Background
Our Lady of the Elms School, established in 1923 by the Sisters of St. Dominic (now the Dominican Sisters of Peace), is a private, all-girls Catholic institution located in Akron, Ohio. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 12th grade, with a co-educational preschool and kindergarten. Its mission is to educate girls and young women to live boldly with purpose, confidence, kindness, resilience, justice, and faith. The institution is sponsored by Dominican Veritas Ministries and enriched by Dominican spirituality.
Key Strategic Focus
Our Lady of the Elms emphasizes a faith-based, all-girls education that fosters leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth. The curriculum integrates Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Health, Physical Education, Religion, and Fine Arts, aligning with the State of Ohio Education Standards and the Diocese of Cleveland Curriculum. The school targets families seeking a nurturing environment that promotes both academic rigor and spiritual development.
Financials and Funding
The annual tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $13,450 for high school students, with 58% of students receiving financial aid. The average financial aid award is not specified. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, with an acceptance rate of 85%.
Pipeline Development
The school offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with students achieving an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1360. Graduates have been accepted into prestigious colleges and universities, including The Ohio State University, Kent State University, and Case Western Reserve University.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Our Lady of the Elms incorporates technology into its curriculum to enhance learning experiences. The school offers a variety of clubs and organizations, including Girls Who Code, which promotes coding and technological skills among students.
Leadership Team
- President: Deborah Farquhar Jones
- Deans: Walter Jacoby and Gabriel Eiser
The leadership team is dedicated to maintaining the school's mission and fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal growth.
Leadership Changes
In August 2024, the Dominican Sisters of Peace transferred the sponsorship of Our Lady of the Elms to Dominican Veritas Ministries, a Catholic nonprofit organization recognized by the Vatican. This transition aims to ensure the school's long-term health and commitment to its Catholic identity.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The private, faith-based education sector in Ohio is competitive, with numerous institutions offering similar programs. The demand for all-girls education remains steady, with parents seeking environments that foster leadership and academic excellence.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and Archbishop Hoban High School, both located in Akron. These schools offer co-educational, faith-based education with strong academic and extracurricular programs.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The transfer of sponsorship to Dominican Veritas Ministries strengthens Our Lady of the Elms' position within the network of Dominican educational institutions, providing access to shared resources and collaborative opportunities.
Operational Insights
Our Lady of the Elms differentiates itself through its all-girls environment, small class sizes, and integration of Dominican spirituality into the curriculum. These factors contribute to a unique educational experience that appeals to families seeking a faith-based, personalized education for their daughters.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The school aims to expand its technological offerings and extracurricular programs to meet the evolving needs of students. Strengthening community partnerships and enhancing financial aid programs are also strategic priorities to attract a diverse student body.
Contact Information
- Website: Our Lady of the Elms School
