St. Catherine of Siena School

Wonderful school! We came from another Catholic school in the Lamorinda area, and were surprisingly impressed at what a gem this school is.. Small classes and wonderful parent/teacher/principal involvement. True family feel to the school. Wish I would have had my daughter here from the beginning. Love it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Catherine's is a great school with an exceptional, caring faculty who work tirelessly to challenge each and every student. The small school size allows all students to shine.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at St Catherine's. And, they may love their school more than we do! The family values we were looking for are easily found and shared throughout the entire community. The smaller class sizes are definitely a plus. It gives of our kids (one that needs it) more personal attention and they are doing really well in this safe environment. And, we love the teachers and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

We are now in our third year at St. Catherine's. We love this close knit community atmosphere, with small classes, providing strong academics, and spiritual growth. While there is always room for improvement, I cant' say enough about the great faculty, students and families at St. Catherine's. There is nowhere else I would rather have my child!
—Submitted by a parent

Andrew von Haunalter is an exceptional principal. He is up todate on child development which takes all of the childrens needs into consideration when putting together a curriculum that is challenging but not overwhelming ( which is the m.o. with too many schools today). His leadership skills are apparent when you work with any area of the school be it the teachers, staff, and the children. I am so pleased I left the Lamorinda rat race and transferred my children to St. Catherine's. When I talk to my friends and what their children are dealing with I am thankful I decided to interview with Andrew.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended St. Catherine's for the past two years and are very happy there. The teachers are excellent and caring. The small class sizes can't be beat
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended St. Catherine's for 1 year. The Jr. High teachers were outstanding and dedicated. Materials & books used were old and not really updated. Problems arose socially with the other children in class. Class size aprox 20 with a revolving door. Some children have special needs socially with no professional help on site. To help with pre-teen /teenage problems and questions, you at least need a student services person or counselor. None exist here. If there is a clash with your classroom dinamics, there is no other class alternative. It's one class or you're out. For being a caring, god loving school, the principal needs to be reminded that no child should be left behind whatever the cost. God is suppose to love all and he should honor that & not his pocketbook.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended St. Catherine's for 8 yrs., from kindergarten through 7th grade. In Jr. High, the classes (except English) are below the public school standards, some by almost 2 yrs. (math). The textbooks are around 20 yrs. old; the history, math and science curriculums are taught almost on a remedial level. The principal (for last 3 yrs.) doesn't understand how to practice christian values. This is my child's 1st year in public school and he is enveloped by caring teachers and administrators, who understand more about chrisitian values and fairness, even though they're not allowed to teach it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been attending st. catherine school for six years, and am mostly satisfied with my experiance. Small class sizes are great for creating great friends and recieving personal teacher attention, but many of our text books were purshased before the jurassic period. Mr. Brusco, (6,7,8 language arts, 7th grade homeorrom and religion) is an astounding teacher and next year he will be the vice principal and nothing but good will come from his promotion. I'd say that the school is a great enviornment for young students and will prepare older students to excell, and they will have to opportinity to move onto great highschools such as Carondelet and De La Salle. Go Vikings!
—Submitted by a student

This school is fine for a small city like Martinez. We have nice teachers, but get piles of homework. Mr. McDonough(6,7 and 8 english class)is great. They only other problem with this is that the text books, seem to have been bought in the 80's. Although I am very satisfied with this school.
—Submitted by a student

My nine years at St. Catherine's from K-8 were some of the most memorable years of my life. It was a great environment to grow in, with a faculty who cares and classmates you've bonded with over many years. Go class of 1995!

We are entering our 4th year at St. Catherine's. Although no school is perfect, we do beleive our children are getting a well balanced education. The staff, parents and students work together to create a place the kids can learn and feel safe.
—Submitted by a parent

We pulled our kids out of St. Catherine's after six years of attending the school because we do not agree with the new Principle's values and leadership style.
—Submitted by a parent