OMOS Parish Office
415 Tioga Street
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814) 535-7646
[Email Parish]
OMOS School
430 Tioga Street
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814) 539-5315
[Email School]
Driving Directions
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Our Differences
Our Mother of Sorrows School has two distinct characteristics that make it different from public schools.
“Schools within a school” where everyone knows each other
Our school incorporates both Primary (grades preschool-4) and Middle (grades 5-8) “schools” under one roof, each having their own separate lunch and recess times. A 2004 Rand Corporation study suggests that this approach eases the transition from the childhood primary grades to the adolescent middle school grades because of the familiar surroundings and teachers, as well as the comforting presence of childhood friends who are also making the move up.
We start each day with a prayer
Students from more than 10 different faiths are drawn to our school because it offers something public schools are not permitted—the central role of religious values. In fact, we place God at the center of all we do, right down to beginning and ending our school day with a prayer. And that makes our school experience very different in several important ways:
- All of our children receive religious education in class and are offered the opportunity to worship together on a regular basis—at least twice monthly. Students of the Roman Catholic faith are also assisted on their way to receiving their sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.
- Our simple uniform policy treats all our children respectfully and as equals.
- Our community service program encourages 7th and 8th grade students to give back to their community in a spirit of caring and giving.
- All adults who interact with our children are certified in the Protecting God’s Children program, which requires instruction on how to protect children from abusive behavior in society and school.
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