St. Philip Neri School

A friend of mine went to St. Phillip Neri a few years ago when we were kids. My friend was treated miserably; i.e. when she was bullied, the school did absolutely nothing to help her.

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