St. Lawrence O'Toole School, located in Matteson, is a Catholic school in the Chicago Archdiocesan system of schools. The school opened its doors in 1961 with a commitment to the parish, the community of Matteson, and the surrounding areas to quality education. That commitment to quality education continues today as the number one goal of the school.

St. Lawrence O'Toole School accepts students from preschool through grade 8. The school is staffed by 19 full-time teachers, 4 part-time teachers, and 5 teacher aides. The teachers cooperate in the instruction of all the students in order to best facilitate the development of the unique potential of each child. The teachers are aided in their endeavor by volunteers who give generously of their time to provide many special services to the students. The faculty of St. Lawrence O'Toole School is well-qualified and dedicated to Catholic education. They work together with the parents to provide quality education.

St. Lawrence O'Toole's philosophy includes the belief that the most important motivation comes from within the student. The learning process encourages students to consider themselves capable of learning and worthy of being taught. Students are motivated to educate themselves by learning how to ask questions, organize information, and draw generalizations.

Because we are a Catholic school, O'Toole is committed to religious education and spiritual growth. Religion is taught on a daily basis to all students. Besides a daily religion class, traditional Catholic values and morals are stressed in all subjects throughout the day.

The school places a high priority on keeping the curriculum multifaceted and current. A variety of materials are used at all levels to help students achieve their fullest potential. The school offers an enrichment program for students in grades three through eight. Students at O'Toole score at or above grade level on standardized tests.

St. Lawrence O'Toole School is not only committed to quality education, religious education, and spiritual growth, but also to the personal development of the student. Each child is seen as an individual and is encouraged to take his or her place as a Christian in society. The religious and academic programs offered at O'Toole help each child grow in healthy attitudes and values, and achieve his or her fullest potential.

Children need a well-rounded education. Therefore, St. Lawrence O'Toole School provides music, physical education, and computer programs. O'Toole has a fine athletic program. The sports program is open to all boys and girls of the parish, offering programs in boys and girls basketball and cheerleading for girls. There is a band program available to students in grades 4-8.

Because working families desire both parochial school education and supplementary day care in a Christian environment, St. Lawrence O'Toole provides an Extended Day Program for its students. This program provides care only for those students enrolled in the school and only on days when school is in session. The Extended Day Program operates between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. and from 2:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Catholic schools offer a great degree of direction and personal attention to their students. The home-like environment at O'Toole creates a climate where success comes naturally. St Lawrence O'Toole School is proud to continue a tradition of Christian education in an atmosphere of caring and commitment.

ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO:

QUALITY EDUCATION

Qualified and dedicated teachers

Excellent results on standardized tests -- above national
          norms

Multi-faceted and current curriculum

Enrichment Program

Junior High Science Lab

Computer Lab

Gym, music, band, and sports programs

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Traditional Catholic values and morals stressed

Weekly Mass

Part of the Christian community

Prepared for the sacraments

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Each child is unique

Students are taught to accept responsibility

Parents are an important part of the education process

Students are encouraged to work to their fullest potential