At Our Lady of Peace School, the message can be summed up into one simple statement –“What your child believes is as important as what they know.”
Since 1962, its pastors and parishioners have been committed not only to the ideals of Catholic Education ministry, but also to the whole child, expanding horizons and preparing them for success in an ever-changing society as a People of Peace. However, to the Our Lady of Peace (OLP) family the word P-E-A-C-E, stands for much more than harmony, as Webster would define. It is Prayer; Example; Academic excellence; Collaboration, community, commitment; and Esteem for ourselves and others.
“Our school exists to provide the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical excellence of our students,” said Principal C’Ann Reilly. The school emphasizes education reaches beyond the traditional classroom. In addition to the core academic curriculum and challenges of language arts, social studies, mathematics, science and health, OLP students are exposed to a variety of experiences to enhance and fully develop their individual interests and talents. Whether taking on the persona of your favorite American Hero among your primary school peers; sitting down to a tea at the “White House” with your pre-schooler host; or enjoying amazing performance of Polynesian fire dancers, while sampling some of the flavors the region’s traditional fare prepared by the middle schoolers; most would say a typical day at Our Lady of Peace School is not “typical.”
Cultural arts, visual arts, competitive and lifetime sports, music and community service are all honored disciplines that make up this community of life-long learners. What is impressive is that this approach has proven success. Students at Our Lady of Peace continue to outperform their peers statewide and nationally on standardized tests, earning scores placing among the best in the nation. OLP's measurable accolades are not the only reason the school’s population far outreaches its parish boundaries. OLP parents and students choose the school, also because of its family-like setting and expectations. Caring and compassion, fairness and justice, respect for self and others, responsibility, trustworthiness, and Christian citizenship are not only taught, but also lived. Education begins before kindergarten at OLP. The pre-school offers both 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs. Like the primary and middle school program, the pre-school is more than letters and numbers. “Fostering positive self-concepts, discovering God’s marvelous creation, appreciating God’s goodness and love, and teaching Christian attitudes and actions towards others,” is what pre-school teacher Mary Beth Pollack believes is equally important. Principal Maureen Kerr warmly welcomes and encourages visitors to the school, so they can experience first hand the outstanding programs and activities OLP has to offer. She wants folks to talk to staff, students and parents; because she is so confident they will be impressed with the educational, spiritual and motivational environment the school provides. For more information or to schedule a visit contact the school at 304-242-1383 or [email protected]. The school’s website address is www.olpschool.org.
