St. Matthias High School

WOW I hate seeing some of these negative comments because their not true!! St. Matthias is such an amazing school!! This year, with a new principal, it has really stepped up to high standards! The sisterhood is amazing. Teachers are unbelievably awesome, always trying to do what's best for us. Rules are strict, like they have to be. Academics are challenging but due able. I love my school and would love for anyone to come experience it!
—Submitted by a student

I absolutely have loved SMHS since my first day of school! The environment and sisterhood is something amazing. Dont overlook the school please i promise you it is what you want.
—Submitted by a student

I was surprised by seeing the positive feedback on this school. Okay, so I just finished my freshman year here and I already hate it. I feel sheltered, bored, miserable, and annoyed by this school. Some of the teachers are great, let me tell you that; but some of them are unorganized to the max. High school is supposed to be the best four years of your life? Well, I don't think I'm going to experience that here. Don't send your daughters to smhs.
—Submitted by a student

SMHS is a true blessing to be in. The school has challenged so much from the past years, but in a really good way. I am currently a Sopomore, and in my Freshmen year, the school needed to repair and change a lot of things. this year the teachers and staff have done such a great job an i would never change school for anythig in the world! My teachers are so amazing finding new techniques to teach you every day, their is very strong dscipline, and the sisterhood is so amazing! Every day i come in with a smile on my face ready to start a wonderful day at SMHS! It is highly recommendable! (:
—Submitted by a student

Fun school I honestly don't believe I would want to transfer anywhere else; SMHS is a good school! :)
—Submitted by a student

Teachers are dedicated to the success of all the students. Classes are rigourous and students receive a great, quality, education
—Submitted by a teacher

The quality of education at this school is outstanding. The students there are all very friendly, and the teachers helped me to succeed. This school is so fun, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. If you want your daughter to do be put in a good catholic school, send them here.
—Submitted by a student

If you're looking for a high school that challenges students academically, welcomes students socially, and pushes student interest in their global community, choose St. Matthias High School.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Matthias is a remarkable school. The students are friendly and the teachers are very dedicated. This year 3 Seniors received 4 year scholarships to UCLA. As a member of the fine arts department, I am very proud of our new art gallery that is curated by students. The choirs and handbell group have performed at many events including Christmas programs at Disneyland and Stone wood Mall. We had rave reviews of the spring musical 'Annie'. The school also has a strong sports program. I would encouage any student who wants a quality education to come to this five star school
—Submitted by a teacher

As a former student, I would not even recommend my sister to attend this school. The school is under financial trouble. The current principal has made very poor decisions, an unapproachable individual, and difficult to talk to--she does not answer any of your concerns or questions. If you seek high academic pursuits for your daughter, you are seeking the wrong school. This school will not prepare her for college, the academic counselors are not professionals, even if they claim to be. I was intended to attend a magnet school, but prolong stay at the school has fried my brains to a crisp. The intensity of the academic is as intense as Pre-algebra in a Algebra 2 class. The classes will only bore your child into tears. The library is in a pitiful state. Take a preventative measure.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter attended St. Matthias and I am very disappointed I did not transferred her immediately. There is no principal leadership, no safety and DISCIPIINE, academically this school does not prepare this girls for the future. If you care about your daughter's education, please do not wait too long.. send them somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

This school lacks direction due to inadequate leadership. If you care about your child's future you will send them somewhere else. $500 a month and the principal will not earnestly respond to inquiries. More than 50% of the staff (including teachers) have quit in the past two years and enrollment has also dropped significantly. There is not even an onsite counseling staff to assist students in academic planning let alone personal problems. Think hard before giving money to this school.

From the point of view of a student this school is not academically advanced, there are hardley any honor or AP courses. I'm an honor student and I find that the class is very similar to my other peers' average classes. In my opinion I don't recomend this school to anyone, it's definatly not worth your money.
—Submitted by a student

I went to this school from 9th-12th grade. Although I agree it can use some improvement, and a different principal, I feel that it prepared me well for my journey to UCLA. The school can definitely use more AP courses but what it has is sufficient and provides the necessary school to get into a great University.
—Submitted by a former student

I attended St. Matthias my freshman year and immediately transferred. The school hardly has any AP or Honors courses, and the courses they do offer teach elementary material. I felt instead of advancing further in my education the school was holding me back. They do offer a great sense of community, however, it must be noted that the school lacks diversity.
—Submitted by a student

My youngest child attended St. Matthias freshman and sophomore year. She will not return for the following reasons: The curriculum is not the quality you expect from a private school. Administration is ineffective. Parents do not express concerns about academic or social issues. I would not recommend St. Matthias High School to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality education, great teachers. Excellent atmosphere for a positive learning situation.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended SMHS for freshmen year and transferred for sophomore year. Students who had taken algebra in the 8th grade had to take it over the summer because the school didn t allow any freshman directly into geometry. I tried to transfer to Spanish II Accelerated but being a freshman was not allowed to. If you want to learn at this school, you will, but in reality, their program will hold you back instead of advancing you. There are not that many classes, and they need more teachers. In my opinion, it s not worth the expense. They won the blue ribbon for their ESLR program in 2002, when they had a different principal. Overall, I say parents can do better for their children.
—Submitted by a former student

The quality of teaching in this school is by far better than any of the other surrounding schools.
—Submitted by a former student