Academic Excellence Among Top Reasons Families Choose Private School Education

It’s being called ‘a new era,’ but for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, the renewed commitment to a classical Catholic education is a refreshing return to the school’s roots.

“The education landscape is rapidly changing,” says Canonical Pastor Fr. John Fleckenstein. “As a private school, we have the flexibility to look at what our students truly need and provide both academic and moral education. I’d like to personally invite families throughout the area to consider what we have to offer.”

Our Lady of the Lake, formerly Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, blends core elements of a classical education with innovative programs that transform today’s Lakers into tomorrow’s leaders. For example, middle and high school students use a mixed reality technology called ZSpace to explore interactive 3D models as they study human anatomy, physics and more. In the Global Trading and Finance Lab, students are using state-of-the-art technologies for business and finance classes, including realistic trading simulations using StockTrak software.

Beyond a traditional education, Our Lady staff spends significant time fostering a stronger Catholic school culture through faith-infused lessons, communal prayer and yearly service projects that turn students’ faith into action.

National data consistently indicates that students from private religious schools attain educational levels ahead of their counterparts in a public school setting. Our Lady of the Lake is no exception, and administers the Northwest Education Association (NWEA) standardized test three times per year, using results to gauge learning and drive instruction. These adaptive tests allow teachers to determine where each student’s progress and address any gaps that emerge. Last year, Our Lady of the Lake students outperformed the national averages at every grade level tested.

Every student from the Class of 2022 is college bound. Collectively, they’ve earned an average 3.58 GPA, received over $1.2 million in merit scholarships, and will begin their post-secondary education with an average of 4.5 college credits – demonstrating that an investment in an education at Our Lady of the Lake now can pay dividends for years to come.
“Grounded in a tradition of faith that has stood the test of time, and an academic approach that nurtures individual talents and passions, Our Lady of the Lake continues to provide students with a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow academically, strengthen their faith, and ultimately reach their fullest potential,” says Fr. Fleckenstein.

Enrollment is limited and priority consideration is given to applications received by August 1. Families interested in a quality, faith-based education can learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com, or call to schedule a tour: 269.429.0227 for pre-school through 5th grade; 269.983.2511 for grades 6-12.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is a private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. Our Lady is dedicated to providing an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith and Citizenship. Learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com.

	Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School Downtown Campus Grades 6th - 12th Grade 915 Pleasant Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269-983-2511 Fax: 269-983-0883		Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School South Campus Grades PS - 5th Grade 3165 Washington Avenue St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269-429-0227 Fax: 269-429-1461		"Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rooted in Sacred Scripture and centered on the Eucharist, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School embraces the values of Education, Faith and Citizenship.”
	Diocese of Kalamazoo Policy on Non-Discrimination The Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs and activities, employment policies or contractual agreements.