About Us

School History

Visitation of Our Lady School opened in 1965 under the direction of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and remained under their leadership until 1986 when Mary Kitterman became the first lay principal. The school has grown considerably since its inception and currently averages near 750 students in Pre K-3 through 8th grade. Visitation prides itself on the reputation of preparing students spiritually, academically, and emotionally for success in future endeavors. As a Catholic elementary school, Visitation strives to integrate the teachings of the Catholic Church with academic principles in developing each unique child. We provide a strong basic curriculum along with spiritual and moral nurturing. Visitation is dedicated to teaching children with varied learning abilities and has been at the forefront in recognizing and accommodating children with different learning styles.

Curriculum

Visitation of Our Lady is a Louisiana State approved Catholic school that offers a well-rounded curriculum. Emphasis is placed on individual needs and learning styles in an environment that stresses Christian values. Students are challenged to develop a firm foundation in lifetime skills.

School Facts

• Average class size is 25 students
• Consistent enrollment
• Standardized test scores are within the national norm
• Eight staff members are former Visitation students
• Faculty and staff frequently attend workshops to broaden their knowledge base
• Either the mother or father of 1/6 of the student population attended Visitation

Religion

• Students attend weekly Mass
• Weekly novena to Mary
• Retreats (students and teachers)
• Monthly grade level Grandparents' Mass
• All religion teachers are certified or working toward certification
• Sacrament of Reconciliation is frequently offered

Guidance Program

• Full time, certified guidance counselor
• Parenting seminars
• Grandparents' seminars
• Individual and small group guidance

Technology

• Full-time technology coordinator
• Extensive educational networked computer system with Internet capabilities
• Telephone voicemail system with a daily homework access line
• Web site: http://www.vol.org
• Teacher webpages with homework link
• Every 4th-6th grade classroom has two workstations
• Every 7th and 8th grade classroom has at least one workstation
• Two computer labs
  • One lab has 30 workstations with Internet capabilities
  • Our second lab has 30 Apple Mac Mini computers and is used primarily for reinforcement
• Parents receive school announcements via e-mail

Fine Arts

• Drama (5th-8th grade)
• Choir (3th-8th grade)
• Instrumental band program for all 3rd graders
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced band for 4th-8th graders
• Professional artist teaches "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" techniques

Middle School Program

• Served as a model middle school for the National Middle School Association Convention
• Honors classes available
• Advisory program
• Exploratory classes (French, Study Skills, Art and Computer)
• Extra-curricular activities
• Interdisciplinary teaching and thematic units
• Service programs
• 10 seventh grade students qualified for the Duke University Talent Search (95th Percentile ranking)

Early Childhood Programs

• Montessori based programs in Pre-K
• Theme-based curriculum
• Low student/teacher ratio
• Full or half days offered
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Classrooms have the benefits of teacher assistants

Language Arts Lab

• One of the few Catholic schools with a program to address the special needs of students with reading and language difficulties
• Classroom is equipped with twelve workstations with Internet capabilities

Other Information

• Family-like atmosphere
• Celebration of Catholic Schools Week
• High standards of achievement and behavior
• Standards Based Curriculum
• Science Lab
• Quarterly Parent Newsletter
• D.A.R.E.
• Before & After school care with a homework room
• Landscaped prayer garden
• After school Spanish and Art classes available
• KidCam Summer Camp Program
• 52 fourth and fifth graders qualified for MAP program sponsored by Duke University

Parental Involvement

• School Board
• Co-op (Parents' Club)
  • Monthly meetings
  • Sponsored activities include:
    • Living Rosary
    • "Holy"ween
    • Olympic Day
    • Christmas Pageant
    • Keep Christ in Christmas Contest
    • Annual Cajun Festival