Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School

I couldn t agree more with some of the reviews on this page. The leadership at this school is extremely lacking. The curriculum is sub-par. My child left this school labeled an advanced student , only to find out once entering public school that he wasn t advanced at all and, in fact, was taught at below standard levels then what the public schools were even teaching. He has been struggling to keep up ever since. I can kick myself for not removing him sooner and for continuing to pay for this school as long as I did. IHM needs a serious personnel overhaul to keep up with the competition starting at the top. They are not preparing students correctly and there is no discipline in the classrooms to even promote a healthy learning environment. The principal does nothing to correct it except give you lip service. Oh and don t forget to ask about their theory of Discipline to discipleness -- here s where the real teaching comes in. The kids are called anti-disciples by the teachers when they misbehave! And this is the best you will get folks!
--Submitted by a parent

This school has fallen well below expectations that I had for a school in the private sector. The teachers are not very experienced, with many having no prior teaching experience. There have been three principals in the past four years so, understandably, this probably has something to do with the calibur they can attract. The three principals that I've experienced at this school seem to be very nice, however, the lack of experience and leadership truly filters down on how the school is run and the demands that are placed on curriculum and dicipline in the classroom. I would not consider this an educational environment where children will reach their hgihest potential. While I had high hopes for this school, it has fallen way below expectations. If I had to make the decision for my kids all over again, I would not have chosen IHM. Take a look at the reviews that Notre Dame Elementary has received. There is a clear difference in schools. I've met Dr. Traynor and he is a true gem that they found. Strong leadership is very evident and it shows in the teachers and the students. Advice to parents --choose your schools very carefully as it's not so easy to change later on.
--Submitted by a parent

I am extremely dissapointed with this school. I am an alumni of this school, and I can say that I do not believe IHM has helped me reach my full potential. As an accelerated learner, I did not receive enough challenges and school was very dull and boring. The elementary school here is adequate, but the middle school, to be frank, is horrendous. Very unorganized, and the teachers were not excellent. This school also is unwise in using funds. Most of the textbooks are old, and the desks are breaking. I have witnessed many chairs breaking off. And yet the school is spending thousands of dollars on technology such as SMARTboards and Ipads. Yes, these are nice and are a luxury, but not necessary. I also know that not all of the boards are used, because some teachers don't want them. Now, this is a Catholic School. The school is all talk and no show. They SAY they all these values, but the students are rude and rowdy. Bullying is everywhere. Even the teachers can be rude. A family member of mine visited once, and a teacher said to him "Get out, you don't belong here." The principal is also extremely incompetent and lacks control and discipline. I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT RECOMMEND this school.

We recently transferred our children to this school and all I can say is that it is an amazing school. The Principal of the school may be young but she has completely transformed the school and is taking it to new heights. It used to have a reputation as stodgy and inflexible but the new Principal has made the school more open and accepting and we feel comfortable and happy knowing our children are being educated in such an environment. To the previous posters complaining about bullying; guess what, it happens at every school and we are confident that the faculty and staff at IHM do their absolute best to remediate issues. We are looking forward to brining our youngest child into the school next year and know that she will be happy, safe and being education in a caring, Catholic community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son just finished his first year at IHM. We love the school. We are very pleased with the staff - principal, teachers, and admin. I can't imagine why some people have given it a 1-star rating. Obviously, there is a very small group of parents who are out to discredit the school for personal reasons. To the parent who rated this school 1 star because kids are occasionally not in their proper uniform and sometimes use "foul language": I can't imagine how you would rate the public school alternatives. My son is very shy, but has met many friends in his own class and in older grades. Good luck with the redistricting, budget constraints, giant class sizes, etc... in the public schools. We love IHM and are happy to pay a few extra dollars to have our kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

We have attended this school for 4 yrs. I believe the grade school is good academically but the middle school is a mess. The school holds students to a higher standard than their teachers. Principal has no control and does not discipline students properly. Students are out of uniform, have bad language and no consequences for inappropriate behavior. Bullies are untouchable and allowed free reign.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two students at IHM and have several nieces and nephews who have attended IHM. They love IHM School. We are pleased with IHM's rigorous academic program; and strongly believe in the school's philosophy to raise children to be respectful of others and themselves, and demonstrate moral appropriateness in any situation. In response to previous comments about bullying - bullying occurs to some degree in ALL schools, and possibly more so in middle school grades. If incidences occur at IHM, I can guarantee that "bullying" at IHM School it is NOT anything like the degrees of verbal abuse and sometimes physical abuse that can occur in schools within the district. The school adminstration does attend to "bullying" issues in an appropriate manner, it is not ignored. We highly recommend IHM School for families looking for a positve, challenging Catholic educational enviroment for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

I love IHM. The teachers are amazing. My son is very engaged and has learned to read as have his classmates. And each child can learn at is/her own pace, which is great for those who are slower and those who learn faster. He is in kindergarten. Discipline is sensible. The community at the school is wonderful. Parent participation is always a hallmark of a good school. Every family is required to volunteer hours, however most go above and beyond by choice. The school offers many activities and field trips for every grade levels. The main reason I like IHM is IHM teaches not just spanish, music, art, english, history religion, math, it teaches the child how to act and how to treat others.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a Kindergarden student. I am amazed at the level of knowledge that he is learning from IHM - both in regards to academics, religion and extra cirrucular activities.
--Submitted by a parent

i have 2 children at IHM - one in second and one in third.... I am very pleased with the school both socially and academically.... i feel they do welcome new families and do their best to make everyone feel a part of the school. I don't think the school is cliquey.... i do feel there is one group of parents that do everything in each grade, but that is more due to lack of participation from the rest of the parents. I have heard some reports of bullying - as i have heard from many friends at other schools as well - but every situation was handled appropriately by the school. Unfortunately i think the people that post here are the people that are unhappy - and that it is not always the school's fault..... great school, good community, nice families :)
--Submitted by a parent