Holy Angels Elementary School

I wanted my child to go to a school that would teach manners. My decision was wrong. A middle school teacher said they had a credential but isn't even qualified to teach. The teacher is prejudiced and has the education level that's worse than a kid. She has no idea how to teach students and so my child lacked in a education. A middle school math teacher is unfair, skips important lessons, and gives insufficient time for tests and quizzes. He even gets mad when a student corrects his mistakes. Another teacher yells at students because he can. You get in trouble for putting a binder on the floor. He yells at the kids and says stuff like," You guys are as annoying as h*ll." So much for manners. The principal doesn't even care enough to handle the HUGE bullying problems at school. I would rate the elementary part good; but the middle school at Holy Angels isn't good.
--Submitted by a parent

Its hard to rate a school based on how well your child is doing..... This school has good marks and bad marks, but then again no school is perfect. My daughter has gone to catholic schools since kindergarten and I was once told there is a distinction between a private school and catholic school education. If catholic schools hold that distinct difference, then where is the religion when kids are still bullied at school, or the damage cliches do to a childs self worth? Maybe private school would be a better option
--Submitted by a parent

We are on our 6th year here and are extremely happy with our choice, having followed my sister and brother-in-law, whose two daughters went through Holy Angels too. Yes, there are cliques, but where can you find anyplace, from schools to offices, without those? I have found you reap what you sow: be involved as much as you can with the school and you will make your own friends. Our principal is wonderful. He is always available to students and parents and is a great example to all. The staff are supportive and generous (I can list many stories of their quiet generosity and kindnesses.) Teachers are excellent! They never kowtow to parents. We are a one-income family and have always felt valued on campus regardless of our bank balance. I think this school's greatest strength is its people and the spirit of welcome and love they try to live every day. Most importantly, our children are very happy here and that is what matters most.
--Submitted by a parent

Did you know it has a Pre-Kindergarten Program! It is the longest running Catholic Pre-K in the San Gabriel Valley. The student to teacher ratio is fantastic!. Three teachers to 22 students. My children have loved waking up in the morning....it's wonderful to have my children all at the same place.
--Submitted by a parent

Best Catholic School Despite its high academic rankings, I was hesitant at first to send my son to Holy Angels because of the lack of clergy as teachers. Two years later, I can honestly say I made the right decision. The quality of the school resonates from the top down and there is no doubt that Christ is the center of education at all times. Principal Carroll is not only an excellent communicator, he's remarkably inspirational, and he leads by example. He starts everyday with prayers, pledge of allegiance, and his own personal words of wisdom and encouragement to the kids. My son's teachers have been well organized, disciplined, and competent. They are friendly and have always made themselves accessible to discuss whatever concerns or questions I had. And yes, they aren t afraid to show levity at times, which I appreciate far more than political correctness. They also aren t afraid to hold the kids responsible for wrong doings or laziness. Here s the bottom line as I see it if you want your children to experience the best academic education in a Christ-centered elementary school, can afford to do so, and are willing to do your part, you send them to Holy Angels.
--Submitted by a parent

The previously written reviews seem like someone with an axe to grind. My child scores in the 90th percentile as well, and the principal has shared the very high ITBS scores with the parents every year. Graduating students test beyond the 12 grade level in science, math and reading consistently. Area high schools constantly rate Holy Angels students as being extremely well prepared. The community is great. I am sorry for that individuals experiences at our great school!
--Submitted by a parent

As the principal at Holy Angels, some of the comments made here are quite distressing. While I believe recent comments were made in a rather vindictive manner, I am concerned for any person that had such a negative experience at our excellent school (let alone three in under a months time!) If these statements are accurate, they were never brought to my attention or they would have been addressed. For clarity sake: Our standardized tests scores put us in the top 10% of all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, and our students graduate well beyond grade level. However, we always are working to improve our curriculum, for all levels of learners. Arcadia is full of great schools. It is our job to be the great CATHOLIC school in Arcadia, and to suggest this is not important to us simply means an individual is not participating in our community. Some form of bullying exists in every school, However, it is never tolerated at our school and it is dealt with in a swift and immediate manner when brought to our attention. It will never be tolerated at our school. Finally, we have great parents, great students, great teachers and great priests. I am proud of our school and community.
--Submitted by a teacher

There are many inaccurate comments below regarding the school and parish. First, the priest/principal always refers to alcoholic comments. I have never heard these in my 12th year as parishioner at Holy Angels. If you referred to the alcoholic comments in the homily last week (02/13/12), I guess you were not paying attention as it was the visiting priest who did that in relation to the Together in Mission plea. Second, the ITBS, have you seen the latest ITBS scores? Maybe not. My child is in the 90th % in the math & other aspects, just for example. Third, Liberal Catholic? Far from the facts. Have you ever stayed during morning assembly? The principal always deliver short but very good moral and traditional Catholic value. Priest? Very traditional & conservative compared to other Catholic churches that I have attended around San Gabriel Valley. Fourth, bullying? Always not acceptable at school. I feel sorry if this really happened to your children. But you have to bring this up to the teacher, then to the principal, not airing this in the internet. Unless you don't have children in Holy Angles anymore, what good does it bring to the school?
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the 2 comments prior to mine - very poor curriculum. I wish I had paid attention to these comments prior to sending my children here. I was told this was a great school, however, I was also told this is the more "popular" school. Teachers are very passive and parents are cliquish. Some kids are bullies and the homework is not challenging. The principal/priest always refers to alcoholic comments for jokes. A lot of favortism and not worth the tuition. Arcadia name is the only thing going for this school. Very dissappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the review below. If your kid is an average to above average learner, don t send them here. You will be very disappointed. Your child will be bored. The school is definitely struggling in math and science due to the poor curriculum. The school has a very laid back atmosphere and very laxed in its teachings. It s surprising that it has such a good reputation, maybe because of the nice name Holy Angels and the fact that it is in Arcadia? Half of the parents are blind to all the problems at this school. The other half recognize them but have ignored them due to either their strong connection with the school (alumni, long time parishioner, etc.), the strong friendships that their children have already formed with their classmates or their attraction to a social school. This is not your traditional Catholic school. It is more liberal. There is very little religion, spirituality and Catholic morals taught at this school. And believe me, there is a lot of bullying that goes on in the upper grades. I think if the school focuses less on social activities and more on academics/religion, it will have the potential to retain all of its students.
--Submitted by a parent