One of Michigan’s top high school choices is right here in St. Joseph. According to rankings released by education platform Niche, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is among the state’s 10 best Catholic high schools, and in the top 25 of all Michigan private high schools.

The all-star teaching staff at Our Lady of the Lake is a key component of the school’s success. All meet certification requirements and hold bachelor’s degrees, and nearly 40% of have also earned their master’s degree. With a comfortable 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, “Teachers are able to connect individually with every student to help them reach their unique potential,” shares Middle/High School Principal James White.

The school’s college readiness and Advanced Placement (AP) pathway is unrivaled in Southwest Michigan. Students select from a full complement of nine college-level AP courses covering every content area. “Our teachers are brilliant. And we’ve focused a lot of development time in crafting an AP program that sets students up for success,” shares White. An incredible 67% of students in grades 9-12 took at least one AP test in 2022. “For the first time in school history, we had a freshman score a five on the test and 62% of test-takers scored a three or higher on the exam, which earns the student college credit,” says White.

A well-rounded, classical Catholic education is blended with innovative programs and opportunities to create the unique Laker experience. Lakers enjoy an array of extracurricular activities that complement classroom instruction, including the school’s newly approved Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Chapter, which advances student learning and prepares them for careers in business, marketing, hospitality and more.

State-of-the-art technology sets the school apart from any other school in the area. In the Monte Global Trading and Finance Lab, advanced technologies complement business and finance classes, including realistic trading simulations using StockTrak software. Students also use a mixed reality platform called ZSpace, where they can maneuver and interact with virtual 3D models as they study human anatomy, physics and more.

The school’s ultimate impact is reflected in its graduates. Last year, every graduate was college bound. The Class of 2022 collectively received over $1.2 million in merit scholarships and began their post-secondary education having already earned an average of 4.5 college credits via AP and dual-enrollment options.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is a private pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. Our Lady of the Lake provides an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith and Citizenship. Learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com. Families interested in a quality, faith-based education can call to schedule a tour: 269.429.0227 for pre-school through 5^th grade; 269.983.2511 for 6^th through12^th grade.

Click on the links: 

Father John’s Presentation - Part 1 

Father John's Presentation -  Part 2

Father John's Presentation - Part 3

Father John's Presentation - Part 4

Father John's Written Response

November 22, 2022
Catholic Culture

Dear Our Lady of the Lake community:

Recently I sent an email updating you about our ongoing achievements as they pertain to the "seven pillar" plan that was initiated in March. While I have always said that we can't expect everything to happen overnight, there have been so many accomplishments already. Our plan has always been a three-to-five-year plan, but we are way ahead of that schedule. In my last communication, I shared achievements regarding our governance structure. Today I would like to point out how we have initiated and strengthened efforts regarding our "Catholic Culture" pillar. These are only a few examples of our efforts: 

First, at our south (elementary) campus, the theme of the year is Walking with Jesus ... "We walk by faith not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7). Upon entry, there are footprints and sandals with every student's name on them along with our theme. This is to show that we are all part of our Catholic community. We have a walking program associated with it. As students walk different "paths" that Jesus walked while he was on earth, their miles are tracked. Any student who walks the entire journey will have an opportunity to win prizes at the end of the year. Finally, teachers and staff recognize students who are walking with Jesus as demonstrated by their behavior and interactions with others, and every Friday we choose three names to be our "Wonderful walkers of the week". Every day that the Church celebrates the feast of a Holy Martyr, students and staff can wear red shirts at school to show our appreciation for these dedicated followers of Jesus. Classes are encouraged to research that saint to find out more about his/her life. Students actively participate in weekly Mass on Friday, adoration monthly. In the months of October and May, as a school community, our 4th and 5th graders lead us in a decade of the rosary each morning. In the second semester, we will bring back our Faith Families, but with a new addition. We will have a House system in place -Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Each house will be made up of three faith families. They will meet monthly after the first Friday Mass to pray together, play together and serve together. While many families and schools participate in "Elf on the Shelf," we will be doing "Mary on a Mission." Mary will be moving around our school as she travels to Bethlehem. When students find her, they will say a Hail Mary and thank her for saying "Yes" to God. We believe our students should be allowed and encouraged to demonstrate our Catholic culture every day. We begin our day with a community prayer in the morning and end our day with a closing prayer and the school's mission in the afternoon. Students also pray during class, and at the beginning and the end of lunch. Additionally, holy water fonts are hung in all classrooms and filled weekly by our 5th graders. Also, our students participate in Eucharistic adoration once a month. And, of course, we celebrate Mass once a week, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. 

