ABOUT OUR LADY ACADEMY
"Be it known to all who enter here that JESUS is the reason for this school.
He is the unseen yet everpresent teacher in its classes. He is the model of its faculty and the inspiration of its students."
For over 50 years, Our Lady Academy has been educating young women from across the Gulf Coast as a comprehensive college preparatory school. OLA serves young women in grades 7-12.
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Located on the beach in Bay St. Louis, OLA carries on a rich tradition of academic excellence that began in 1855 when St. Joseph Academy was founded by the Catholic Church. OLA is staffed by dedicated lay professionals. A strong collaboration between OLA and St. Stanislaus maximizes the religious, academic and social opportunities for the students. OLA offers various extracurricular activities, including sports.
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The uniqueness of each person and the gifts of each young woman are encouraged and enhanced as our caring staff urges students to reach their full potential.
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Our graduates stretch throughout the country and world, and include educators, government officials, authors, physicians, lawyers, corporate professionals and more. They truly are "Dynamic Christian Women".
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Lady Academy is an all-girls college preparatory junior/senior high school which teaches Catholic doctrine, morals, and values; promotes academic excellence; encourages the students to give service to others and to be disciples of Jesus Christ; and challenges them to achieve their God-given potential as young ladies in their local and world communities.
OUR CORE VALUES
Mercy Education, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is a global network of schools rooted in the values of Catherine McAuley, the order's founder. ​Rooted in their core values, we continue to grow as a vibrant school community—empowering and shaping the next generation of dynamic Christian women.
COMPELLED BY MERCY
Inspired by the spirit of Catherine McAuley, Mercy students are committed to bringing Mercy into an interconnected and ever-evolving world. With compassion that extends beyond our immediate circles, we respond to the needs of others with open hearts and minds. Empathy guides us to understand different perspectives, while a deep sense of responsibility to serve calls us to take meaningful, principled action. Rooted in the belief that all are worthy of God’s mercy, we strive to be a force for justice, kindness, and transformative change.
EDUCATIONAL COURAGE
Mercy students embrace the challenge of reaching their fullest potential in a culture that champions excellence, curiosity, and critical thinking. They are encouraged to explore new ideas, remain open to diverse perspectives, and reflect deeply as they evaluate the world around them. Along this multifaceted journey, students cultivate not only essential academic skills but also strong character and personal accountability—staying disciplined in their choices, taking initiative in their learning, and growing through both success and setbacks. Our approach prepares them to thrive with confidence, purpose, and integrity—through school and beyond.
INSPIRED BY FAITH
Mercy students grow into living expressions of faith—modeled after Jesus Christ and Catherine McAuley—demonstrating love, compassion, generosity, and the strength of infinite mercy. Grounded in our Catholic identity and the Mercy tradition, we welcome and respect all faiths, drawing inspiration from the richness of spiritual diversity. Our students develop a personal relationship with a loving and merciful God, expressed through service, empathy, and a deep commitment to others. Guided by Gospel values, they embrace a strong moral and ethical compass that shapes their actions and choices. In all they do, Mercy students strive to be courageous voices for justice, faith, and love in the world.
PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP
Mercy students are prepared to lead by embracing their unique gifts with integrity—standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Guided by a strong ethical and moral compass, they actively live Mercy values, making principled choices and learning from every experience. Committed to lifelong learning, they continually seek new knowledge and skills across all areas of life. With emotional intelligence, they recognize and honor feelings in themselves and others, building resilience and fostering healthy, compassionate relationships. As members of a diverse international community, Mercy students are confident in their ability to create positive change and advocate for a more just and compassionate world.
A VOICE FOR DIGNITY & RESPECT
Mercy students honor the intrinsic value of every individual, recognizing God’s presence and the grace within each person—allowing others to be fully human without judgment. With a global vision, we embrace diversity not just with tolerance but with open arms, actively fostering inclusivity. Courageous advocates, we stand firmly against hostility and injustice, speaking up for those without a voice. Through our commitment to grace, advocacy, and inclusivity, we create a community where everyone is truly seen, heard, and valued.
Our Lady Academy is founded on faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Thus, Christian values form the foundation of the school's beliefs.
Our Lady Academy strives to build a community of faith based on mutual support, promoting care and concern among staff, students, the family, and the community.
The faculty strives to exhibit and to inculcate Christian values in the student's lives. These values extend from our faith community to our local community to the world community.
Students are led to realize, and later to accept, their moral and ethical responsibilities to each of these realms. Our Lady Academy desires to develop women who will be leaders with a sense of service to their local communities and to the world community.