About Us – Our Lady of Lourdes School

Philosophy and Mission Statement

The mission of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School is to develop strong values in our students and educate them spiritually, intellectually, culturally, and physically.

About Our Lady of Lourdes School

Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic school located on the north side of Decatur, Illinois. The school is part of a Catholic parish complex consisting of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School. The church and school are surrounded by a quiet, well-kept residential neighborhood on Decatur’s north side. Our Lady of Lourdes parish complex is home to a vibrant Catholic church and a thriving, family- focused school, which serves students from preschool to grade 8.

Our Lady of Lourdes parish was established in 1957 by the Diocese of Springfield. In 1960 the school, staffed entirely by Dominican Sisters, welcomed its first students. Today a staff of 25 serves a diverse, 200+ student population. Our Lady of Lourdes admits students of any race, color, nationality or ethic origin. Priority admission is given to children of parish members and those interested in a faith-oriented, academically challenging curriculum, as class size permits.

Building on Tradition

Promotes a faith based education emphasizing service.
Promotes a high academic achievement
Teaches personal responsibility through firm and loving guidance
Member of the National Catholic Education Association
Member of the Illinois Elementary School Association
Recognized and Accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education

Our Philosophy

Our Lady of Lourdes School was established to serve the People of God of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Its chief function is to work with the priests and parents in fostering the development of children as whole persons. This implies providing the best possible academic program suited to the age and ability of each child, but it also encompasses incorporating opportunities for spiritual, social, emotional, and physical growth.

We believe that students learn best when they are involved in their work; when they, as individuals, are accepted, encouraged, and supported by teachers who have a positive attitude toward their profession, and when the atmosphere is one of faith, love and concern. In this atmosphere, each person seeks to attain a self-discipline which reflects a genuine respect for self and others.

We believe that in an effort to build a community of faith and love among priests, parents, faculty and students, everyone at Our Lady of Lourdes strives to express a God-like concern for each person, appreciating differences, encouraging worthwhile activities, constantly improving self, and witnessing to Christian values. Two-way communication between home and school is seen as primary in creating an environment of understanding and cooperation.

We believe that the faith community of Our Lady of Lourdes School recognizes its special place within the local Church, which is the parish, and within the broader Church community and the world. It lives out this vision by praying for and pursuing justice and peace and by engaging in mission activities and a variety of other community projects designed to minister the compassion of Jesus to others. In this way, they hope to respond to His call to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.

School Board

The Our Lady of Lourdes School Board meets on the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month. More information will be added to this page soon.

Faculty and Staff

The administration, teachers, and support staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School are always available to help in any way they can to insure a quality educational experience for the students. You may contact most of the teachers and staff members directly through School Speak.