INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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The Mission of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School is to provide a Christ centered community focused on Gospel values , service , and academic excellence in order to foster a lifelong relationship with God and the Church .
1734 Bower Hill Rd . Pittsburgh , PA 15243 www . olgscott . net • 412.279.6611
2018 OPEN HOUSE 1-3 PM • Sunday , January 28 , 2018 Tours by Appointment : 412.279.6611
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
Leader in Innovation
Our Lady of Grace School continues on a path of distinction for STREAM ( Science , Technology Religion , Engineering , Art , Math ) education . In the spring of 2017 Our Lady of Grace Catholic School was re-accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools . One of the commendations OLG received was for its outstanding curriculum in STEM , especially LabLearner™ . OLG remains the only school in Pittsburgh able to offer the LabLearner™ curriculum to students in preschool through eighth grade . LabLearner™ is a vertically aligned curriculum that meets the Next Generation Science Standards ( NGSS ). Our students are realizing the benefit of this curriculum and are applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems . OLG is continuing to forge a path for excellence in STEM education . The school received an award as a distinguished pathway partner from the Carnegie Science Center Heinz Endowment . OLG was one of only 11 schools , public or private , to receive this recognition . The Carnegie Science Center Pathway strategic plan for OLG includes building more awareness for STEM careers using project-based learning ( PBL ). Students in grades 4-8 explore project-based learning in the afterschool STEM clubs , and kindergarten through third grade students have STREAM classes as a part of their schedule . PBL allows students to explore real-world problems using 21st century skills . Our students participate in First Lego League Robotics , the K ’ Nex Challenge , Future City , Pittsburgh Science and Engineering Fair , and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science , all of which stretch students to think critically and creatively , collaborate , and communicate effectively . PBL also extends
into the Art and Language Art classes where students can apply cross-cutting concepts learned in the STEM disciplines .
The success of inspiring this new kind of thinking is all about making connections . Realizing this , the Dunn family instituted a scholarship for two students from OLG to attend CMU camps . This year OLG sent Natalie Kallet ( 7th grade ) and Bianca Galante ( 8th grade ). The girls came back from the camps learning new skills and gaining confidence . They became among our first girls to participate in robotics . At the First Lego League Scrimmage in October , their team scored higher than any OLG team had scored before ! Preparing our students to be successful in the future is at the core of the mission of Our Lady of Grace . Incorporating the faith every day through instruction and example , individualized instruction , and innovative curriculum lays the foundation for the success of every student .
Read what parents are saying about OLG :
“ Our experience at Our Lady of Grace School has been a joy . There is a very familial and friendly atmosphere — you can tell the staff and other parents really care about the children . They aren ’ t treated as just another number , but as individuals . They are very focused on the STREAM curriculum and have a brand-new science lab , with thriving science and robotics clubs . They also have an amazing drama program , headed up by a really exceptional teacher . The pastor and principal are both very committed to making the school a great place to be . I ’ m so glad we made this choice for our family ... it really isn ’ t just about the children ; it ’ s a place our whole family loves and enjoys together !”
“ Our Lady of Grace Catholic School provides an excellent faith-based education in a nurturing learning environment , with an emphasis on academics and a focus on STEAM and language arts . What sets this school apart is the foundation of faith , respect , tolerance , responsibility and character that each student receives . Our children are blessed to be part of this school and our family is blessed to be part of the school community .”
“ We have four children at Our Lady of Grace School and will soon have five there . Our experience has been very good . The staff are very warm and understanding — eager to help our children succeed and do their best . The addition of LabLearner Science Lab has advanced the science curriculum to new heights and has our kids excited about learning and DOING science ! Beyond the classroom , though , Our Lady of Grace seeks to form our children in the Catholic faith with weekly Mass , opportunities to serve one another and the community , Friday morning prayer and our annual KINDraiser . We are happy to have found a community in Our Lady of Grace and look forward to seeing God bless it and help it grow !”
Carlynton-Montour | Winter 2017 | icmags . com 17