WHY CHOOSE OLA?
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make—and at Our Lady Academy, we offer an environment where young women are empowered to grow in faith, achieve academic excellence, and become confident leaders. As the only all-girls Catholic high school on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, OLA provides a unique and nurturing community where each student is known, valued, and challenged to reach her full potential. Rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy, our school embraces a Christ-centered mission that encourages students to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and lead with integrity.
Our rigorous academic programs are designed to prepare students not only for college, but for life. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and leadership, our students consistently excel in the classroom and beyond. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure that every student receives the individual attention she needs to succeed, while our faith-based curriculum fosters character, compassion, and a strong moral foundation rooted in Catholic values. Daily prayer, regular Mass, service opportunities, and spiritual retreats allow students to deepen their personal relationship with God and develop a lifelong commitment to faith and service.
Beyond academics, OLA offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities—from athletics and fine arts to service clubs and leadership organizations—allowing students to explore their passions and develop lifelong skills. Parents choose OLA because they see the transformation in their daughters: young women who are confident, compassionate, and prepared to make a positive impact in the world. At Our Lady Academy, we don’t just educate minds—we inspire hearts, shape souls, and guide each student to discover her God-given potential.
From the moment a student walks through the doors of Our Lady Academy in 7th grade, she begins a journey that is as transformative as it is unforgettable. What starts as a new and exciting chapter quickly becomes a second home—a place where friendships are formed, talents are discovered, and faith is strengthened. Students are welcomed with warmth, encouraged to be themselves, and supported every step of the way. Over time, what may have once been nerves and uncertainty turn into deep pride and belonging.
As the years go on, the connection to OLA only grows stronger. Through classroom achievements, school traditions, spiritual retreats, and shared experiences, students build a bond with their school that lasts a lifetime. By the time they reach senior year, they don’t just attend Our Lady Academy—they love it. It becomes a part of who they are. They walk the halls with confidence, knowing they are surrounded by a community that has nurtured them academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Parents, too, find their love for OLA growing year after year. They witness their daughters becoming thoughtful, faithful, and empowered young women. They see the care and dedication of teachers and staff who go above and beyond—not just to educate, but to uplift. From 7th grade to graduation day, Our Lady Academy becomes more than just a school. It becomes a family—a place where students are not only prepared for the future but are also deeply loved in the present.