complained about her all the time. the school only focuses on the negative and never the positive. The teachers and principal are extremely lazy and they do not want to work on what is best for your child. Beware - they have a 'rest time' after lunch and they let your child stay asleep all day long. This Catholic school is suppose to be a loving and nuturing environment and they certainly are not.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended last year. His teacher was totally inexperienced and totally incapable of controlling the class. Texts were 5 years out of date. But the worst of it was that my son was bullied to the point of torture on a near daily basis and the teacher, principal, and playground staff did nothing about it except to tell the bullies and my son to 'all get along'. Parent involvement is limited to how many checks you can write - your input/participation/suggestions in any other ways is unwelcome.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transferred to this school after 2 years at Golden Door Charter School whose leadership and mandate changed from homogeneous skill level groups to teaching to the lowest common denominator. In addition, the school decided to place her in a class with substantial disciplinary issues to be a 'calming factor' rather than keeping her with her peers. At OLC it was different. Her 2nd grade teacher volunteered to tutor her to keep up her advanced level. The principal, Ms. Beyer, is a force you feel before she walks into the room. She motivates the kids but has this presence which tells everyone who is in charge. The school is immaculate, the kids participate in enrichment classes (music and art have not been lost). The school was just accredited as a Middle States School, a prestigeous accomplishment. Overall we're having a great time there.
—Submitted by a parent