The First Step Towards Transforming Your Child’s Education
Request more information about OMSSI and schedule a visit. GET STARTEDAcademic Excellence, Safe and Loving Classrooms
High academic achievement. A safe, structured environment. A welcoming, loving community. Rooted in West Philadelphia since 1878, Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola (OMSSI) welcomes students of all faiths in Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing financial aid for all.
One of 14 Independence Mission Schools (IMS), OMSSI delivers a rigorous, values-driven curriculum that educates the whole child: academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Financial Aid for All
Based on a sliding scale, tuition at OMSSI is determined primarily by family income, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Subsidized by philanthropic donors, state tax credits, financial aid for all that apply and numerous scholarship opportunities, the average OMSSI family contributes just $2,100 per child per year, spread equally over 10 months. Many pay even less.
Why OMSSI?
A strong Math and English Language Arts curriculum rooted in research and driven by data fuels academic achievement.
Athletics include basketball for boys and girls in grades 5 through 8, cheer for students in K through 8 and step team.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives include a Peace Room, Mindfulness Through Movement, weekly SEL classes for grades PreK-8 and on-site staff counselors.
Extra curricular activities include field trips, ballroom dancing, and music enrichment through partnerships with the Connelly Foundation and Musicopia.
Strong history of legacy and extended family enrollment contributes to a highly engaged community of students, parents and staff.
Transportation and before and after care available. After school tutoring available through partnership with Villanova University. Free breakfast and lunch available through Nutritional Development Services.
“We always thought private school was out of the question. Too expensive. OMSSI showed us it’s not.
It’s entirely within reach.”
A Part of Something Bigger
Nearly 15 years ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was about to close 14 neighborhood Catholic schools. Independence Mission Schools formed to keep them open.
Ever since, we have thrived.
Our students outpace their public school peers in math and reading. In many of our schools, multiple languages are spoken – from English and Spanish to Vietnamese and Haitian Creole. And perhaps most importantly, we welcome children of all faiths: Over 70% of our students are non-Catholic.
St. Malachy
At 12th and Thompson, just south of Temple University.
St. Barnabas
At 64th and Buist in Elmwood.
SS. Cyril & Philomena
In Lansdowne, Delaware County, just over City Line.
St. Frances Cabrini
On N. 65 St in Overbrook.
St. Helena-Incarnation
In the Olney neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Holy Cross
In Mount Airy, on E. Mt. Airy Ave.
St. Martin de Porres
In North Philadelphia, at 23rd and Lehigh.
St. Martin of Tours
In the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola
In West Philadelphia, just off Haverford Ave.
St. Raymond of Penafort
In the Oak Lane neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
St. Rose of Lima
On N. Wanamaker St., just off Lansdowne Ave. in Overbrook.
The DePaul Catholic School
In Germantown, at Germantown Ave. and Logan St.
St. Thomas Aquinas
At 18th and Morris in South Philadelphia.
St. Veronica
In North Philadelphia, at 6th and Sedgley.
Let’s Get Started
Complete the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch.
We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OMSSI a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia?
No. Prior to the formation of Independence Missions Schools, OMSSI and its 13 sister schools were a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined it would close the 14 schools, Independence Mission Schools was formed not only to keep them open but grow them.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at all Independence Mission Schools is customized. It is based on a sliding scale that takes into account family income and other data points. Thanks to our generous community of donors, Pennsylvania tax credit programs, financial aid awards and scholarship opportunities, families contribute, on average, just $2,100 towards tuition per child, per year, spread evenly over 10 months. Because of our equitable, sliding tuition scale, this amount varies per family. What a family contributes towards their child’s tuition ultimately depends on a variety of data points including household income, social security income and more.
Does my family or child have to be Catholic to attend?
Absolutely not! In fact, over 75% of our students are non-Catholic. We preach and practice love, respect and kindness to everyone, of all faiths.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! All families receive financial aid based on need. Each year, our students collectively receive over $10M in scholarships and financial aid!
What high schools do OMSSI graduates attend?
OMSSI graduates attend some of the best high schools in the Philadelphia region. From Archdiocese high schools including Roman Catholic, Christo Rey PHL, West Catholic, and Bonner Prendie. Our high school readiness program prepares students for the next step – and beyond.
I have other questions. How can I get in touch?
Please use the form above or reach our office at 215-222-3626.