Our Lady of Fatima is a Catholic elementary school, accredited by the Middle States Association of Elementary Schools, consisting of a Preschool program through grade 8. The school is located on US Routes 13 & 40 (DuPont Boulevard), 1 mile north of the New Castle County Airport. Started in 1949 by the Benedictine Order, student enrollment is currently 272 students with an average class size of 26. The faculty consists of 15 teachers, 4 aides, 2 support staff, a Coordinator of Religious Education, and the principal. The school day begins at 7:55 A.M. and dismisses at 2:55 P.M.
Our Lady of Fatima serves the community of New Castle, Delaware, a geographic area with a growing population which includes families of varied economic status.
The Mission of our school is to:
- meet the physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social needs of the child
- emphasize all areas of learning using methods and attitudes appropriate to the Catholic elementary school
- reinforce a positive self-image and self-confidence
- develop a child who is aware of the concept of and the need for community
- develop a sense of loyalty in the child to his family, church, school, country, and society
- develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values which students use to help constructively shape society toward the Christian ideal
- integrate the roles and responsibilities of the principal, teachers, staff, students, parents, guardians, and all other elements of the school within the total faith community of our parish.
The registration process starts the first week of January for September enrollment. Information on admission can be obtained by calling the school office at (302) 328-2803 between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.
The Preschool Program has a morning (8:00-11:00) session and a full day session (8:00-2:35), five days a week for 3 & 4 year olds (birthdate by August 31). Our full day Kindergarten class for 5 year olds (birthdate by August 31) is located in Fr. McDonough Hall. Grades 1 to 4 are located on the first floor of the school, and Grades 5 to 8 are on the second floor.
Weekly classes for students are held in Art, Library, Music, and Health/Physical Education. Grades 4 through 8 have formal Computer classes and grades K through 8 have Spanish classes. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.
A prepaid Hot Lunch Program is offered for all students.
The After-School Program, located in Fr. McDonough Hall, is available for children from 7:00 to 7:30 A.M. and 2:55 to 6:00 P.M.
Accelerated Reader Program This is a special program designed to improve students’ reading skills and develop their love of reading. Students read from a wide range of books on their reading level and take a computerized test on each book read.
Library Equipped with Internet Access, the automated library is the base for our Accelerated Reader Program.
Music The children are exposed to a variety of musical instruments including kazoos, precorders, recorders, keyboards, hand chimes, and rhythm instruments. Children are encouraged to participate in the Parish Children‘s Choir.
Physical Education The children participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Program and Field Day activities.
Computer Lab Equipped with 12 computers, 2 laser printers(1 color), 2 color printers, and 1 scanner, the lab is made available to students for school projects and research. All classroom computers are networked.
Keyboarding This program in the third & fourth grade enables the children to learn typing skills.
Counselor Our counselor is available for the students each school day.
Catapult Learning/Back to Basics – Title I This is a federally funded program for our students who need reading support.
Some Extracurricular Activities are:
Instrumental Music Program The Instrumental Music Program offers lessons once a week at the school. This program is for grades 4 through 8.
Student Newspaper A student-run publication was initiated with members consisting of 7th and 8th grade students. It is distributed quarterly to the student body.
Science Olympiad The 4th, 5th and 6th grade students have the opportunity to participate in this event held at St. Mark’s High School.
Junior High Youth Group An after-school program for grades 7 and 8 designed to foster community through Catholic Christian ideals.
Home & School Association This association sponsors events throughout the year for the children and their families. Some of these events help raise funds needed for school purchases not allocated in the school budget.
Athletic Association This association sponsors many sports teams; i.e., football, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, track, volleyball, wrestling, and cheerleading.
Boy and Girl Scout Troops The scouts meet once a week in Fr. McDonough Hall.