Accreditation & Honors

Inspiring Excellence

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School (OLV) offers an environment steeped in Christian values and high academic goals. OLV encourages students to live as the individuals God created them to be with their own aspirations and levels of achievement, then provides resources, programs, and opportunities that allow them to spread their wings and soar! Students have been recognized in:


  • Science – the OLV Science Olympiad program is consistently one of the top three in the State of Alabama
  • The Arts – OLV’s Drama Program are the recipients of numerous honors
  • Athletics – from track and field to volleyball, basketball and more OLV students are recognized for their talent
  • Language Arts, Social Studies, and more – students are the recipients of honors in academic competitions such as the Spelling and Geography Bee, writing, math, and Science Fair

A U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Among the most coveted honors received by OLV has been the United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award. It is the Nation’s highest honor for a school and OLV is the only private school in the Birmingham area to have been awarded this prestigious honor.  The award distinguishes OLV for excellence in teaching, curriculum, student achievement, leadership, professional development, parental involvement, and community support.  OLV is exceptional in that it is a two-time recipient of the honor.

Committed to Excellence - Accreditation


OLV has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1986. AdvancEd/SACS accreditation is an important indicator of quality and a commitment to continued improvement to meet the educational needs of our school community.