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| A Brief History
In 1598, the Spanish explorer Juan de Onate reached the vicinity of what is known today as the El Paso Lower Valley. The first mission school built in this area was established by missionaries in 1682. The Catholic Church continues to educate local children in this area through its missions. Our Lady of the Valley School had its roots in this area during the early post-war years. The parish was created as the need for an English-language church and school grew. The original school, then known as Our Lady of the Rosary saw its first student in 1947. Classes were held at St. Margaret's Home for Orphaned Children on Valdespino Road until the current school building was built in 1951. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word originally staffed the school. Today, Our Lady of the Valley School is enhanced by the presence of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help who make a unique contribution to the Church by reflecting to the students and parish community the charism of St Francis. School Mission The mission of Our Lady of the Valley School is to provide a foundation of Catholic education based on faith and morals. We develop the spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth in partnership with parents. We afford each child the resources and opportunity to advance in Catholic education to meet the needs of the Christian community. Curriculum Based on "A Curriculum Guide from the Catholic Diocese of El Paso," the curriculum at Our Lady of the Valley School is in compliance with the accreditation requirements of the Texas Catholic Conference. The areas of instruction include, but are not limited to: Religion, Reading, English, Spelling, Writing, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Music & Art, Physical Education, Phonics, Health Education, Science, Computer Literacy, Field Trips, Gifted and Intelligent Program. Dress Code BOYS - Navy-blue dress slacks; Red/Navy blue polo shirt w/OLV logo; or navy-blue uniform walking shorts (optional in grades 1-4). GIRLS - Hamilton plaid jumper for grades 1-4 and a Hamilton plaid skirt for grades 5-8, navy-blue twill slacks; red polo shirt w/OLV logo; navy-blue uniform walking shorts in grades 1-4, or culotts in grades 5-8 (optional). Uniforms are optional for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students, but are required for all students in grades 1-8 at all times, except on free-dress days. Extended School Program Students requiring supervision after school must enroll in the "After School Progam." The hours are school day afternoons from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. (See Extended School Program) Additional Activities Student Council - National Honor Society - Soccer - Flag Football (on regulation football field) Volleyball Cheerleading - Computer Lab - Computers in every classroom - Basketball - Science Lab - Various field trips Chess Club - Speech Contests Tuition and Fees Registration - $200 per student (non-refundable) Endowment: $10 - New families - $50 Book Fee per student - $75 Assessment per child - $20 Insurance Fee per Student $10 Fundraiser Non-participation Fee - $300 Monthly Tuition One child - $250 Second Child - 170 Each additional child - $155 Pre-Kinder - $255 Entrance Age Pre-Kindergarten - Student must be 4 years of age by Sept. 1 of the current year. Kindergarten - Student must be 5 years of age by Sept. 1 of the current year. Grade 1 - Student must be 6 years of age by Sept. 1 of the current year. Equal Opportunity Policy It is the policy of Our Lady of the Valley School to provide equal opportunity to all students in its educational programs and activities, without regard to race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, or challenge. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, service, financial aid, and employment. Inquiries concerning application of this policy may be referred to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of El Paso, Texas. Information Required for School Records Social Security Number Birth Certificate - Baptismal Certificate Immunization Record Physical Examination Report Card (If applicable) School Hours Our Lady of the Valley School students are required to report for class promptly at 8:00 a.m., entering by the playground area. Instruction begins promptly at 8:15 a.m., and continues until dismissal at 3:00 p.m. All students must vacate the school no later than 3:15 p.m., unless involved in extracurricular activities or after school day care, provided until 5:30 p.m. Lunch Program Our Lady of the Valley School participates in a government nutritional program. Breakfast and lunch are served daily. School Hours Our Lady of the Valley School students are required to report for class promptly at 8:00 a.m., entering by the playground area. Instruction begins promptly at 8:15 a.m., and continues until dismissal at 3:00 p.m. All students must vacate the school no later than 3:15 p.m., unless involved in extracurricular activities or after school day care, provided until 5:30 p.m. |