Our Story

Founded in 1883 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School (OLOR) has been serving families in Eagle Pass, Texas, for over 140 years. What began as a small private boarding school has grown into a vibrant community of faith and learning, closely tied to Our Lady of Refuge Parish, which was established in 1859.

Over the decades, OLOR has remained committed to forming young people in the Catholic tradition while adapting to the needs of each new generation. Our school has educated thousands of children—many of whom now send their own children and grandchildren back to OLOR—making it not just an institution of learning, but a multigenerational family of faith. The school’s history is one of perseverance, growth, and service, rooted in its mission to bring Christ into every classroom and into the lives of its students.

Our Mission

The mission of Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School is to instill in our students strong Catholic values, academic excellence, and personal responsibility within an active school community that extends to active parish life and to the community at large.

We believe that education is not only about preparing students for the future but also about forming them to live faithfully and responsibly in the present. Through daily prayer, liturgy, sacramental preparation, and service opportunities, OLOR students grow in both their faith and their sense of responsibility to others.

Our Community

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School is blessed with a diverse and multicultural student body. We also welcome students from Piedras Negras, Mexico, and surrounding areas, creating a rich cultural exchange that reflects the universal nature of the Catholic Church.

At OLOR, every child is known, valued, and encouraged to discover their God-given gifts. Families are active partners in their children’s education, and our school community extends beyond the classroom into parish life, service projects, and local outreach. Together, we celebrate traditions, honor our shared heritage, and prepare students to be faithful leaders in their communities.

Today

From Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 8th Grade, OLOR offers a complete program of academic excellence grounded in Catholic faith. Our curriculum includes core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with daily religion instruction, technology integration, and physical education. As part of Our Lady of Refuge Parish, our school is rooted in the life of the Catholic Church. Students attend Mass weekly, celebrate the sacraments, and participate in parish ministries and service projects.

We are proud of our small class sizes, which allow for more individualized attention, and our commitment to forming the whole child—intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically. With affordable tuition and a supportive parish foundation, OLOR continues to serve as a place where families can find both quality education and a deep sense of belonging.

As we look toward the future, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School remains dedicated to living out its founding mission: to be a refuge of faith, learning, and love for every child who walks through our doors.

No Bullying Statement

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Our school works to ensure that all students have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential and to share a personal and meaningful bond with people in the school community.

In God we TRUST!

Statue of the Virgin Mary with hands clasped in prayer, adorned with a crown, standing on a pedestal surrounded by white and yellow flowers, set outdoors against a green backdrop with trees and buildings in the background.
A group of young people celebrating at a party, dressed in colorful dresses and formal suits with hats, standing and sitting on a lit dance floor with balloons and decorations around.
Three young boys wearing blue shirts with volunteer badges, standing indoors in front of a table with wrapped food items, holding signs that read 'Feast of Sharing.'
A classroom with children and teachers seated at tables, smiling for a group photo. The classroom has educational posters, a digital clock, and teaching materials on the walls.
A stone church with a tall bell tower topped with a cross, set against a clear blue sky.
Group of six young athletes standing on a football field, wearing matching white T-shirts with a logo that reads 'Our Lady of Refuge School' and black shorts, with a large scoreboard in the background.
A religious float decorated with white drapes, flowers, grapes, and religious icons, carrying a monstrance, with a man praying beside it on a street in bright daylight.
Three children wearing school uniforms standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Do your best and God will do the rest.'
Four students working on a school project at a round table with textbooks, a ruler, and a patterned pencil case, in a classroom with backpacks hanging on hooks and a wall-mounted TV.
A girl holding a blue cardboard display of planets, with the solar system arranged inside it. She is wearing a dark blue school hoodie that says 'Our Lady of Refuge School EST. 1883'. The background shows a school display about the solar system with colorful posters and models.
Group of students and teachers standing outside in front of a school building with balloons on either side, wearing masks, posing for a photo.
Group of children sitting on the floor in a classroom, working on a creative project involving colorful paper cutouts, modeling clay, and a laptop.
A police officer kneels on the grass and sprays water to cool down a young girl in a school uniform with glasses. The girl is smiling and holding part of the hose. In the background, children in school uniforms hold yellow hats and line up in front of a school building.
Group of people, including children and adults, standing outdoors during a parade or gathering. They are holding a flag that reads 'Our Lady of Refuge School' and are smiling at the camera. Some are wearing shirts with the same message, and there are flags in the background, including the Texas state flag.
A youth soccer team poses for a group photo on a track field, wearing blue and yellow uniforms, with a coach or adult woman on the left. There are children and a woman in the background on the green field.