Our Lady of Mount Carmel

OLMC is a God centered school that provides; a safe environment for all students including a gated middle school, committed principal, knowledgeable teachers, support for students who need extra attention through on-site tutoring assistance, nurturing relationships among staff and students, various clubs to promote teamwork, before and after school childcare, hot lunches with a cafeteria, weekly Mass Services, clear expectations for uniform dress code, rigorous assignments for those who need challenge, Created for Greatness program for middle school ( my daughter has learned so much through this program), student achievement recognized, graded religion class, middle school retreats, career night for middle school, and the list could go on. We are new to the OLMC community and my only regret is not coming here sooner. I am a Christian, parent, and educator and I am very pleased. My son has even asked to come and wait in the parking lot until school reopens. (this speaks volumes). I cry sometimes because I know how blessed we are to be here. As my children will say, "BEST SCHOOL EVER".
--Submitted by a parent

OLMC is a wonderful school filled with extraordinary teachers and students. Our child has gone there since kindergarten and to show you how much we love it, we live in Williamsburg and commute there everyday!! The feeling of community is very strong and academically we couldn't ask for more.
--Submitted by a parent

Initially we were very happy with OLMC. After a year, however, we are seeing some major flaws which will be making our decision to leave much easier. The school offers very little technology education. My daughter has learned more about using computers from just playing at home than what she will ever get at school. For a small private school, the class sizes are HUGE which makes individualized attention impossible. Also, the discipline code is very strict, especially at the lower grade levels. My child has a discipline report almost every day for very minor infractions, yet has been essentially bullied by other students and I have seen no evidence of anything being done in this situation. And, now with our new contracts, every family is required to work bingo. I have worked bingo and know that it is terrible. The players are rude and the level of smokiness in the room makes it very difficult for those with asthma to breathe. It's sad that the public school alternatives are worse than this.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at OLMC for four years. We are strongly considering going to another school next year. The physical plant leaves a lot to be desired. My child has had very little computer learning compared to other schools that his brothers have attended (also Catholic). He has had 2 out of 4 great years with outstanding teachers-sadly, this year is not one of them. The classes are large, with very little personal attention. I believe my bright child is bored, and the school does not seem to be able to accommodate many different levels of intellect.. And , the last straw was the school contract this year. We registered two months ago, which requires a fee. This month's final contract had a big surprise-forced bingo attendance Monday nights for an unspecified number of times next year, with a 200 dollar fine for missing your night. We have been pleased with the religious education, and the large religious presence at the school-there are 4 Dominican nuns at this school, which is rare these days.
--Submitted by a parent

I am new to OLMC, and am very pleased with my daughter's academic and religious education, and most importantly the overall tone set by the teachers and the principal. The environment is nuturing while encouraging children to challenge themselves and explore the world around them. Sister Dominic is hands on and genuinely cares about the students and their families. My child loves her teacher and the students readily welcomed her from the start. We are so glad that we came to OLMC.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest is an 8th grader at OLMC. She started in Pre-K and we are very pleased with all that this school has offered her. This is an outstanding community to help develop a child both academically and spiritually. No, not every thing is perfect. However, nothing can be perfect with the exception of God. I have grown up Catholic and thought that I had been taught so much of my religion growing up (I went to public school) But I have learned so much through what OLMC has taught my child about our religion. I would not trade the fact that my children can pray in school and freely speak about our God. I would highly recommend OLMC.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten at OLMC this year and I attended when I was a girl. This school has fabulous teachers and a wonderful atmosphere. As a former teacher I am impressed by the standards of both behavior and academics that OLMC maintains. The school is small enough to have a family feeling but large enough for the students to have variety. I plan on sending all 3 of my children to OLMC in the coming years.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at OLMC for 2 years and we love everything about the school, teachers, leadership and families we've met so far. My daughter is truly excited to go to school each day and asks when it will be time to go back after long breaks. I hope she keeps this level of enthusiasm through the trying times of middle school and beyond, but if any environment can foster that for her, I'm sure it is OLMC.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with OLMC School has been superior. My child, a fifth grader, entered OLMC School in the fourth grade, having been in the public school system the prior years. The quality of education has exceeded my expectations with academics, teachers, administrators, etc. all being top notch. Additionally, my son is getting a first rate religious education that reinforces our family's values. I could not ask for anything more from a school!
--Submitted by a parent

OLMC School has a long-standing, excellent reputation in the Hampton Roads community. They strive to educate the whole child (mind, body and spirit). The academics are outstanding as evidenced by their Blue Ribbon achievement, without the feel of an "academy". The goal is to offer a solid education, emphasizing the Roman Catholic faith to all those who desire it for their children. No educational environment is without flaws, but the administration, faculty and staff strive to provide a platform in which each child can cultivate and enrich their God-given gifts and talents. It is a wonderful foundation to provide for your child in their most formative years. Highly recommend!!
--Submitted by a parent