Our Lady of Good Counsel School

There is definitely a lack of communication between faculty and parents at OLGC and classes are too large. Many parents I know have had concerns that other parents definitely had a right to know about - student behavioral issues especially. Though these problems aren't necessarily shocking (especially when the student/teacher ratio is so great), parents have a right to know they are happening so as to capitalize on this learning experience and reinforce a positive message at home. Instead, band aids are placed on issues as they are swept under the rug and continue to resurface. Classes that are too large prevent one-on-one attention for students and present an impossible environment for teachers to be at their best. Teachers continue to leave for the upcoming year as well. Perhaps it is only a coincidence? We really had hoped to see a higher moral standard this year but sadly OLGC falls short again. Our children will not be returning.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of two children that attend OLGC. I feel blessed every single day to have chosen this school for our girls. The teachers are excellent, happy, charismatic and fun. The academics are challenging but the children are encouraged to work hard and succeed in a nurturing environment where they are provided enrichment if they require it and assistance if they need it. I love the fact that the principal is ALWAYS outside to greet the kids in the morning drop off (often times meeting them with an umbrella and escorting them in) and is also ALWAYS outside to dismiss them at the end of the day. The entire faculty loves the kids, and it shows. The standardized testing that compares the academics of OLGC to other diocesan schools indicates that they are WELL above the county average (a fact that they are proud enough to share on their website). Feel free to ask other schools for their Terra Nova scores and compare! My girls come home every day and say they LOVE it at OLGC and so do we. I hope this review helps if you are looking for a great school for your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

OLGC is a top-notch school! There is a statement made in another post, that should be clarified. The turnover of teachers is not that high among faculty as was reported in another post. Yes, a record-high 8 teachers left last year. However, of the 7 that left on their own accord, none of them went to teach in another elementary school in the area because they were disgruntled. Rather, 2 - retired 1 - is taking time off, 1 - teaching at high school level and 3 - changed location and were very sad they had to leave. In another post, somebody made that sound like a symptom of unrest at the school. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and I feel sorry that they left feeling bitter (enough to post on this website). I hope they found a better fit, but please don't make negative and misinformed generalizations about a school that I hold dear to our family's heart.
—Submitted by a parent

OLGC is lack in leadership and communication. Parents concerns and complaints go unanswered and ignored. OLGC is all about money and fund raising. The quality of the education has dropped substantially due to many teachers resigned. Our son will not be returning to OLGC in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Education is average when comparing to Fairfax public school. We made a great decision when transferred our two kids to public school this past year. We were not shocked when our friends told us about OLGC s suffering a high turnover rate among teachers (8) within this year. The hostile environment within the school is main problem. The shouting between teacher-to-principle and teacher-to-student has been going on for years. Teachers are consistently shouting and humiliating the student in class. My advice to all the parents is to talk to your child every day about school. You'll be amazed of what he/she has to say about the teachers/students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 1st and third grader, and I can honestly say OLGC is a fabulous school. I find the teachers very caring and there are very consistent boundaries set for the children making a secure environment. My child had a few problems settling in and the problems were address quickly and resolved in a very child focussed manner. I have seen the standard of my childrens work progress well, and there knowledge and interest widen through school work and school projects. The school is on a lovely site with plenty of open space and great facilities for example the gym, art room and library which is really well stocked and regulary updated.
—Submitted by a parent

It is wonderful for a child to receive religous education on a daily basis, such as is offered by OLGC. HOWEVER, the overall atmosphere of the school erodes any academic instruction of Christian morals. Multiple teachers have a reputation for class control through yelling and humiliation. Many of the textbooks are outdated compared to other local schools. The bullying at the school is known throughout the community and is the cause for multiple families to have pulled their children over the years. This in spite of their policy on zero tolerance for bullying.
—Submitted by a parent

In 2010 I have children in grades 6th, 5th & 2nd. We have been at the school for 7 years and really enjoy it. My children are thriving. The loving, caring environment is wonderful. We feel that it has many of the good attributes that public schools have. A science lab, computer lab, library, beautiful campus, fabulous size gym, after school activities & Spanish. The teachers really want your children to succeed and they try to make that happen. Having religion everyday reinforces our family values when we aren't around.
—Submitted by a parent