About Us

Our Lady of Victory is a dynamic and diverse Catholic school located in the heart of Washington, DC, with 224 students in PK3 through 8th grade.
OLV is well known for its academic excellence, superior staff, small student/teacher ratio, well-rounded graduates and its recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Outstanding OLV

• National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, awarded 2007 & 2016
• 224 students enrolled
• 1 class per grade (PK3 through Grade 8)
• Average class size of 19
• Student-teacher ratio 16:1 & 7:1 in Middle School
• 1:1 technology to student ratio
• Six time winner of the Archdiocese of Washington Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching   (2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015 & 2014)
• Winner Archdiocese of Washington’s Distinguished Principal of the Year 2011
• National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Principal (Sheila Martinez) 2012
• Sisters of Notre Dame Tranformative Leader Award, Principal Sheila Martinez 2022

Twice recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, the teachers and staff of OLV are committed to providing a learning environment that promotes scholarly excellence while fostering moral and spiritual growth. Small class sizes—an average of 18 students per grade— enable individualized attention and offer each child the opportunity to develop his or her distinct gifts and talents. Emphasis on teaching and living the Gospel message helps students develop faith-filled relationships with God and others.

Academic Excellence

• 100% of our graduates go on to attend the best Catholic and Independent schools in the region.
• OLV students are annually ranked among the top 10-15%, nationally in reading and math.
• Locally, OLV is ranked as one of the top-performing schools in the Archdiocese of Washington.
• 8th graders’ scores on the High School Placement Test are among the highest of all those applying to high school.
• OLV students out-perform DCPS public and charter school students in both reading and math.

Our 18 full-time faculty members, six part-time teachers and four instructional assistants are dedicated, diverse and invested in their students. OLV is blessed with an enthusiastic and award-winning principal, a top-notch administrative team and a strong relationship with the pastor and parish staff. All faculty members participate in educational seminars and most hold advanced degrees. The turnover rate is minimal, with an average of one or two teacher changes each year.

Unique Academics

• STEM: PK3-8th
• Spanish: PK3-8th
• Latin: 6th-8th
• Technology: PK3-8th
• Art: PK3-8th
• Music: PK3-8th
• PE: PK3-8th

Upper & lower grade Resource & enrichment teachers

We offer a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of high school and beyond. Most OLV graduates go on to attend the best Catholic high schools in the metropolitan area; occasionally a graduate moves out of the area or chooses a magnet program for high school.

Specialized classes that focus on Spanish, Latin, art, technology, music and physical education complement our core curriculum, and enrichment opportunities are available during and after school, with the DC area offering a multitude of exciting field trip opportunities.

Small class sizes allow for individualized attention. A rigorous standards-based curriculum including advancement opportunities prepares students for challenges in high school and thereafter. Instruction is research-based, informed by data, integrated with technology and varied and differentiated to meet learning styles and differences. Teachers utilize flexible grouping, co-teaching and frequent varied assessments which contribute to our students’ outstanding achievements.

Location and Demographics

In addition:

• 24% of the student body practice Christian traditions other than Catholic.
• Nearly forty students claim English as their second language, with sixteen languages represented.
• OLV includes and supports nearly 20 students with diagnosed learning differences.

Enrollment is stable with most attrition due to families moving out of the area. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of applicants seeking an alternative to their public school placement for middle school grades and from families transferring from more expensive private schools.

Parents are an integral part of OLV’s success in and outside of the classroom. They serve as leaders on the school board, in fundraising efforts and school activities. Their distinctive cultural and business backgrounds offer a variety of perspectives that help guide, advance and support the school.