Second, at our downtown campus (middle school and high school), Catholic culture is evolving into a faith­ filled, rich and engaging program affording opportunities for our students to be Christ-Centered, service­ minded and active in practicing and reflecting on their Catholic faith. Our 6th-12th grade students facilitate weekly Masses by volunteering as acolytes, ushers and chorus members. The sign-up list is deep in student interest and participation. Students are now volunteering to assist in a variety of mini-service opportunities from writing letters to local prisoners to collecting needed items for our veterans. We have initiated a peer ministry program where students facilitate our "Lakers supporting Lakers" initiative. Our Theology courses are aligned with Diocesan expectations and extend beyond the classroom to include a 25-hour student service requirement. Theology classes incorporate spiritual wellness, human dignity, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, kindness and compassion as a focus weekly in class. A summer retreat program for Junior level students is planned to work with them as our spiritual and academic leaders on campus as seniors. Our Catholic perspectives and ideals are observed and evident in many daily lessons outside of the Theology curriculum. 
Prayer, rosary reflection, Catholic historical perspectives, human rights, the power of saints, morality and Catholic social responsibilities are part of daily class learning and discussions. Theology courses will include a purposeful focus and learning plan on Wednesdays (shorter periods). During this time, the instructor will plan activities based on Diocesan standards, on positive affirmations, the impact of words through scripture, human dignity, kindness, compassion, gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. These will lead to outcomes of understanding, empathy and support of all Lakers. Faith Families is a program designed PreK-12 to support the spiritual, social and emotional maturity of our students. All students in grade 6 are assigned to a "Saint" family with members from each grade level PreK-12. The families are each supported by an adult staff member. Families meet once per month or more on a scheduled basis to pray, discuss student concerns and issues, support each other in times of challenge and more. The immediate family in grades 6-12 will join their extended family in grades K-5 once per semester. The school day begins and ends with prayer, and teachers are asked to begin each class with prayer. At lunchtime, our students pray the Angelus. It goes without saying that we participate in weekly Mass and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

So, as you can see, we are making great strides to build our Catholic culture and show who we really are as a Catholic school. Together, we should pray that the good work that God has begun and strengthened in our school will be brought to fulfillment. Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. 

Our Lady of the Lake, Pray for us!
Fr. John Fleckenstein 

October 11, 2022
Seven Pillar Update

Dear Laker Family:

Over the course of the school year, I'd like to provide updates about ways in which we are implementing the "Seven Pillar" plan.  Today, I'd like to share a few things regarding school governance.  As I have shared with you in previous communications, how a school is governed is an essential factor for Catholic School families.
  
At the beginning of the school year, I sent the Laker community a document that listed the responsibilities of the Canonical Pastor, the Superintendent, the Principals, and the teachers.  Defining those areas of responsibility is key to understanding how our school governance works. 
Over time, we hope to implement a President model.  We are ready anytime to begin this; it is a matter of funds to be able to begin a search and carry forth his/her responsibilities.  As I said before, his/her responsibilities are being shared by the Canonical Pastor, the Principals, and the Director of Enrollment Management.
Perhaps the most significant move in clarifying and strengthening our school governance model has been the restructuring of our school board.  This Local Consultative Advisory Board (LCAB) will no longer be called the "CCEC," to be aligned with guidelines laid forth by the Diocese of Kalamazoo.  

