St. Philip Neri Elementary School

SPN's small, close-knit community is ideal for our middle school children. The academics are challenging and we are pleased this past year the school tested academic progress using ITBS Common Core standards. We are glad we moved our children out of the 900+ API score neighborhood AUSD school to attend its not just numbers. When we began our search for a better learning environment we considered the charter schools on the West End of the island and found SPN offered more areas of academic growth and opportunities for community service. We know firsthand SPN infuses beliefs, values and standards that our children will carry all their lives.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Philip Neri School has provided a great experience for my children. The principal is wonderful. She takes the time to get to know all the students. One of my kids was excited that she knew who Sofia the First was. We have heard all the gossip, but it is not based on facts. The teachers always give extra time to help my children out and are available. Last year I did not appreciate being approached by faculty (don't worry they are no longer there) to say how the principal was holding them accountable. People complain about mandatory $2,000.00 script, my nephew's school is required to have $5,000.00! HELLO it benefits our children directly. Honesty, if you are not happy leave our community. We will miss the current principal and understand she is leaving to be with her 7month old son. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I apologize for those board housewives of Alameda. They are the ones who have done the damage to themselves and now are deciding to post here without a name. SPN is a great community and I will continue to support the administration, teachers, staff and kids.
—Submitted by a parent

No matter how hard we tried to get them to show us some indication of test scores they refused and would only claim that their scores were only just good, but very good. I guess we were suckers because after trying this school for a year we had to bail. Academics are absolutely horrendous. It appears the teachers don t even actually have to be credentialed, which probably explains why they were bringing in tutors for the teachers just to get the teachers competent in basic elementary school math and science concepts. After having spent a miserable year here we also got the impression that at one point this may have been a slightly better school but it is not widely recognized by nearly half of the families there as an underperforming school that they can t wait to follow suit like us and leave. If for some reason you are seriously considering this school, don t let them give you the run around and instead insist that like any other school in town you be shown the schools overall average scores so that you truly understand where things sit.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a Kindergartener at SPN this year and is very happy in his class. Despite my worries that starting Kindergarten would be a difficult transition for him, there have been NO issues. He felt comfortable from day one. I believe a big reason for this is that the Kindergarteners have their own classroom and playground away from the bigger kids on the main campus, combined with the high level of adult supervision both during school hours and during after care as well. My son likes it when very clear expectations are set so he knows what he is supposed to do, and his teacher delivers in this area. He is quickly becoming a confident reader - the language arts instructional approach is working for him without question. The homework load is very reasonable, only 5-10 minutes per night, 3 night each week. I am not a big fan of homework for young learners, but I like the aspect of discipline it instills, and bringing school learning into the home. There was one issue early on in the year that prompted me to contact his teacher with a serious concern, and she acted immediately and appropriately, and alerting other staff members. I have no regrets about choosing this school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Philip Neri is a wonderful school full of dedicated faculty and staff who care very much for the well being of their students. I have personally seen the wonderful relationship that the students have with each other and those who teach them. Every child is treated with the up most respect and is given individual attention. St Philip Neri provides an education that serves the whole child, academically and emotionally. Great School! Great Teachers! Great Leadership! Great Experiences!!!

We are the parents of two students and are in our fifth year at the school after starting out in the public school system. We could not be more pleased with our decision. Most important to us is the joy of watching our kids develop into the type of good people we want to send off into the world. In addition to meeting their education requirements, our kids recognize the importance of looking out for the younger students just as the older students look out for them. They know they are part of a bigger family. It is great to think they will have this support network through middle school. The school says that Respect, Responsibility and Reverence are every bit as important in developing a whole child as are the other 3 R's. It's definitely working for us and our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has recently experienced a tremendous in decline in the caliber of its faculty, strength in curriculum, transparency, and engagement of community. It's heartbreaking to see a great school go through this painful downgrade.
—Submitted by a parent

This school just seems to exists in its own little world and abides by its own rules rather than the norm. My child was bullied, yet nothing satisfactory was really done about it by the school. On the contrary, they made it seem like it was my child's fault and somehow asked for it. This opinion from the staff - the very people who were supposed to protect him! This school also doesn't welcome gifted children. Teachers discourage uniqueness, individuality, and creativity. Instead, they promote uniformity. If you express a different opinion or try to defend yourself when accused erroneously, you are targeted. That's what happened to my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school we have ever dealt with -- that includes public and other private schools! Its curriculum is atrocious! It focuses more on the minor things like how many books you read, rather than the big things like effort, participation, test scores, and class/homework. It also operates more like a business rather than a good, caring school. To think that we had to pay for our child's education there! What a waste of money!
—Submitted by a parent

