Berkley

OLV is a wonderful school and community. We could not be happier as parents and our children are happy and thriving. The small class sizes allow for individualized support. Additionally, the small class sizes allow for the classes to really function as a unit; we see our children interacting with ALL students which really creates a family like enviornment. OLV is a diverse school and while it is Catholic based, it is welcoming to all faiths. My children are not Catholic and we have never felt that this mattered.OLV has a very strong academic program and students are successful. The teachers and principal really make an effort to get to know each individual child. In middle school, the students are really guided into high school and very well prepared for their high school years.OLV really prides itself on encouraging its students to be their best possible selves and being kind and caring members of society. High standards are set, both academically and socially. Within the academic day, students are expected to respect each other and the school. I find OLV students to be very nice to one another and you'll often see younger students interacting with older students and vice versa- it really is just a sweet community of learners and educators working together.Upon selecting OLV my two concerns were only one class per grade and lack of a playground; both of these concerns quickly turned into assets. By having one class per grade, the children really get to know everyone and learn to work together as a whole; this transitions easily into each grade, allowing teachers to focus on more learning and less behavior management. It is common to attend birthday parties with the entire class and/or see children engaging with large groups (versus small clicks). While OLV might lack a traditional playground, recess is structured so that students can participate in organized activities that rotate throughout the year. This "guided" recess time, albeit self selected, IMO allows for students to interact with other students where they might not in a more traditional playground setting. My kids came from a school with a lovely playground and since attending OLV they have not once complained!OLV truly is a special place in every way.

Excellent. This school has provided my child with a wonderful play-based experience in nursery. She is delighted with her experience, feels challenged, supported, and engaged, and looks forward to school each day.