St. Mary-Basha Catholic School

St. Mary Basha is an amazing school. It meets children's academic and spiritual needs. I see some negative reviews on here and I wonder if these people are sure they have the right school. I guess you can't please all of the people all of the time and I wonder if they have ever found a school they do like. The teachers are professional and caring. The technologoffered is first rate. The principal knows every child's name. The students care for one another. Still not sure, check out the website and take a tour. The school speaks for itself.
--Submitted by a parent

My two daughters attended St. Mary-Basha School since kindergarten, went on to excel at Xavier College Preparatory, graduated from NAU and both have successful jobs. Both were inspired in their faith since elementary school because of the faculty's strong dedication to Catholic education. All the children have a chance to lector in church, say morning & afternoon prayers, receive religious education and the Sacraments, interact with clergy, celebrate the liturgical calendar, and practice being good little Christians with service projects in and around school. Many of the teachers have Master's degrees, high expectations and work extra hours to provide free tutoring to help every student succeed. The curriculum is challenging but appropriate and interesting. The administration brings creative people to the school for ALL to enjoy -- poets, authors, artists, musicians, actors, etc. -- as well as, offering enrichment opportunities for all the students to participate in the Arts. The 6th grade Science Camp, 7th grade Sea World turn-around, and the 8th grade Washington D.C. trip are unique junior high perks as well. I highly recommend this school for an excellent elementary education.
--Submitted by a parent

As a student, I really enjoyed this school. Unlike many schools in Arizona, it has a lot of windows and visual access to outdoor spaces. Recess and lunch weren't in cramped, indoor, windowless cafeterias, but in a spacious, outdoor Ramada. Outdoor courts between wings of the school allowed learning to sometimes expand into these spaces and provided places for students to spend time before school and between some classes when older. I thought my teachers were great and the lack of "Chris" wasn't too apparent. I never fell behind, but that might be because of how helpful and nurturing to learning my parents were. After graduating 8th grade, I went on to get above a 4.0 at Brophy in Phoenix with plenty of Honors and AP classes. I am finishing my senior year at ASU now as an Architecture student as well as completing an Honors Thesis for Barrett, The Honors College. Friends I made here have stuck with me for life. 4 stars.

Our experience here was very disappointing. Academically, both of my children fell significantly behind and teachers failed to note or address it. Teacher/parent communication is terrible. Teachers are mediocre. Atmosphere can be very cold. Discipline policy and just, clear enforcement is extremely broken. I wish it was a better school because I believe in the principle of Catholic education, but this school needs some kind of overhaul.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the comment on March 12, 2010. We were at St Mary Basha, thinking that It was a good school, where they teach the love of God. But for my surprise they said that just for appearance, in the reality, they scream to the students and there's a real problem with bullies. The Peacemaker pledge, is a mumble in the morning. But no one applies it.... You could go in person and as soon as you enter the lobby You'll feel the emptiness of love and God in there.... sad a Christian school without Chris.
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my children attended St. Mary-Basha Catholic School and while it was challenging it was very well worth it. They provide all the major sports for the 6-8th grade as well as music and art as part of their curriculum. Students can join the choir as early as 5th grade and they learn about leadership by participating in the student council. My children were well prepared for the rigors of Catholic High School by the foundation that was laid by St. Mary-Basha. I highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Because they have a great curriculum and care about their students.
--Submitted by a parent

To comment on the December 15, 2009 review, there is a community feel, but this can also be translated to clique-ish and gossipy. Unless the child has a diagnosed learning disability do not expect extra help; they refer you to charter or public schools for lesser expectations. There are problems with bullying despite saying they use the Peacebuilder program. If you inquire into this school, ask them to explain this. I've found its a 'pledge' the kids mumble during morning prayer and that's it. There is no application by teachers, staff, volunteers.
--Submitted by a parent

St Mary-Basha offers a high quality education for K-8 grade students. The principal of this school genuinely cares about her students and encourages parents to become more involved in their child's educational life. Prior to attending St Mary-Basha my child struggled academically and socially. My child was considered a problem student at many schools. Within the first week of my child attending St Mary-Basha, teachers and staff were able to detect and bring to my attention their immediate concerns regarding my child's reading, writing and lack of confidence. Thanks to the excellent staff/ teachers and reading program, my child has reached academic achievements that perhaps at one time he never thought he could achieve. In three years I have seen a strong spiritual and academic growth in my child. I can honestly say that this school has instilled positive feelings towards education and our Catholic faith.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary-Basha is a wonderful Catholic environment for k-8 grade levels. We have two kids at St. Mary-Basha and we are very pleased with the education and Catholic encouragement the teachers/staff give to our children. We are 100% sure that our children are at the right school to grow closer to their faith and excell in their education. With those two factors well combined on campus, our children will be enriched and enlightened daily.
--Submitted by a parent