South End Elementary School

We really wanted to love this school. It has a strong reputation and some wonderful teachers. But our family’s experience was disappointing and, at times, concerning.There was a ton of leadership turnover, and it really affected the day-to-day environment. Policies and expectations felt inconsistent, and communication often seemed reactive rather than clear and steady. We were aware of serious situations involving student safety that were barely addressed from a parent perspective, and we rarely felt like we understood what was happening behind the scenes or who was accountable.We also frequently witnessed behavior issues that didn’t seem to be addressed in ways that made the problems stop. Some kids appeared physically out of control in a way that sometimes resulted in injuries. Teachers tried their best but it seemed they spent large portions of their time trying to manage behavior instead of being able to teach.Bullying was also a real concern for us. The school seemed more focused on moving forward than on clear communication or problem-solving. When kids or parents don’t know what happened or what’s being done to help, it’s hard to feel confident that things will improve.Academically, the approach felt just as unclear. Students were given “assessments,” but answers weren’t marked correct or incorrect — so nothing was actually measured, and we were never given a clear picture of student progress. It often felt like the school used the language of assessment without providing meaningful information. For us, that felt emblematic of a broader issue: good intentions, but not enough structure or clarity to support real learning and growth.Some children do very well here, and I want to acknowledge that. But many families we spoke with shared concerns similar to ours, so I don’t think our experience was unique.If you are considering the school, I’d suggest asking very specific questions:• Who is accountable when issues arise?• How is academic progress actually measured and communicated?• How is bullying handled, whether your child is the bully or the one being bullied?• What happens when a child is hurt or in distress?• How does the school ensure harmful behavior doesn’t repeat?We truly wish our experience had matched the school’s reputation.

absolutely fantastic school blue-ribbon school. we have been blessed to be a part of such a wonderful, loving, education-focused community.

ancient curriculum and teachers -mostly - are incompetent with technology/computer use. school leadership is erratic- 2 principals in the 3 school years with the most recent one leaving abruptly and interim principal is oblivious to current and urgent needs of students including safety. bernadette miglin as interim principal is oblivious to parking lot safety and chaos at pick up—with parents fighting and blocking each other’s cars and continuing to allow other cars/parents to safely park and pick up at busy streets. school is more worried about mandatory fundraisers that god knows where and how they are used coz they definitely bare not for curriculum and school improvements. old computers still. textbooks are more than 5 years old and disheveled. avoid this school at all costs. i wouldn’t be surprised if they shut down soon. the interim principal bernadette miglin is unchrist like for sure, she is more worried about girls wearing leggings on non uniform days! way to sexualize these girls for wearing leggings. she does not deserve a paycheck from the diocese. she is useless!

Our children have thrived at Our Lady of the Lake School for the past 9 years. We can't say enough about how amazing the teachers and staff have been. OLL is a loving, caring environment with outstanding academic achievements. This school has become an extension of our family and we are forever grateful.