Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School (OLV) is a unique educational institution that has been serving the Matanuska Susitna Valley for the past 18 years. At the heart of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School is its mission to teach with a heart of service to the community, promoting love of working together while recognizing the inherent dignity of each person. This mission serves as a guiding principle for the entire organization and informs the educational experience provided to the 55-60 students enrolled annually. As the only Catholic school in the area and one of two schools offering a classical education focused on the art of living well, OLV promotes the full emotional, physical, and intellectual development of students into community members focused on education and service.

OLV started its journey 18 years ago in a shopping mall on Nelson Ave with just 26 students, two dedicated teachers, and financial challenges due to high rental costs. As a result, the school relocated to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church campus in the 2011-2012 school year, where it initially operated out of the basement of the St. Jude Center. When the student body continued to grow, a group of students found temporary accommodation in a converted garage that served as a meeting room.

Over the past five years alone, numerous projects have been made possible through donations and the dedication of community members. These projects include the installation of new bathrooms, the establishment of a hot lunch program, and the repair of the kindergarten room after water damage. In all three cases, parents and students alike got involved, showcasing the strong sense of community and collaboration fostered by the school.

Beyond its own walls, Our Lady of the Valley is committed to serving the community and instilling the value of service in its students. Under the leadership of Mrs. Joyce Lund, the school's principal/first grade teacher, OLV aims to organize at least one outreach program every month. These initiatives have included collecting food items for local food banks, assembling care packages for Bean's Café, gathering supplies for animal shelters, and supporting organizations such as the Heartreach Center and My House. Additionally, the school partners with Trinity Lutheran Church every summer to cultivate a community garden, with the harvest donated to the Palmer Food Bank. Last year, the garden produced nearly 300 pounds of potatoes and various other vegetables.

But OLV does not stop at the physical wellbeing of the community. It looks to support the spiritual and social as well when the students visit and put on concerts yearly for the Pioneer Home, the Palmer and Wasilla Senior Centers, Primrose Retirement Community, American Legion, the Brother Francis Shelter, and Providence Alaska Medical Center.

The school takes great pride in its strong volunteer base, which not only supports the day-to-day operations but also plays a vital role in building a sense of community and fostering active community members. The collective efforts of the staff, volunteers, and community has shaped Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School into a cherished institution committed to providing a well-rounded education rooted in faith, service, and community engagement.