Welcome to O'Hara Catholic School
At O'Hara Catholic School, we believe every child is created with unique gifts and limitless potential. Rooted in the Catholic faith and committed to academic excellence, O'Hara provides a nurturing environment where students are known, valued, and inspired to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Serving more than 500 students in Preschool through 8th Grade, O'Hara is the largest Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Portland. As an area school, we welcome families from Catholic parishes throughout Lane County, creating a diverse and vibrant faith community where students and families come together in support of a shared mission.
Our school offers two classrooms at each grade level from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade, along with a Preschool program beginning at age three. With an average class size of 25 students and dedicated early childhood classrooms averaging 20 students, O'Hara provides students with the individual attention and strong relationships needed to thrive. While 60% of our students are Catholic, families of all backgrounds are welcomed into our faith-filled community.
Our exceptional faculty and staff are at the heart of the O'Hara experience. All teachers hold credentials through the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, and many have advanced degrees, specialized endorsements, and Google Certified Educator credentials. Our teachers are committed to knowing each student personally and providing the guidance, encouragement, and support needed for every child to reach their full potential.
At O'Hara, education is a partnership between school and family. Our strong parent volunteer program reflects the commitment of our families, with each family contributing 36 hours of service annually to support our students, teachers, and community. Together, we create a welcoming environment where students learn the importance of service, responsibility, and caring for others.
Beyond the classroom, O'Hara provides a wide range of resources to support student success, including a daily hot lunch program, after-school Extended Care until 6:00 p.m., Title I support for students needing additional assistance in reading and math, and in-house special education services, including a dedicated Speech Pathologist.
From Preschool through 8th Grade, O'Hara Catholic School prepares students for the future by developing confident learners, compassionate leaders, and faith-filled individuals who are ready to serve their communities and make a positive difference in the world.
O'Hara Fast Facts
STUDENTS
- O'Hara has two classrooms of each grade level from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade. We have one Preschool classroom that begins at age 3.
- Student enrollment at O'Hara is more than 500 students. O'Hara is the largest Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Portland.
- The average class size is 25 students. It is 20 students per PreSchool and Pre-Kindergarten class.
- 60% of our student body is Catholic.
FACULTY
- O'Hara teachers hold credentials and are licensed by the state of Oregon Teacher's Standards and Practices Commission.
- Several teachers also hold advanced degrees and special endorsements.
- Several teachers are Google Certified Educators.
PARENTS
- O'Hara has always had a strong parent volunteer program, and we work in close partnership with our families. At O'Hara, each family agrees to complete 36 hours of volunteer service per school year.
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
- School hours for grades PreSchool - 3rd are 8:05am - 2:45pm (Half-Day PreSchool releases at 11:10am).
- School hours for grades 4th through 8th are 8:05am - 3:05pm
- Wednesday is O'Hara's Early Release Day. Dismissal for PreSchool - 3rd grade is 2:10pm, and 4th - 8th grade is 2:30pm.
- Extended Care is available after school until 6:00pm.
- O'Hara has a hot lunch cafeteria program available daily to all students.
- O'Hara is an "area school" as opposed to a single "parish school." As an "area school," we serve all Catholic parishes within the Lane County area.
- O'Hara receives Title I funds to assist students who need additional help with reading and math.
- O'Hara receives Special Education funding that includes in-house SPED services and an in-house Speech Pathologist.