Our Lady of Lourdes

We've had our children at Our Lady of Lourdes for 7 years with our oldest moving on into high school next year. We have been more than pleased with the quality of education that Lourdes has provided so far for all of our children. Our oldest will be skipping a few freshman classes next year because she has already taken them at Lourdes (from what I understand, this is pretty common for Lourdes). The pastor is wonderful and is often at the front door of the school welcoming the kids and parents in the morning (adding to the already warm and inviting environment). Also,the teachers and principle are very responsive to the children's needs and parent's concerns, with the lines of communication always open. We always recommend Our Lady of Lourdes School!
--Submitted by a parent

We transferred to Lourdes when my 1st child was in 1st grade. Coming from another school system, we were pleased with the quality of the education and ability to respond to my child that was reading well above grade level. We have been in the school long enough to experience all grade levels with my children, and we are still pleased with their education. My 8th grader is completing high school geometry this year. My children score very well in standardized test, which demonstrates external validity. If you are active in the school (even a full time parent such as I) you see the sense of community and core values that the school instills. The new principal is making positive changes this year and I look forward to more improvements next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Have been involved with this school for 11 years and it is great! Of course there are pros and cons of any school, but Our Lady of Lourdes offers a quality education. This year our new principal is awesome and has made many positive changes. There is truly a feeling of community and family here and this shows amongst the parents and students. The pastor is very involved with the school and the kids love him. Would recommend to anyone in community.
--Submitted by a parent

I put my child in this school after attending St. Joes. Older sibling attends Seton High in Vancouver. Worste experience, teachers and NEW principal are "second rate"! These people don't care about the kids and probably are there because no one else would take them. Do yourself a favor and keep your kids away from the school. First year principal and definately out of her league.
--Submitted by a parent

Dreadful experience. This school has significant operational and staffing issues. The administration and staff are unprofessional and unresponsive to parental concerns. The atmosphere is cold and insensitive. Couldnt be farther from the Christian learning experience we were looking for.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My kid is an early reader and her teacher immediately put her into an advance class to make sure she's being challenged. There are 3 hot lunches available now...thanks to the effort of the Principal and the School Commission. I love volunteering at this school too, as they make us feel we are all a family. My kid is not only learning about good values fundamentally but also in practice. In fact, she is very empathic towards other people at such a young age.
--Submitted by a parent

I went there for 7 years and all I can sum up is this is an insensitve human facility that resembles a gulag or a prison gated completely around like the Berlin Wall. Thumbs down. Staff sent me to the office, no special services or counciling, thumbs way down.

I have 3 children attending Our Lady of Lourdes, 4th, 3rd and preschool. We have an amazing Principal, Mr. Brian Anderson and Priest, Father Michael that are very involved in the life of the school. It is so nice to be greeted by them each morning. The teachers are very accessible and are not just great teachers but are caring and disciplined individuals. If you are having an issue with a teacher, I feel my voice has been heard. We have a very active parent's club and amazing parents that support the school. OLL offers great opportunities to volunteer for stay home and working parent(s). The kids are learning Spanish in preschool, 1 day of hot lunch, an art literacy program, CYO sports, music and private music lessons. I have been very happy with problem solving techniques, and in keeping our kids safe. Thanks, Alisa Rakoz
--Submitted by a parent

I am first year parent of Kindergarten student: Quality: Good to Excellent. Spanish and Japanese is taught in Kindergarten. My daughter is reading well (the newspaper!). Extracurricular activities: There is a once a week art class, the children have weekly music, and there is sports available for the older children. I just found out there is a Girl Scouts group that meets twice monthly. Parental involvement: excellent. Single parents are required to volunteer 10 hours per year, others are required to volunteer 25 hours per year per family. The parents club meets once a week during the weekday, working parents must miss or take time off work. My daughter qualified for Challenge Program in Vancouver School District, we are struggling w/decision of enrolling her in the challenge program or at remaining here at OLL. I have heard that the first grade teacher is excellent (teaching here for 31 years). Love the uniforms.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers here for the most part truly care about the kids that attend. There are a few teachers that most definitely leave something to be desired. Many of the best teachers from this school no longer teach here. There are a wide variety of sports available, art classes, a tutor, music classes, good middle school electives, and some foreign language available. There is always a big opportunity for parents to be involved with the school.
--Submitted by a former student