Our History 

     Our Lady of the Desert School was formed in 1983 by a group of militant Catholic laymen. They were prompted to form the school based on the conspicuous absence of traditional Catholic education in their high desert towns, twenty-five miles north of Palm Springs, California. The name of the school was chosen to emphasize the fact that the mother of the Christ Child - the Mother of God - loves all children; for it was to children that she appeared at Fatima, Lourdes, and others, no doubt at the direction of Our Lord who said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Mat 19:14) So it is the school's mission to bring the children to Christ in the same way His Father chose to reveal Him to us, that is, through His mother. The entire disposition of the school centers around this fact: that "...there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) The only way to be in Him, is to be a part of His body, the Catholic Church, so that "...it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Gal 2:20) This is a fundamental dogma of the Catholic Faith and it is reflected in the traditional Catholic culture of our school.

     Our Lady of the Desert School has a four-member Board of Directors who serve as officers of this non-profit California corporation (Tax ID# 33-000-2365). The school has been in two locations since 1983. In 1994, the campus relocated to its present home: a five-acre campus which was formerly owned by a Lutheran church. The corporation constructed two additional wings for needed classroom space. In addition, the chapel has been adorned with a beautiful crucifix, statuary, and many other pieces of traditional Catholic art. The chapel has a capacity of 283 people, and is frequented by visiting priests who offer the traditional Latin Mass. The school has a capacity of 120 students.

Discipline

     Our Lady of the Desert School is very careful to preserve its integrity; therefore, any words or actions that are contrary to our Catholic culture are simply unacceptable. The policy of the school is to use the least amount of discipline necessary to obtain the required results. Parents are kept abreast of all significant infractions and consequences via personal contact or letter because the school desires to work with the parents. Those students who cannot, or will not comply with the regulations of the school, or the directions of the staff or teachers, will be subject to suspension or expulsion from the school.

     The greatest help to maintaining the school's Catholic culture is for parents to maintain a spirit of the same culture in their own homes. For example, we expect that every family will do its best to safeguard itself from impure books, music, movies, language, and clothes. In other words, removing all near occassions of sin. On the positive side, we expect the promotion of virtuous behavior. The parents' role in this aspect is crucial, for children most often emulate their mothers and/or fathers.

     In summary, when a good example is set by the school and parents in a coordinated effort, cooperation by the students is most likely. The end result is the success of all. Our Lady of the Desert School has demonstrated this fact over the past twenty-five years as we have never had a single report of gang related violence or drug activity.

Dress Code

      The most common obstacle to virtue in every age of history is immodesty. Our secular society is a clear example of this fact. Our homes and schools should be sanctuaries from this impure environment; thus, the application of our dress code is strict since "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness." (Mt 6:22-23) Accordingly, our uniforms ensure that our students will be modest for the sake of their salvation as well as all of those with whom they will have contact. Uniforms can be purchased from Dennis Uniform Manufacturing Company at www.dennisuniform.com (enter school code: LA00EJ).

     In addition to modest clothing, our dress code also includes neatness, good grooming, and hygiene. The school stresses that the home has the primary responsibility to monitor these aspects that reflect human dignity.

Application

     Click here to apply or the Contact Us link in the right-hand margin.

Tuition

     Our tuition rates are very competitive. This fact has been repeatedly verified by all of our comparison "shoppers." The amount is spread over a ten-month period. The following rates are for the per month expense:

     Elementary School

• $200 first child
• $75 additional children

     Jr. High School: $225 each child

     High School: $250 each child

Financial Aid

     Our Lady of the Desert School provides financial aid on a case-by-case basis. We seriously consider every family who approaches us with a need for monetary assistance.

     We accept absolutely no county, state or federal financial aid. This policy helps to protect us against governmental influence that is contrary to the school's mission.

School Hours 

     Regular school hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 2:15 P.M. Students are expected to arrive promptly and to be prepared. We operate a closed campus which means students are not allowed to leave without permission before the end of the school day.

Calendar

     Each family is supplied with a calendar at the beginning of the school year. It includes important dates such as the last day of school and the end of each quarter, as well as sacred and secular holidays.