Our Lady of Calvary School

Our son has attended this school since pre-K and is now on his way to second grade. We feel he has had some awesome teachers up until first grade. The 1st grade teacher's method of communicating our sons behavior was poor at best. He was sent home daily with a calendar which works on a number system to indicate if he misbehaved and how. The problem is that we could not gleem the true issue based on this. To complicate and frustrate the matter there were multiple instances in which we were notified days after an incident. When we addressed the poor communication with the teacher we informed that our son should be able to tell us about his day. While that maybe true one would hope a teacher would be willing to take less than 2 minutes to explain the issue when questioned. We are paying for this education! Just imagine trying to gather facts from a 1st grader about their misbehavior several days after an incident. We are giving OLC another year in hopes that this was one bad apple and not a pattern forming. In pre-K and Kindergarten our involvement in our sons classroom performance and behavior was highly encouraged and I hope that to be our experience with 2nd grade.
—Submitted by a parent

By and far the best grade school in N.E. Philadelphia. Look at the quality of students graduating yearly and you can see that this school is producing fine young Americans and Christians. Our son attends OLC and we believe his Catholic education and what he is learning is worth every penny. As for public schools in the area, no offense, but 'free' doesn't equate to 'best'.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had four children go through OLC and for the average student it's a great school, for most above average students it is also a great school. Although Sister Mildred (the principal) does try to help kids that are struggling, sometimes the staff isn't as receptive. My 2 above average kids had little to no problems, both easily got into Prep schools and got good grades, etc, my average student got good grades, learned, no problems. My child with ADD had nothing but problems, and at times seemed to be looked at as a problem to his instructors. Overall I love the school, would recommend to others, but with caution if your child has any form of LD.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just graduated from OLC and I am so thrilled with the education she has received! I am going to miss it, the faculty and Sister Mildred
—Submitted by a parent

My son, went to OLC for eight years and I believe he is the fine young man he is today because of the private Catholic education he recieved at OLC. Being a single mother living in Philadelphia I had checked out the alternative nearby schools and was shocked at the comparison with OLC. My son learned to respect authority, classmates and himself. He was instilled with a strong sense of right and wrong and accountability. I too attended private Catholic school and I believe that fact has made me the strong mother, wife and caring person I am today. Sr Mildred is an involved, caring Principal and there is not much that doesn't get by her as in who needs help, who is on a path that could lead to uncertain consequences etc. If I had my sons' education to do over I wouldn't hesitate on choosing OLC.
—Submitted by a parent

OLC is an excellent school. Sister Mildred is a hands-on, dedicated principal. She is the reason why the school is such a success. My one complaint would be some of the teachers. Most of the staff is wonderful but there are always those few that ruin it for the rest. Some are teaching young students with the mentality of teaching eighth graders. Not very encourging at all to the young, impressionable minds of the little ones. Also, some tend to be unavailable and closed off to parents thoughts and concerns. They seem to have the motto of their way or the highway.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school-but needs to keep up with the times. More progressive thinking needed (ie sciences and finance). I went there for eight years and although I believe I wasted time on man made ideologies and myths, the school can not be labled as a diploma mill or as a school that will give you a passing grade to pass you through. Tardiness and truancy wasn't tolorated.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school because of its principal. Sr. Mildred works 24/7 to keep abreat with what is going on with all of her students and their families. Whether the issue is academic or social, she always avails herself to assist. She is one of a kind...phenomenal.
—Submitted by a parent

The school provides a very safe environment. The students are very friendly to each other. Learning support is very limited. And they are very strict in regards to conduct.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the adminstration is on top of thing. However I do feel some of the teachers are highly qualified to teach and others are not very professional in their teaching methods.
—Submitted by a parent

We like the school very much. The pirncipal is very hands on and the academics are good.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal of the school is a true leader. The school runs like a well-oiled machine. Parents are encouraged to get involved with their child's education. OLC is an outstanding example of what catholic education should be.
—Submitted by Marie, a parent