Accreditation

In 2011, OLV was re-accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. OLV was commended for working in a continuous improvement model. However, in June of 2011, all the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington were accredited using a system wide-accreditation process in partnership with AdvancED. Going forward Archdiocese of Washington schools will be accredited through this system-wide approach. Currently, OLV is accredited until 2026.

Notable Achievements

The school and church collaborated to formulate a twenty-five year “master facilities plan.” Following the completion of the plan, a successful capital campaign has enabled phase one to be completed, renovating one of the three levels of instructional space and eliminating the need for temporary modular classrooms. A large multi-purpose room featuring a stage area was redesigned to function as a classroom while retaining the ability to showcase concerts and productions. The first floor was structurally renovated to add two classrooms (Language Arts and a Spanish/Art studio) as well as a serving kitchen and table storage room. The following summer saw the complete renovations of student bathrooms. An ADA compliant bathroom was installed. Recent renovations after the school’s 50th anniversary include new heating and air systems, new windows, fresh paint, and the addition of a collection of biblical fine art donated by a parish family. The school added sets of classroom laptops/tablets, and upgraded the wireless network to enable the school to implement new Archdiocesan web-based initiatives such as standardized testing and student information system.

Analysis of testing data has shown the need for continued efforts in math instruction to maintain Blue Ribbon student achievement scores on standardized tests. Over the last few years, significant investment in professional development, coaching by a math expert for teachers, and increasing instructional staffing for math has enabled effective differentiation and small group instruction in math. Last year, a new math resource was introduced and students made significant gains in math surpassing expected gains. In addition to outstanding student achievement in reading and math, students at OLV repeatedly demonstrate exceptional achievement on the National Spanish exam. OLV students take the same Spanish exam as local area high school students, often OLV students are among the highest scoring students, placing into Spanish II or III in high school.

OLV is able to make data-driven decisions to positively impact student achievement and school experience. For example, a survey on bullying is regularly administered to students, teachers and parents. Even though the results show that OLV does not have a systemic bullying problem, nor do any results meet the level of showing the need for an intervention the results were used as a pre-assessment to devise the Living in Faith, Hope and Love program implementing strategies to target the areas of growth identified by the survey. The results of the survey were one of the primary reasons for implementing Responsive Classroom.

Excellent high school acceptance rates, with 8th grade classes experiencing 100% acceptance rates at local Catholic high schools demonstrates the effectiveness of teaching and learning at OLV and student readiness for the next level of education. Students from OLV often gain admission into advanced classes or honors programs in high school.

The CYO program has expanded beyond expectations in the last few years, due to commitment and dedication of parent volunteers. Despite being a small school, most of our students participate in our athletic program. OLV consistently wins medals in cross country and the division championships in track and field, soccer, basketball, and baseball.