St. Hedwig Elementary School

This is our first year at St. Hedwig and we absolutely love this school. We live in Los Alamitos and struggled with the decision on sending our daughter to private school, especially considering that the public schools in our district are amazing. What convinced us to go with St. Hedwig was 1) Only 2 classes per grade, 2) goes through middle school, 3) uniforms, 4) strong academics, 5) the teachings of our Catholic faith, 6) PE, sports and music classes, and finally 7) a REAL library with lots of books - not just a "media center". St. Hedwig is worth every penny of our very modest income. Also, in regards to the comment dated Feb. 8th about kinder students leaving because of the teacher, I can say that the only student who left this year moved out of state. They must be referring to a different year, I guess. In my experience both teachers are attentive and caring. Go Celtics!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, principal, and curriculum!! No comparison to public schools. We highly recommend St. Hedwig if you are serious about your children's education.
—Submitted by a parent

Great group of parents at this school. The principal and vice-principal, however, not so great. My child's kindergarten teacher - absolutely, not great. I pulled my child out mid-year (another child's parents did the same - their child was in the same kindergarten class) due to this teachers behavior - and the lack of reponse from the principal and vice-principal. I'm glad I did. I expected a higher level of integrity at a private Catholic school, and they just did not deliver. I did not want their influence in my child's life during her most formative years.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic School! Such a loving enviroment for growing children. The families that attend this school are very focus on getting the best, one on one education in every aspect for their children. It is stuning to see the graduating children being super polite, caring and loving individuals. They learn at a very young age to care for others and to make this world a better place for all of us. The humanity its what separates this children from public school. Academically fantastic, my neighbors daughter is graduating Harvad University this spring after attending St Hedwig School! Hands down one of the best schools in Souther California!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Hedwig has been a godsend for our family! We could not have found a better place for our son and I really credit his teacher, the principal, who I might add has always made us feel warm and welcome, and the other parents! Our son really enjoys going to school each and every day! We could not be happier! He is getting a solid foundation in academics as well as a strong foundation in wonderful morals and values. We would highly recommend this school to everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! Great choice for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Hedwig is a great school. Our children love going to school. It has great academics, great extracurricular activities like kickball, sports, cheerleading, and academic decathlon. Also great music program, advanced math, spanish program, computer program, PE program, and an accelerated reader/library program. It teaches great morals, values and a wonderful religious instruction. We recommend the school to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

It scares me that the children are getting little supervision on the playground!

Save your money and hire tutor. Too many cliques. Principal did not do a good job resolving my child's problem with teacher. Sports are great if you are there for the athletic program. Academic decathalon is great if that is of interest to you.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers and families, I agree are the only asset to the school. Its all about money at that school. Unless your very well off, dont bother applying..
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at St. Hedwig for 2 years and could not have asked for a better situation for our son. He absolutely loves going to school everyday and it has been gratifying to watch his growth as a student and a person. The principal and teachers are excellent and approachable and have created an incredibly nurturing environment. Just spend some time on the playground to watch the student interaction; they are so well-behaved. We also love the fact that the school is continually adding programs (e.g. Meet the Masters, music program, etc) to help nurture well-rounded students. There is incredible parental involvement and the school provides before and after school child care to meet the needs of the parents. We highly recommend the school!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been involved in the school for three years and are very happy to have selected this school for our two children. St Hedwig has done an excellent job of defining its mission and living to its values. The school is focused on the basics of education and states that it is preparing our children for the marathon of life, not the short race. It values the education of the whole child and works toward the goal of its students attending college. The principal and teachers are very dedicated and approachable. Parents are highly involved in fundraising and supporting the school. Some of the activities/benefits include: coed kickball (a 45 year tradition), Meet the Masters, all-day kindergarten, after-school care, computer lab, computers in classrooms, sports -football, basketball,cheerleading, harp, music, concerts. It has a history of producing future scholars at the high school and university levels. A great school.
—Submitted by a parent

What a find! I have a second grader and kindergartener who are excelling at St. Hedwig. My second-grader is already reading at a fifth grade level. The school has a great sense of community and the parents, in general, have high academic and behavioral standards for their children. One of the things that really attracted me to the school is the K-8 structure. The 6-8th grade students seem to have a confidence and politeness that you don't often see. I want my kids to be in a consistent, nurturing yet challenging atmosphere during the early adolescent years, preparing them to excel in high school. Meeting the older students and seeing their work, particularly, their writing, makes me confident in my decision. I have found the teachers to be top-notch. They are respectful and very creative in their approaches to engage children at different academic levels. This school is definitely worth a look !
—Submitted by a parent

St. Hedwig is a great school. They have high standards for both academics and personal conduct. My kids love going to school everyday. The teachers make learning fun and rewarding. I like knowing I'm sending my kids to a school that reinforces the values I teach them at home. St. Hedwig also has great leadership and sports programs. It's a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

2006/2007 School year brought a new Principle. She has brought faith and spirt to the school which was lacking. Unfortunately for a Catholic school there is no forgiveness and or redemption and the focus is on the negative behavior and work. There is little or no positive reinforcement. The staff does not have the knowledge or understanding that each child has different needs and learns in different ways. If you child excels or struggles this is not the school for you. They have a very competitive sports program for the upper grades and a fun kickball league for 3-5. There is a lot of parent involvement but a lot of it brings clicks and special privileges to those families. Money and power talks at this school. There is very little supervision on the playground and there is a lot of teasing and bulling. Academically the school is fine.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended St. Hedwig's from kindergarten through eighth grades, graduating in 1991. Of course, while I was a student, I hated the uniforms and school in general. But, looking back at my quality education and the kindness of my teachers, I would feel privileged to send my children to St. Hedwig.
—Submitted by a former student