Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School-Jaguars

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, a ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, has been serving the West Kendall community since 1997.

The dream of a parish school began in 1995 under the inspiring guidance of Reverend Anthony J. Massi. Construction began in 1996, and on August 21, 1997, we joyfully welcomed our first students under the leadership of our founding Principal, Dr. Maria Avellar-Fleming.

Today, we educate students from PreK-3 through Eighth Grade, with two classes per grade and an enrollment of 621 students.

From the very beginning, our mission has been to nurture students in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth, providing a Christ-centered environment where faith and learning flourish together. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, we prepare our students to live their faith daily and to grow into future Catholic leaders.

Our school is known for excellence in the “Three A’s”: Academics, Athletics, and the Arts.

• Our rigorous academic program is complemented by success in academic competitions such as the Academic Olympics.

• Our Physical Education program has been honored multiple times as the Most Outstanding Physical Education Program in Dade County.

• Our Arts program inspires creativity and cultivates a love for music, visual arts, and performance.

Milestones in our school’s journey include:

• 2005: Mr. Thomas E. Halfaker became Principal, bringing fresh vision and leadership.

• 2009: Successful accreditation by the Florida Catholic Conference after an 18-month process involving our entire community.

• 2009: Completion and blessing of our two-story school building by Archbishop John C. Favalora.

• 2009: Our beloved Pastor, Father Fernando Isern, was ordained Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado.

• 2010: Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger was welcomed as Pastor, ushering in a new era of growth and vitality.

• 2024: Mrs. Clara Cabrera began her service as Principal, continuing our tradition of excellence and faith-filled education.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, we are more than just a school—we are a family of faith and tradition. Our motto says it best: “Once a Jaguar, Always a Jaguar.”