Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
Our grandson has absolutely blossomed at St. Francis. The teachers and principal are superb. We have found all to be caring, competent, and professional. The support and sense of community are exceptional. The Day Care Center is well run and provides a caring environment. We would highly recommend SFA.
My children came from another Catholic School which was AMAZING! I was very disappointed with SF after 1st day at school my kids come home telling me that everyone swears. Shocking for a Catholic School. Loved the 4th Grade teacher! Unfortunately when a problem arose, I didn't feel confident that the situation would be taken care of so we left the school. Also, parents are NOT welcoming to new families. I was hoping for a better experience especially from a Christian/Catholic School.
Have noticed this school has many things that must be changed. Teachers sponsor and recognize the children of adults with a high income or in other words 'rich'. The teachers make most of the students feel targeted for no circumstance. The teachers' goal in most cases is to get students in trouble or accuse them for nonsense (3rd grade). I find very few of these teachers caring and loving towards students. In my personal opinion; I would not recommend this school for any children. The teachers treat specific students better than others. Students that fall below grade level are promoted onto the next grade due to "no space" to hold child back. My child went from an "above grade level" to a "meets" since we moved to the area and had to place our child into a new school. 4th grade Sci program is a joke, there is NO testing and kids are given assignments that are NOT clear, teacher (a swim coach) makes kids feel bad for asking questions. P.E. instructors is over weight eats donuts while teaching, allowed to have kids sit in the gym for 40 min with lights off on floor w/ no air conditioning. Lack of supervision on campus during recess & lunch ~ anyone can walk on / off campus.
Both my daughters have attend SFA since kindergarten, and they have flourished both academically and socially. As a public school teacher, I appreciate SFA's education of the whole child: intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and the arts. Under the leadership of Sister James, the school is loving, caring community providing support, discipline, and structure so that ALL children can succeed. Every one of my daughters' teachers over the years have had nothing but the highest expectations for all their students' achievement and performance which challenges all the children to do their best. All the resources every child needs to succeed are provided at SFA; no one is left out. The after school extended care program is a godsend, and very affordable. My daughters get most if not all of their homework done, plus have a great time playing with other SFA students of all ages. Compared to other private schools, SFA's tuition is very reasonable! Consequently, non-stop fundraising is the norm, but most of it is optional. However, parent participation is NOT optional, and as a result parents are involved in every aspect of the school operation, to the benefit of all the SFA community.
My child had an amazing year at SFA. All the teachers were involved and cared a great deal about our child. I loved the upper grade buddies and always being kind to the children. The principal was always around showing her smile and her sweet encouragement to all. We always got updates on how our child was doing in class. The extended care was fantastic. Our child loved the to go and play with all the kids. I will admit the school has a down fall with community, over all the parents are great but there are a few moms who are their for image and not kind to new comers. If these moms don't like you the year will be long and hard. If your going for education then this is the school. The school really needs to realize that they have a circle of mean moms who don't know how to be open to others. Very sad. If you want to be apart of anything make sure your on the sides of these moms. I can say their are amazing parents there too but having a bad experience it over shadowed it.
This K-8 is a great place to grow and go to school. There's a full day kinder program, after school care that has been run by the same person for several years and virtually no teacher turnover. Teachers like the school and the school likes their teachers! A car line for pick up and drop off is in place for families as well. The upper grades wear uniforms that distinguish them from the younger grades and there is a strong sense of community within the school. If you appreciate an academic focus and commitment to teaching morals to children and faith in God, this is an excellent option. (Tuition is not as high as some private schools in the area).
My grandson started kindergarten at SFA this year. He is given everything he needs to succeed as a student. He is safe. He is learning to be a loving and caring human being. He is excited about going to school. He knows by name many children in the upper grades. He has an 8th grade buddy. He is reading. He is enthusiastic about learning. He has learned to respect others and love God. I cannot say enough about this nurturing and loving school and school community. Sister James, principal, is a strong force for goodness and excellence in education. The SFA community is the best and the school and children it so loving supports blossoms. I am wildly enthusiastic about SFA.
Horrible school, too strict and the kids there are very mean. Spanish curriculum was a joke, nobody learned a thing. During crafts the parents did everything for you. Uniform gets hot and sweaty. On special occasions you have to pay to have a free dress day. Would not recommend this school at all.
We moved our first child to SFA after an unsuccessful few years at a nearby public school. She blossomed in the smaller more disciplined environment. Our second child started immediately in the K class and we could not be happier. SFA has a strong sense of community in and out of the classroom. I also appreciate that they involve the older kids with the younger 'buddy' grades that fosters respect amongst the age groups and that there is even interaction with the parish seniors to promote interaction and respect with 'adopted grandparents.' However, SFA isn't a quick fix...kids argue, kids fidget, daydream and can forget to do their homework, just as they always have but I have found the smaller environment at SFA helps a parent know better what their Childs day to day activities.
We're thrilled with the school and education. SFA is also filled with a strong sense of community...
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The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
866 Oak Grove Road
Concord,
CA 94518
Phone: (925) 682-5414
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