Lourdes Academy

1014 North Halifax Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32118

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on November 26, 2023

This school never had a welcoming environment from the start. Most of my friends agree that the amount of school work, the separation of "academics" and "honors" , and really all of it, is horrid. The kids in academic classes are treated as if they are dumb. Kids who need extra help have also been denied their right to it. There have been many, MANY, cases that have happened that the school can be sued for. Kids have been forced to do the sign of the cross, and the prayers, despite their personal religion. The principal does NOTHING about bullying or parent complaints. The only thing the school really cares about is its reputation. The students are constantly yelled at over this, but they never go to the root cause of misbehavior. The teachers are forgetful, and pile on homework, and make the excuse of it being for getting ready for "high school." Children with mental health issues or learning disabilities aren't cared for in the right ways. Children who have ADHD and are loud are constantly yelled at, or separated from the entire class. The amount of bullying at that school is disgusting. The amount of pressure put on the students is awful. There are also no lockers, and the entire school is practically falling apart. Many children have complained about back pain because of this. The school acts like it's the best ever to possibly exist, but it's really not. It's the worst school I've ever been to. I wish I didn't waste my middle school years here. Another big issue is money. The school constantly has fundraisers, but we never know where the money is going to. It pressures kids who come from low-income families to waste money on things like that.This school is disgusting, awful, and a disgrace to the Christian faith. It's extremely outdated, and I hope it get demolished and changed into another school that is actually Christ-like and welcoming. But until then, students have to continue suffering here, with no freedoms, constant stress, and pain. It has caused many of my friends to have mental health issues, and I really dislike it. Please listen to this review, and change your ways.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2023

It's sad that Lourdes Academy is not what it once was. It used to be a beautiful community of inclusion and support. Now it's all about money. Usually a benefit of a private school is smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for students with teachers. Not at Lourdes. They cram as many children that will fit into a classroom and then blame the children for acting like children who are overly crowded into a classroom. Teachers pre-designate children as "problems" or "bad" before they even step a foot in their classroom and then treat them as such without even giving them an opportunity to flourish and thrive. If your child is neurodivergent in any way they will be singled out - but not in a way to help them succeed, rather in a way to cherry pick them out of the school. Let's say if Jesus were to pay this school a visit, they definitely would NOT have His blessing. There are many other private school options in Volusia county- look to those ones instead.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2023

I would strongly caution parents to reconsider before sending their child to this school. Do your homework.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2023

This school ministers to the needs of each individual child with everything they have. Each morning, our children are greeted respectfully and with a beautiful smile from school faculty and staff. Everyone working in this school finds the time to answer your needs and schedule time to address any concerns you may have. Our children leave feeling fulfilled, curious, and excited for the next day.Additionally, this age of uncertainty can leave parents feeling anxious about dropping their child off at school. After a meeting with the principal to discuss safety standards and updates, I feel confident leaving my children in their care.Lourdes Academy is truly a Catholic school of excellence.As a disclaimer: This school is not equipped to handle children with special needs, which is the only reason for the one “disagree” rating. This does not reflect a negative view on my behalf.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2023

I love our School, Mr Dole runs a great school, his teachers create a beautiful atmosphere for social emotional growth and learning. Students are thriving at a level better the average child their age. I see my students homework after Teacher myself, I know where they should be and they are surpassing expectations. Kudos to the Lourdes Faculty.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2023

I highly recommend Lourdes Academy. What a wonderful school. My son attended from pre-K3 through 8th grade and gained an excellent foundation in his education. Do yourself a favor and attend the school liturgy on Thursdays at 9:30 AM and you will see an amazing group of faculty, staff and students.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2023

If you have a young family, children, etc. and are looking for a new school and church home, this is NOT it. Save yourself the heartache and pain of their philosophy of "All are invited", because "all are invited" until you are not. If you have time, treasure and talent to give, don't waste it here, where clearly it is not wanted. They especially want nothing to do with children with ADHD and will blacklist you from trying to attend other local private schools.
Submitted by other on April 17, 2017

After reading many of the comments, I think it should be noted that the school has gone through several changes since some of the negative comments have been made. I would suggest anyone who is interested in the school to take a tour and see the teachers and students in action! No school is perfect, but I am very happy with the education my child is receiving at Lourdes.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2015