In brief, the LCAB (which informally can be called the School Board) has been restructured.  The by-laws of the Board have been reworked to be aligned with the Diocese and to better serve the needs of our school.  This year, the members of the Board from last year are remaining on the Board, but the terms have now been "staggered" beginning next year which will leave room for new members annually.  As we get closer to the end of the school year, I will explain how individuals can "apply" to serve on the Board.

In the coming days, the Bylaws and structure will be posted on our website for everyone to review.  The Board will be meeting every other month, and those dates will be announced by the Board executive committee.  In the alternate months, four permanent committees will meet.  Those committees are: Finance, Academic Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, and Enrollment Management.

In addition to restructuring our Board, the principals have been reworking governance within the school.  Staff meetings have been restructured.  For example, in the Elementary School (South Campus), staff meetings are restructured to have a specific purpose each week with monthly rotations to address data-driven instruction, PLC, school accreditation/improvement and information. The Middle School/High School (Downtown Campus) has made similar changes to make staff meetings more effective.

There have been specific improvements in academic affairs, the Theology/Campus Ministry department, and Enrollment Management areas.  The Business office has now moved into the Morlock Center.

While I recognize the points above are very general, I simply wanted to make you aware that we are making progress in each of the Seven Pillars.  The principals and I will continue to send summarized updates, and more detailed information will be provided as well.  These are exciting and busy days!  Thanks very much for your support of our school and being part of this transformational time.

Fr. John Fleckenstein

It’s being called a new era,’ but for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, the renewed commitment to classical Catholic education is a refreshing return to the school’s roots.

“The education landscape is rapidly changing,” says Canonical Pastor Fr. John Fleckenstein. “As a private school, we have the flexibility to look at what our students truly need and provide both academic and moral education. I’d like to personally invite families throughout the area to consider what we have to offer.”

Our Lady of the Lake, formerly Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, blends core elements of a classical education with innovative programs that transform today’s Lakers into tomorrow’s leaders. For example, middle and high school students use a mixed reality technology called ZSpace to explore interactive 3D models as they study human
anatomy, physics, and more. In the Global Trading and Finance Lab, students are using state-of-the-art technologies for business and finance classes, including realistic trading simulations using StockTrak software.

Beyond a traditional education, Our Lady staff spends significant time fostering a stronger Catholic school culture through faith-infused lessons, communal prayer, and yearly service projects that turn students’ faith into action. National data consistently indicates that students from private religious schools attain educational levels ahead of their counterparts in a public school setting. Our Lady of the Lake is no exception, and administers the Northwest Education Association (NWEA) standardized test three times per year, using results to gauge learning and drive instruction. These adaptive tests allow teachers to determine where each student’s progress is and address any gaps that emerge. Last year, Our Lady of the Lake students outperformed the national averages at every grade level tested.

Every student from the Class of 2022 is college bound. Collectively, they’ve earned an average 3.58 GPA, received over $1.2 million in merit scholarships, and will begin their post-secondary education with an average of 4.5 college credits – demonstrating that an investment in an education at Our Lady of the Lake now can pay dividends for years to

come.

“Grounded in a tradition of faith that has stood the test of time, and an academic approach that nurtures individual talents and passions, Our Lady of the Lake continues to provide students with a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow academically, strengthen their faith, and ultimately reach their fullest potential,” says Fr. Fleckenstein.

Enrollment is limited and priority consideration is given to applications received by August 1st. Families interested in a quality, faith-based education can learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com, or call to schedule a tour: 269.429.0227 for pre-school through 5th grade; 269.983.2511 for grades 6-12.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is a private pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. OLL is dedicated to providing an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith, and Citizenship. Learn more by clicking here OurLadyCatholicSchool.com.