About Us
OLM is a Catholic American School whose mission is to enable each student to achieve their full potential by providing an outstanding education
in a supportive, safe
learning environment.
Our Definition of Learning
Learning is a lifelong journey to greater independence through acquiring knowledge, skills, and values to arrive at understandings in one’s own unique way.
Our Vision
To prepare students for the ever changing demands of a globalized world, creating exciting learning opportunities, motivating them to become responsible, ethical and
compassionate citizens.
Our History
In December 1951, due to the hard work in organizing and raising funds, the members of the Society of Our Lady of Mercy managed to finance the purchase of a property on Rua Visconde de Caravelas, in Botafogo.
Based on this conquest, the community began to dream even bigger, and in January 1952, with the arrival of two Franciscan Sisters, Miss Clarence and Miss Silveira, this dream was fulfilled and our School was created. Our Lady of Mercy was, initially, just a grammar school (now Ensino Fundamental I), whose spiritual direction remained in the hands of American Franciscan priests.
Countless tasks, planning and effort were necessary for the accomplishment of this new mission of the Society of Our Lady of Mercy. In 1953, a temporary chapel was built so that the religious celebrations continued, and the community remained united while the School and the new chapel were constructed. In November 1954, Cardinal Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara blessed the construction of the new School, and it was only in 1961 that the building we now know as the High School building was completed — just in time for the graduation of our first grammar class.
Since then, OLM, the only Catholic American School in Rio de Janeiro, has successfully been building the generations of the OLM family based on its core values of empathy, equity and excellence.
“OLM taught me not only academic skills but life skills as well. The combination of excellence in academics and the focus on forming real human beings with strong values is a very powerful combination that will allow our students to become meaningful individuals in whatever life pursuit they have”.
Mr. Alexandre Rezende, President of the Board of the Society of Our Lady of Mercy.
Mr. Craig Woollard
Head of School
OLM prides itself on the fact that it knows every single students' learning and social emotional needs. OLM is more than a school; it's a family.
Ms. Isabel Auler
Brazilian Director
Learning development only takes place through the interaction of the individual with others. Therefore, the School’s role must consist of mediating this development.
Ms. Gisele Trindade
Business Director
Being part of OLM is to belong to a big welcoming family, with Christian values and principles, which motivates us to always seek the best for the students and members of staff.
“OLM allows students to explore their interests and develop their skills, nurturing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Academic excellence, together with inspiring the highest human values, such as empathy, equity, respect, integrity, and compassion, prepare our students to become responsible and ethical members of society..”
Mr. Leandro Macedo
High School Deputy Principal
and Brazilian Vice-Director
Mrs. Aline Aquino
Learning Resource Center Coordinator
Ms. Luana Nobre
PE Coordinator
Ms. Kátia Souza
Religion Coordinator
Ms. Rosana Paes
World Social Studies Coordinator
Mr. Daniel Massa
Portuguese Coordinator
Ms. Elizabeth Freire
Math Coordinator
Mr. Renan Micha
Science Coordinator
Mr. Christopher Rucker
AP Capstone Coordinator
Mr. Rafael Silva
Brazilian Social Studies Coordinator
Mr. Vinicius Aragão
Digital Education Coordinator
Ms. Joana Sherrill
High School College Counselor
Ms. Thaís Silvestre
Arts Coordinator
Mr. Rodrigo Silva
IT Coordinator
Ms. Goreth Cruz
After School Program Coordinator
Ms. Marcia Villela
Communication Coordinator
The Our Lady of Mercy Society maintains an English-speaking Parish, located within the School campus, under the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro authority. Every Sunday, at 9:30, mass is celebrated in English and at 18:00 in Portuguese. Confession is offered before Sunday mass or at any other time by appointment.
misericordia.ingleses@arqrio.org.br
+ 55 (21) 2266-8297 / 2266-8273
The PTA (Parents’ and Teachers’ Association) supports the School by discussing issues related to education and events focusing on the community.