Our child was here for two years and was so far behind that we had to place him back in public school. He is now doing much better. When you ask about how your child is progressing, they always say they are doing great. That is simply a ploy to get you to continue to pay tuition. Horrible education and focus is only on the money.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2012

I have two children who attend Lourdes Academy. Last week, on Monday September 24, I saw Mr. O Dell, the principal, outside in the carpool line, soaking wet from the rain. I saw him using the umbrella to cover only the children. I asked him why don t you use the umbrella for yourself and he answered that he was using it to protect the children from the rain. I thought that this was an amazing act. Mr. O Dell is an incredible person, who has always been very welcoming to my family and me. As a mom, I am very appreciative and grateful of all that he does.
Submitted by other on October 04, 2012

I am a graduate of Lourdes, I am now in law school and one day practice family law. My beginnings at Lourdes where one the best times of my life and I will forever be grateful for the supportive staff and loving atmosphere that i did receive there and always receive when I visit. Thank you Lourdes for being part of my life.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2012

Thank you Lourdes for always being there for my child and for us as a family. It most certainly is a place where children can learn from the inside out. Children leave there knowing that they will be productive human being in the world of today. I am very grateful for the staff and the community over all.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2012

An excellent place where children are taught how to be productive adults in society. A child can learn to read and write anywhere, but they can't learn the value of the heart. Lourdes Academy is a place where the teachers, administration, and staff care. Each child is nurtured and loved. I make and will continue to make monetary sacrifices to send my daughter to Lourdes. My eldest child just graduated this past June. My youngest daughter is still at the school and loves it. She is thriving. There is no place in Daytona that I would send my child. I believe in Lourdes!!!!!
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2012

Lourdes Academy is a truly unique school. I have had four children attending Catholic schools in Florida and this school offers things that none of the others did -- not just academics, but forming character. The children start their day in church with prayer and encouragement from our principal. Our pastor is committed to teaching them how to take their faith out into the world and make a difference in the community. One way he does this is by making it possible for disadvantaged children to attend this school because he, and our parishioners who fund the scholarships, believe that education changes lives. The teachers work very hard to meet the varied needs of their students. In addition, the children are learning that to be Catholic is to be joyful. They have a program called "We Celebrate What We Believe." All kinds of feast days are celebrated and the children look forward to the skits, processions, interesting food, and arts and crafts that are part of this program. Not only does it teach our Catholic students to love their rich heritage, it gives our non-Catholic students a positive image of our faith to share with the community.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2012

My children have been at Lourdes Academy going on 5 years. I have a child going into 7th and 4th. Yes, a few years ago were challenging. However, since Mr. O'Dell has taken over has prinicpal the moral is wonderful! The teachers are happy and my children look forward to going to school. Mr. O'Dell holds the children and the teachers accountable. As in every school, there will always be kid drama. I have always been able to talk openly to the teachers and the principal, Mr. O'Dell. One of my children has had discipline issues. Theses teachers and the school circled around my child and have worked to nuture and keep my child on the right track. I don't know that this would happen any place else. My child has grown and is growing into a bright, respectful teenager. My children are A/B some C students. I don't always look at the grades as I look at the entire picture. Lourdes has the entire picture.
Submitted by other on June 17, 2012

I am a former student at our lady of lourdes (lourdes academy), most of the children there are rude and mean. I was bullied there for no reason, i have no problems nor am i mean. i was called fat and ugly. The principal never did a thing but talk to these kids, I'm now happy with public school. DON'T SEND YOUR KID THERE!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2011

Lourdes Academy is a great school! My children have been at Lourdes Academy for the past 7 years and this year has been the best yet! With the new adminstration, the energy is positive and the students are focused on respect, reponsibility and right choices.I see in each of my children gaining loving and caring attitudes with well rounded decision making skills to excel academically and with daily life lessons choices. The wide selection of extra circular activities allows each of my children to choose the right activity for them. We have experienced volleyball, basketball, chorus, band, sign language classes, and spiritual ministries (alter serving, lectors, ushers, and music ministry). My children are touched daily is a faith-filled and loving principal, teachers and staff. I am thankful when I leave them in the morning for school I know in the afternoon that they will only become better students and Christians.
Submitted by teacher on February 26, 2011

Check out the school's website! Visitors to our school constantly comment that we have smiling students, caring teachers, a new principal (as of July 2010), and a wonderful family environment. Lourdes Academy IS a Catholic School of Excellence!