Oldfield Middle School

Both of my kids had a great experience at this school and made lifelong friends. This is a stellar school district if you are looking for connectedness and community.

I have been lucky to be part of the Love of Learning family for 15 years. I found LOL when I was pregnant with my first child. Being an educator, choosing a school that aligns with my educational philosophy was a huge priority for me.I decided to research and found LOL. When I found this school, I was delighted to see what l was looking for existed. I knew before my son was even born that he would go here. When he started years later, I was not disappointed. It was truly the magical place I had envisioned. If you are looking for a school that truly cares about your child -who they are as a person and also one who cares about their academic success and future- look no further. Academics are challenging and meaningful, connecting learning to real world experiences and incorporating students interests to further develop higher level thinking skills. Individuality is respected and valued. Students are encouraged to express themselves openly and freely and be active participants in their learning. This ensures a safe space where students can be their true authentic self and reach their highest potential. The staff and teachers truly care about every child specifically building strong relationships with them and fostering positive relationships with their peers. Alumni are made a big part of the school as well. Once you attend LOL, you are always a part of the school and continue to be included in events. Graduates come together to help out at school gatherings-leading activities and interacting and guiding current students and being role models for them. I have one son who has graduated and one who is a current student. My older graduate is a thriving high-schooler who has transitioned well into a new school.He is very advanced in academics and his new school has noted his advanced leadership skills, communication and speaking skills -all skills developed at LOL.What I love best is how passionate for learning my children are while attending LOL. I love that my son runs to me so excited about what he learned in the day. The children truly love going to school, they get to explore and learn in a hands-on way on the most beautiful and serene campus. It is truly a beautiful place and I highly recommend!

My older child was enrolled at a local public primary school until 2nd grade when an ongoing subpar experience forced us to reevaluate our decisions. As local residents and alumni of the public district, it was not an easy choice to leave but we pulled him out and enrolled both our boys two years ago. I wasn't sure what to expect having heard both good and bad reviews--but nearly two years later I can't say enough good things about St. Patrick's.My older son is an excellent student who excels anywhere--so it wasn't exactly about finding a better education though we certainly didn't want his academics to suffer. But if you ask him, he will tell you that the academic environment is more challenging, the student body overall is more engaged, and the school itself holds children far more accountable than his experience at public school. My younger son is also very bright but required special services for speech and some accommodations. The public school district and St. Patrick's worked together seamlessly to ensure a comprehensive approach to his support and he is flourishing. We have an entire team of people dedicated to his well-being through the school and he's now beyond grade-level expectations in core areas.I find the teachers extremely approachable and flexible. They adapt their teaching to individual children--and have the support of the school and means to do so as the class sizes are relatively small (17-18 kids in each class we've been in). The teachers are all extremely invested in the academic, social, and emotional welfare of the children. There is also a full-time social worker who is accessible to children and parents at all times.There is an abundance of extracurricular opportunities that far outpace those at the primary school level in the surrounding public school district. And the curriculum moves at a faster pace as well. The homework, on the other hand, seems like less busy work and worksheets than my friends' children at other schools--which we appreciate.There is a tremendous emphasis on family involvement and the community here is truly unparalleled. The school events are extremely well attended and the volunteership among families and children is remarkable. They educate the whole child and support the whole family and my only regret is not joining this school sooner.Our current experience applies to grades K through 4th. Families ahead of us have shared equally great things about grades 5th through 8th as well.