PO Box 560 / 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, Maryland 20688
Phone (410) 326-3171 | olssschool@comcast.net | Fax (410) 326-9478
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL
SCHOOL INFO
Our Lady Star of the Sea School is located in Solomons, on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County.
HISTORY & MISSION
Established in 1933, OLSS School is a member of the Archdiocese of Washington and is a fully accredited private Catholic School for Pre-K through 8th grade. Our mission is carried out in a Catholic atmosphere, which promotes the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of each child. Our small class sizes enable us to deal with our students as individuals and work to meet their needs. By teaching morals and values, we develop a sense of personal responsibility and encourage leadership skills, which will make our students responsible adults. Students in the higher grades participate in a number of roles that support the school and mentor younger students, and help teach them the importance of responsibility and helping others. We believe that through a solid Catholic education, which incorporates instruction, discipline, responsibility, respect, and Christian example, our students will have a strong foundation on which to build their lives.
ACCREDITATION
All schools within the Archdiocese of Washington are accredited by AdvancED. The AdvancED accreditation process is recognized for its ability to effectively drive student performance, ensure mission effectiveness, and promote continuous improvement. Annually, our Archdiocesan schools collect and analyze data, set goals, plan, implement and evaluate their school improvement efforts. This ongoing continuous review and evaluation of activities leads to authentic school improvement.
Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington receive accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a division of AdvancED. In addition, they must meet the new National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.
AdvanceED: OLSS School has met the requirements established by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission and Board of Trustees.
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic School Academic Standards: We follow the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Academic Standards for our curriculums. These standards reflect the moral and spiritual code of conduct that is rooted in Gospel values that inspire leadership, stimulate creativity, and utilize each child’s individual talents.
National Catholic Education Association: The NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by providing professional development, formation, leadership and advocacy.
CLASS SIZE
We currently have one class for each grade, except for Kindergarten which has two classes. Our average class size is currently 16 students.
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are 8:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Monday–Friday. Before School Care begins at 6:45a.m.. After School Care is available from dismissal until 6:00p.m.
ASSESSMENT
Standardized testing is one of the many tools the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools used to measure our students' mastery of important concepts and skills. The primary purpose of testing is to improve students' learning and teachers' teaching by identifying both strengths and areas of improvement. Test scores are an important measure of performance, but they cannot and should not be the sole criteria upon which a family decides which Catholic school best fits their unique circumstances.
We use Measure of Academic Progress (MAPS) testing. This is the most trusted and innovative assessment for measuring achievement and growth in K–12 math, reading, language usage, and science. It provides teachers with accurate, actionable evidence to help inform instructional strategies regardless of how far students are above or below grade level. It also connects to the largest set of supplemental instructional providers, giving educators flexibility in curriculum choices.
OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY
Prayer & Mass
Our school day begins every morning with Morning Prayer together in our Historic Church with our Principal. Students also say prayers before and after snack and lunch. Most Middle School classes begin with a student led prayer. Our day closes with a prayer at dismissal.
During the months of October and May, students lead the Rosary at Morning Prayer. During Lent, students attend Stations of the Cross weekly.
Every Wednesday morning, we celebrate the Holy Mass together with OLSS Pastor, Father Ken Gill. Grades 1-8 take turns preparing for and participating in the Liturgy . We also celebrate special Masses throughout the year such as our Opening School Mass, Grandparent’s Day, All Saints Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic Schools Week Opening Mass, Ash Wednesday, May Crowning, and End of School Mass.
Reconciliation And Adoration
Reconciliation is offered four times a year to students: opening of school, Advent, Lent and closing of school.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available to students every Tuesday and each class loves spending some quiet time with Jesus.
Religious Education
Our Pre-K through 8th grades receive religious instruction each day during Religion classes.
Our Buddy Program allows our Middle School age students to pair with their younger Pre- K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade Buddies to help teach them traditional Catholic Prayers, and discuss the lives of Saints and Holy Days.
Christian values are interwoven throughout our entire curriculum. Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study, Catholic Social Teaching, and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion (2nd graders) and Confirmation (8th Grade) are also practiced.
Spiritual Direction
Our 8th Grade students each receive a personal 20 minute session with our Pastor to engage in Spiritual Direction. This helps to ground our students and prepare them for High School.