Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend OLOH? What grades does OLOH accommodate? How many classes are in each grade?
In Grades K-8, approximately 220 students are enrolled. We are a one-track school with one classroom per grade, creating a small, family-like community. We offer full-day Kindergarten. Currently, we do not offer a Pre-K program.
What is the maximum number of students allowed in each class?
The maximum number of students in Kindergarten is limited to 25 students with a teacher as well as an instructional aide. Grades 1-5 have part-time instructional aides. Grades 1-8 have a maximum class size of 28 students.
We attend another Catholic parish, can I send my children to OLOH?
While our parish families receive first placement, our families come from throughout Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Catholic families committed to the Faith up to date with their sacraments will receive the Catholic tuition rate.
What are the school’s educational goals?
Our students learn through traditional methods. Here we teach cursive and use textbooks, ensuring our students practice the fine motor skills and critical thinking needed for healthy brain development. We teach Latin so our students are familiar with terms used in theology, law, and modern sciences. We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed. Our students not only meet academic and diocesan standards but exceed them. Please visit our website to learn more about our classical-leaning approach.
How does the school teach the faith?
We integrate the Faith into all that we do because we want our students to be happy, love God and follow Him.
Students prepare for the sacraments of First Penance and First Communion in 2nd Grade and Confirmation throughout Seventh and Eighth grades. All students, Grades K-8, attend weekly mass and adoration. We begin each morning in community prayer. Each class begins with a prayer, and our day ends in a prayer. Each day our morning prayers are offered for a school family. Classes pray the Rosary weekly and all students attend Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent. Every Wednesday afternoon we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet through song. The Pastor and Parochial Vicar visit in classrooms, especially in the middle school, to discuss relevant issues.
What curriculum opportunities are there for high school placement?
Students entering public school will be able to take the SOL for Algebra I. Students who are going on to Catholic diocesan high schools may qualify for advanced latin, math, history or english. Our accelerated math program offers geometry in 8th Grade, and we have a dedicated middle school math teacher to help students soar.
Our students are also very well prepared in science and are exposed to principles taught in high school. Our middle schoolers have complete dissections and complete an 8th Grade project either in robotics, engineering, or rocketry.
Our students’ integrity, self-discipline, and knowledge base set them apart from their peers. They frequently are complimented in high school for their preparedness and character.
To which schools do graduates go?
Our Crusader graduates attend many Catholic high schools, including Paul VI Catholic High School and Bishop Denis J. O’Connell. Some students choose programs at private high schools like St. John’s Prep as well as the local public high schools. Our students have also gone on to participate in Academy of Science (AOS), Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and Thomas Jefferson High School for Sciences and Technology.
What are the teachers’ qualifications?
Our Educators are certified and licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, either through the Virginia Department of Education or through the Virginia Catholic Education Association.
How does the school handle discipline, including bullying?
Our Lady of Hope has a strict discipline code that includes zero tolerance for physical violence, bullying, and cyberbullying. Teachers and administration respond swiftly to any reported incidents.
Is financial assistance available?
OLOH participates in the Diocese of Arlington’s financial aid program, which is based on financial need. Families may apply online. To view diocesan tuition assistance programs, click here.
Does the school offer other classes?
In addition to daily curriculum instruction, students participate in Art, Music, Computers, Library, Latin and PE. Students in Grades 1-8 do hands-on activities in their Science Labs once a week.
What other extra-curricular activities are available at OLOH?
Band and strings are offered to students starting in fourth grade. Students may also participate in our Children’s Choir starting in fourth grade. We also offer a variety of activities for students in Grades K-8, such as, PSA (soccer & flag football), chess, Junior Legion of Mary, American Heritage Girls, and CYO Sports (basketball, cross-country, & track). Please view our Activities page for more details.
Does OLOH provide transportation?
No, parents are responsible for the transportation of their students to and from school per Diocesan policy. Our families often join carpools to share the responsibility of getting to and from school during the week when coming from a distance. Several of our families attend from Leesburg and beyond.
Does OLOH have an After-School Program?
Yes, we offer Before Care & After Care each day. Parents need to provide transportation for their child from the program. Our program is licensed through the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Does OLOH offer hot lunches?
Yes, we offer an optional hot lunch program every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. See the Lunch Program page for details.
What is the School Uniform Policy at OLOH?
All students in grades K-8 are required to wear a school uniform. Our uniforms come from Flynn & O’Hara and information may be found under our Parent Resources tab on the school website.
Does OLOH follow Loudoun County Public School’s Calendar and Schedule?
The Diocese of Arlington calendar is very similar to the LCPS calendar with minor differences such as Christmas break, Easter break, teacher workdays, and the end of the school year. For weather-related closures, we follow Loudoun County Public Schools.