St. Catherine Elementary School

I love this school. My first child started there in 5th grade 10 years ago. I was never an 'in parent', but he was treated with love and kindness by other parents as if he was one of their own children. When I started my other children at Kindergarten I found out that the 'in parents' were the ones who showed up to volunteer and again kindness and support for my children. After school care is affordable and safe environment wth lots of study buddies. Grammar school classes had a 2:35 ratio. There is always an aid or a parent volunteer helping out. Junior high is 1:35 with occaissional parent volunteers...still way better than public ratios at that level, especially on the playground since there is only one class per grade level. The school has an annual survey and they were extremely responsive to parent concerns, each year adding programs and services requested by parents. When my children hit rough patches there were onsite counseling services available that got us through a lot. Fully supported parents and children with a great education. All I could dream and ask for.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at St. Catherine School for 2 years and are very impressed with the depth and diversity of teaching styles. My 1st grader can explain an exothermic reaction and LOVES science. My 5th grader who wasn't challenged in the public school system is now thriving because there is a staff and administration that are willing to go the extra mile to meet an individual child's needs. They receive instruction in PE, Spanish and Music regularly. They actively participate in a community garden. Those garden lessons are interwoven into the curriculum. Large class sizes so not appear to be a problem. The lower grades have aides and LOTS of parent involvement. Technology is also a large part of the students' daily life - computer lab, mobile computer cart and smart boards!
—Submitted by a parent

Adminsitration is non-responsive to parental concerns. Classrooms are filled to maximum levels and teacher/student ratio is terrible. Adminiatration and teachers are very 'click oriented'. Only parents that are in the 'In Crowd' are responded to. Teacher quality not great. School tolerates other parents making judgements about children. Not a very nurturing enviorment for a religious based school.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel so fortunate that my children attend a school with such caring teachers, staff and principal. They are very strong academically and teach moral values. We couldn't ask for a better school!
—Submitted by a parent

St.Catherine school has strong academics and students who learn morals and values. The school educates the whole child and the mission is clearly stated and folllowed by the teachers and staff. We appreciate the school and love being part of a great community.
—Submitted by a parent

We were new to the school this year and can't say enough great things about this school. From the office staff to the teachers what a warm welcome we were given. Our child loves this school. Yes we do have bigger classes than the public schools but the children are taught respect and to care about each other and their teachers. Something you won't find in the public schools these days. We are so happy to be part of such a great place
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves St.Catherine School, she has attended since kindergarten and is now in 7th grade. She has been well prepared for Catholic High School. She has received a great eduction at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

overfilled classes, no honors programs
—Submitted by a student

The classrooms are very full, and, consequently, the teacher-student ratio is as high as 36-1. The administration is non-responsive to parental concerns. Many of the teachers are inexperienced.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Catherine School has both great academics and teaches strong moral values. The Kinder program is phenomenal and there are many wonderful teachers in all the grades 1st-8th. There is an after school sports program, wonderful drama program for all grades,a chess program and they are staring a band program in the fall. There will be other extra curriculum classes offered this fall as well. There are both music and P.E. offered during the school day along with the regular classes. Many children that have been through the school, do great at the Catholic High Schools. This includes my own children and many of their class mates. Fantastic School!
—Submitted by a parent

Severely overfilled classes, poor teacher quality, very poor selection of classes (no advanced level courses offered).
—Submitted by a former student