School Overview

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 services 785 students in Pre K-3 through 8^th 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 Catholic School is Louisiana State approved and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). A well-rounded curriculum is offered and 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 Characteristics

• Average class size is 25 students
• New multi-purpose building opened in spring 2009
• Family-like atmosphere
• High standards of achievement and behavior
• Only Catholic school with an increased enrollment for the past two years
• Standardized test scores are within the national norm
• 12 staff members are former Visitation students
• School board to assist in long range planning
• 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

• Religion is taught daily as well as incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum
• Students attend weekly Mass
• Weekly novena to Mary
• Monthly Adoration
• Retreats (students and teachers)
• Monthly grade level Grandparents' Mass
• All religion teachers are certified or working toward certification
• Sacrament of Reconciliation is frequently offered
• Children's Mass every Sunday at noon

Guidance Program

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

Technology

• Full-time technology director
• Extensive educational networked computer system with Internet capabilities
• Smart boards in all K - 8 classrooms
• 3rd - 8th Edline (online grade capability)
• Telephone voicemail
• Website: http://www.vol.org
• Teacher webpages with homework link
• All computers are connected to the Internet
• Internet activity is filtered for content
• Every 1^st - 8^th grade classroom has two computers
• All classrooms equipped with LCD projectors
• Two mobile laptop labs
• Two computer labs
  • One lab has 30 computers used for research skills and general computer work
  • The second lab has 30 Apple Mac Mini computers and is used primarily for reinforcement
• Parents receive school announcements via e-mail and through an automated phone messaging system

Fine Arts

• Drama (3^rd - 8^th grade)
• Choir (4^th - 8^th grade)
• Instrumental band program for all 3^rd graders
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced band for 4^th - 8^th 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
• 5^th Grade is included as part of the middle school
• Exploratory classes (Spanish, Study Skills, Art, Computer, Speech, P.E.)
• Extra-curricular activities and clubs
• Sports program
• Interdisciplinary teaching and thematic units
• Before and after school tutoring
• 13 seventh grade students qualified for the Duke University Talent Search (95th Percentile ranking)

Early Childhood Programs

• New early childhood facility for 3 & 4 year olds opened in August 2009
• Montessori based programs in Pre-K
• Theme-based and developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Low student/teacher ratio
• Full or half day options offered
• 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 computers with reading & language educational software

Other Features and Programs

• Family-like atmosphere
• Celebration of Catholic Schools Week
• High standards of achievement and behavior
• Standards Based Curriculum
• Science Lab
• Before & After school care with a homework room
• Landscaped prayer garden
• After school art classes available
• 30 fourth and fifth graders qualified for MAP program sponsored by Duke University
• Spanish classes for 1^st - 6^th grade students
• Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)

Parental Involvement

• School Board
• Co-Op (Parents' Club)
  • Monthly meetings
  • Fundraisers
  • Sponsored activities include:
    • Living Rosary
    • Family Halloween Celebration
    • Christmas Pageant
    • Keep Christ in Christmas Contest
    • Annual Cajun Festival