Our Lady of the Elms High School

I was miles ahead when I arrived in college after attending the Elms 9-12. A few of my former classmates and I still discuss how much more prepared we felt for college and beyond after our time at the Elms. I highly recommend the school for its atmosphere, academics, and the attitude and drive it instills in its students. I feel my mom got every penny's worth!

Great school, great academics, great warmth. I completely disagree with the reviewer who talked about a "status appeal." We send our daughter here so she can get a fair shake without louder boys getting all the attention. I have a son and I taught school, so I speak from experience. I loved my male students, but I also recognized that girls were intimidated by their presence. I am happy to have one less distraction in my daughter's education. Attend just one open house and meet the confident girls that come out of this education and you'll be sold.
—Submitted by a parent

It has been my experience as a parent that some love The Elms while others leave in frustration. While it is difficult to categorize who will love the school versus those who will not., it seems to be prefered by those who enjoy the status appeal of "The Elms" and can deal with the social politics of a small, all girls, school. In my opinion, if ever in your life you were in a situation that made you feel like the proverbial boy who said "The Emporer has no clothes", the place is probably not for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently in 7th grade at this school. I love it! I have been here since I was around 4 years old. I am taking a high school math course even though I am 12. The small class size allows us to have fun and be ourselves around our friends. There is very little "girl-drama" and we usually don't run into problems. The homework level is moderate. There are so many clubs I can join. I am on school newspaper, Power of the Pen, Asian Club, and Math Counts/Math Club. I also am in the school choir and played volleyball last year at the elementary school. The Elms really does prepare you for high school. I love that the middle school is in the same building as the high school, so we can always just walk down the hall and see your friends who are older than you. The teachers are amazing and enthusiastic about what they teach. I make so many new friends each year! Overall, this school is great, and I love every day of it.

I received a great education! It's wonderful as a young lady to grow up & see powerful women in charge!

A better high school education than most will receive in college

Amazing place for young women the learn!!!!!

Amazing place for woman to thrive!

Wonderful education that builds the confidence and talents of the young women who attend the shcool
—Submitted by a parent

Take a select group fo motivated students (with successful parents and/or parents who are making sacrifices to pay the relatively high tuition) and high test scores will follow. The school ranks among the top twenty in the state based on this formula. One may argue that if many public schools were given only students of this caliber that they could surpass the achievement, but the real world of high schools offers many distractions. The Elms High School understands it's role well, and provides the quiet studious environment for a small segment who desire (and can pay for) it. I'm not saying that these girls have no fun, but they have made a choice to forgo the various forms of prototypcial high-school social events - from football games to vibrant hallways - for the peaceful serenety of OLE. And, it delivers.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Our Lady of the Elms high school from 9-12 grade after having attended public schools through eighth grade. I could not have made a better decision for my high school education. I was more than well prepared for a rigorous honors program in college. I had a wonderful experience at the Elms. I believe the low student-teacher ratio, quality teachers, and good values contribute to helping girls grow into well-rounded young adults. I cannot say enough good things about the Elms and how much an all-girls environment had a positive effect on my high school education.

My daughter would never have doon so well without the Elms education,
—Submitted by a parent

I attended the Elms for 8th through 12th grade. While I may not have said I loved it then.... I got an excellent education and I am extremely fortunate to have gone there!!
—Submitted by a student

The bad review was obviously written by a current student. I attended Our Lady of the Elms for both Middle School and High School and I have to say that it was the best decision I and my parents have made. The opportunities provided there are endless. I appreciated both the single sex education as well as the religious aspect of the school. I have noticed, since being in College, that I have much more confidence in my work than many of my peers. I have and will continue to recommend the Elms whenever I'm given the opportunity. The all-girl college preparatory school really does impact a young woman's life.
—Submitted by a student

I have attended our lady of the elms for many years and I have not been happy there. When being placed in the high school, it is hard to find your place because you are surronded by the high school students. The middle school ecspecially does not allow students do a lot of creative things. The yearbooks are not colored - and the teachers say that there is never enough money to do anything. When our parents are paying such a high tuition I'd expect that there would be many opportunities for learning experiences that cost money. The sports are average. The school also has a lot of homework and they don't give kids a break - even over the holidays. Middle school students are expected to do science fair which is a huge chunk of time and very stressful.
—Submitted by a student

My 2 daughters attend the Elms, and love it there. They are taught how to be a good leader, and that women are just as good as men. They don't have to worry about boys, and that is a huge stress reliever for my daughter in 7th grade. The High School principal brings her dog to school, and many students love her. All aspects of the school are amazing. from small class sizes, to 7th graders having High-School level curriculum, this school is the best for anyone who wants their child to do well in life!
—Submitted by a parent

The Elms provides a fine pre-college background for girls of middle and high school age. Classes are small enough to give all students much individual attention. For the last several years, 100 percent of the graduates have attended four-year colleges upon graduation. The school provides excellent supplemental activities in speech/debate, choral music, drama, art, and many sports. A superb athletic complex is located about fifteen minutes from the campus. The Principal has recently completed her second year at the school, and has created a warm, caring attitude that is much appreciated by students, faculty, and parents.
—Submitted by a teacher

Our Lady of The Elms provided my daughter with opportunities to become a thoughtfull, reflective confident woman and challenged her to become a leader who agressively seeks and achieves her goals. In retrospect, the financial investment we made in Our Lady of The Elms education of my daughter pales in comparison to the results obtained. This is not only a rarity in this day and age, but even more rare has left me with the desire not only to provide additional financial support to this institution, but to assist other young women in obtaining the opportunity that I am so thankfull for.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had two daughters attend the Elms, and have been very pleased with the results, academically, socially, and also in many of the 'intangibles.' We have found that both the sports program and the vocal music program are quite excellent for a small school. The coaches and teachers are very dedicated, with several of the sports being very competitive and the high school choir performing music that other small schools could never attempt. It is unfortunate that the school has no high school level instrumental program as well - because both of our daughters would have liked to participate in one, but they have been very pleased with the choir. Academically, the courses they took, especially in the English, Science, and Social Studies Departments, have prepared them very fully for their continuing academic careers. We have found the Elms to be an excellent value!
—Submitted by a parent

I had three daughters attend the Elms. The best test of their education is how they compare to other students in college. HAving sent them to private colleges as well, they continued to achieve academically, earning GPA's well above those in HS, named numerous times to the Deans' Lists, ranking in the top 15% of their college classes, while at the ELms in the top 25 to 50%. It is a competitive environment, definitely prepares them for collegiate life. Worth the investment.
—Submitted by a parent