SPN has a very high-quality middle school program that gets every student ready to do his or her best in high school. Math classes are split between two teachers so the ratio is about 15:1. The science program is outstanding with interesting lab work, relevant field trips and the most capable of teachers - former students visit from their high schools just to keep in touch with their SPN science teacher. Language Arts class is taught by an engaging and thoroughly competent teacher who knows how to get the students to write, write, write without making it burdensome. We are very pleased with the PE, electives, social studies and religion classes. This success is driven by the principal, who is very focused on learning excellence! She makes outstanding personnel choices and keeps morale high. Way to go SPN.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrific staff, both Administrative and Teaching. Walk into the school, and it just feels like a well-run school. The halls are quiet, the staff is friendly, the principal is right there. Academics are strong with math and science emphases. Art is incorporated into the curriculum with amazing result. Fun sports programs for every age and ability. St. Philips kids can think, write and understand their world. Great preparation the challenge of high school. Bravo!
—Submitted by a parent

Hi I was a student here for four years and it a ok school for me I mean I had some bad teachers and a few good ones this school can somewhat harsh towards students with more needs then others but some teachers are more opened minded then others but I had trouble with others but I found it to be a ok setting
—Submitted by a student

We have one child currently attending SPN and Ihave another entering this Fall. This is an amazing school that is only getting better. The principal is awesome, forward-thinking, unafraid to stand behind the rules and stand-up to parents of kids who break those rules. The school community is passionate about the school and very supportive. Kids can participate in Track and Field starting in Kindergarten. Good academics AND choir, band, sports etc. A great gauge of the school's caliber is in the attitude and manners in the Jr.High. Just visit the school and see for yourself. It's the best bang for the buck for private school. It's the best choice if you're trying to avoid the large Alameda middle schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at SPN for 3 years now, and loves it. I looked at several private schools in Alameda due to the unacceptable state of our public schools, and determined that SPN was the best choice for our daughter in academics, safety and community. In addition, the new principal has brought in new ideas, new teachers, and new curriculum, including upper grade electives; all of which has energized the school and faculty, as well as the students and parents. I know that each year, my daughter will have a great teacher who loves to teach and is effective and engaging. If you are looking for a challenging, faith based curriculum with caring and involved faculty, staff and parents, I highly suggest that you give SPN a look. It just might surprise you.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Philip's has a very strong academics, fun and open sports program, excellent leadership from the principal, active parents and creative, dedicated teachers. A stable, Roman Catholic school. SPN has, and deserves, its excellent reputation in the community.
—Submitted by a parent

I was disappointed in my child's experience. The emphasis seems to be a win at all costs attitude perpetuated by parents and therefore the kids reflect the same attitude. I thought we were getting Christian Values but somewhere those teachings are falling flat.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to say that my experience at St. Phillip Neri was not one that benefited me in many ways at all. I actually found it to be somewhat of an individual-crushing, soul-compacting machine. I myself, am a very creative, intellectual person with a few eccentricities that I am in no way ashamed of. The majority of the staff at St. Phillip Neri seemed to have one purpose for me, unfortunately; to mold me into a 'socially acceptable' child of society. Of course, though St. Phillip Neri is not for everyone; some children would do alright, it all has to do with his/her personality. However, I would also like to inform you that in my opinion, St. Phillip Neri is way behind in academics, especially for 'gifted' children. I urge you to look into this school to see if it would fit your son/daughter's needs before just sending him/her there blindly.
—Submitted by leanna francis, a former student

I like the safety and small school atmosphere of this school. The curriculum needs updating and more oversight to make sure the teachers are actually teaching what is mandated.
—Submitted by a parent

Saint Philip Neri School is the best choice for education in Alameda! The teachers are totally committed to the ministry of teaching and the academic level is challenging and of the highest quality. SPN is a learning place with vision and values!

This is an outstanding school. The teachers and staff are excellent teaching academics, religion and life skills. My son is engaged and challenged but he is also nurtured. He has an opportunity to participate in many extra curricular activities such as sports, music, art, spanish, to name a few. The after school care is excellent and always available.What I like best about this school is the family atmosphere. Parents are committed to the school and help in class, with events and special programs. Older students mix with younger students in faith families. Students learn to care for each other.
—Submitted by a parent