“There’s no place like Lourdes!” That’s what they say here at Our Lady of Lourdes School. This school has a rich history and a strong commitment to Catholic education. Let’s take a walk around and uncover some interesting facts about Our Lady of Lourdes School.
Our Lady of Lourdes School was established in 1941. The School Sisters of Saint Francis founded it. They had a vision of a nurturing educational environment.
Initially, the school started with a small group of students. Over the years, Our Lady of Lourdes School has grown. It now serves students from Pre-K through eighth grade. The school began with the goal of providing a solid foundation in the Catholic faith. It also aimed to foster academic excellence. The mission is to educate children to be successful leaders. These leaders should serve the world.
In the early days, the school’s gymnasium served as the church. This was before the present church structure was completed in 1951. Imagine the students playing basketball where Mass was celebrated on Sundays. The building was expanded in 1951. Six classrooms were added to the north end. The gymnasium was renovated in 2001. A turf field was installed in 2007.
Our Lady of Lourdes School is known for its strong academic program. In 2015, it was named a National Blue Ribbon School. This award recognizes academic excellence. Standardized test scores far exceed the national average. Academic programs reflect best practices. The school welcomes all students. It strives to help each child become the best student and person they can be.
The curriculum is based on the Standards of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Our Lady of Lourdes School prepares students for high school. Graduates are admitted to Catholic, private, and public high schools. They win merit scholarships. They enroll in honors and AP classes.
Our Lady of Lourdes School focuses on STEAM education. Science, technology, engineering, art, and math are vital. The school has adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. Students explore connections across the four domains of science. These include physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design.
Technology classes are a key part of the curriculum. Media Arts is taught weekly to grades K through 4. Students learn about hardware, software, and connectivity basics. They also learn keyboarding and coding. Information and Digital Technology is taught weekly to grades 5 through 8. This is taught in a STEAM context.
Our Lady of Lourdes School emphasizes service. All students participate in service projects throughout the year. These projects are connected to instruction in the Principles of Social Justice. They also relate to the Corporal Works of Mercy.
Our Lady of Lourdes has a Rosary Crew. All parents are welcome to join. Prayers are an important part of school life. The Morning Offering is recited daily. There is also a Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Our Lady of Lourdes School continues to thrive. It maintains its commitment to faith, academics, and service. The school community is welcoming and supportive. There’s a real sense of belonging here. As you leave Our Lady of Lourdes School, remember the words of the school community: “There’s no place like Lourdes!”