Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School (OLV) remains faithful to its founding vision of providing a solid Catholic education to the students of the surrounding suburban community yet continues to incorporate new, research-based teaching methods to remain in the forefront of academic excellence. OLV draws parents and students to an environment steeped in Christian values and high academic goals and achievements fostered by enthusiastic support from the administration and boundless talents of the faculty and staff. The OLV K-8 faculty boasts 69% with advanced degrees, and 100% who attended continuing education workshops in the last year. Faculty members are extremely dedicated and on average have taught at OLV for 13+ years.
Founded in 1984, the school received accreditation within two years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has continuously maintained accreditation. In its 25-year history, OLV has had an extraordinary record of success: a high percentage of students have consistently qualified for the Duke Talent Identification program, Science Olympiad teams that have been in the top three in Alabama for each of the last eight years, a Thespian Troupe that has received superior honors, and many more. Among the most coveted honors received by OLV was the 1998-1999 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation. The school believes that these honors carry with them a responsibility to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
The involvement of the community in the school continues to be a catalyst for its success. Parents serve in the school in some way including extracurricular activities, classroom projects, field trips, fundraising, school committees, and Parent Teacher Organization. Members of the parish are also active in supporting the school and serve with parents on the School Advisory Council and school improvement committees. The parish also supports the fundraising efforts of the school. With such a high degree of participation, parents display a commitment to partnering with teachers in the educational process, and in so doing serve as role models of faith to their children.
It is with the support of the community that the school is able to provide expansive facilities and resources for the many educational opportunities awaiting the more than 400 students currently enrolled in preschool-grade 8. The school campus includes a state of the art library with more than 13,000 volumes, an extensive science lab, a gym with a performance stage, two classroom computer labs, two portable computer labs (one lab with laptops, one with IPADS), a full-service cafeteria, an adjacent preschool building, a playground, and outdoor areas for children to play and to learn. These facilities provide space and resources for students to explore their creativity and talents through a wide variety of activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, student council, drama, sports, yearbook, choir, scouts, math club, band, altar servers, Scholars Bowl, and Science Olympiad. The focal point of the campus is the church. OLV is first and foremost a Catholic School where the Gospel message is integrated throughout a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for life in a complex and diverse society.
At OLV, the school lives its mission to encourage students to reach their full potential in a creative and nurturing environment that promotes Gospel values every day of the year. Fostering an environment that recognizes that success is defined differently for each individual student is an inherent aspect of the culture at OLV. By encouraging students to live as the individuals God created them to be, with their own aspirations and levels of achievement, OLV imparts not only an appreciation of learning but also a faith that serves as a strength guiding them throughout their lives. By providing students with a safe and stable environment where they can test their academic, social, and spiritual limits, OLV enables them to stretch their wings and broaden their horizons. OLV graduates are well prepared for high school, having learned to appreciate not only the gift of their education, but also their responsibility to use this education to enhance the world in which they live.
OLV at a Glance
- Founded in 1984
- Accreditation: OLV has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1986
- Faculty: 69% have advanced degrees, 100% have attended continuing education in the last year
- Enrollment: approximately 400 students in preschool -8th grade
- Honors and Awards: the school, its faculty and students are the recipients of numerous honors each year. It is a two-time recipient of the U.S. Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Several are noted on the Accreditation and Honors page
- High Schools Attended by OLV graduates (2010-2011): John Carroll Catholic High School, Oak Mountain High School, Spain Park High School, Pelham High School, Chelsea High School, International Baccalaureate School, Indian Springs School, Subiaco Academy(Arkansas), and Alabama School of Fine Arts
- School Hours: Preschool 8 AM - 1 PM with extended care available. 3 or 5 day programs available; Elementary and Middle School hours are 8 AM - 3 PM Monday-Thursday, and Friday from 8 AM - 2 PM. Extended care is available.
- School Mascot, Song and Colors:The mascot of the school is the Eagle, the school song is "On Eagle's Wings," and the school colors are blue and grey.
- Dress Code: Students wear uniforms. See the Uniform page for more information
- Tuition and Financial Assistance: see the Admission and Tuition page for current tuition. Financial assistance is available to qualifying families.