St. Apollinaris School

My children have been at this school for 4 years. There is a new Principal as of 2011 and she is amazing. The school will only get better as time goes on. The outdoor area is very nice and spacious. There is plenty of green space and a nice outdoor lunch area. The school is always clean and kept looking and feeling very professional without being sterile. When faced with mediocre public schools or the other higher tuition private schools, I believe this one is the best value in the area as well as the best choice academically (and I am a teacher). Whether you are Catholic or not, it is a safe and nurturing environment. Some of the teachers are truly excellent and very challenging. They are all friendly and try hard to get to know the kids in the lower grades. It is a family-like atmosphere. The Kindergarten teacher is a real gem. I have heard there is a waiting but don't be discouraged. I was on one a few years back and we got in anyway. I love the uniforms. It makes my life easier. My only complaint would be that I would like hot lunch every day instead of 3 days per week and I wish they had more Spanish language class time each week.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just started Kindergarten this year and we could not be happier with our selection of St. Apollinaris School. It is a stimulating and nurturing environment with an excellent staff. I have been volunteering during lunch time and am so impressed with how happy and polite all the children are. The extended care program is impressive, with K-8 kids interacting and playing well together. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a Christian-based education.
--Submitted by a parent

We have recently received great new leadership and are excited about the future for St. A's. Our education is far superior to the public school options in Napa. I think we can always get better, but I never have questioned placing all three of my children there. They are respected and nurtured in a warm Catholic environment and are very prepared for high school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has has a rough couple of years, but the newly hired principal seems to have a real drive that will finally bring St A's a new level of excellence. My only desire would be better communication. In today's advanced internet erra I should have access to my kids progress at the stroke of a key. The school receives an A. With an online program to monitor my child the school would be an A++. Rumor has it, online monitoring is on the way.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is now a 1st grader at St. A's. We are extremely happy with the education he has been getting. This year we have had some wonderful new changes and are so pleased with the direction the school is headed. The education is top notch with the added bonus of a fabulous music, art, PE, library, and (soon to be reintroduced) theater programs.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Apollinaris Catholic School provides an educational program designed to encourage each student to achieve at high levels. Students learn to work effectively, to communicate articulately, to approach life with a sense of purpose and competence, and to take responsibility for our gifts from God. The curriculum enables students to study the classic and the contemporary as they develop academic, artistic, and athletic skills and talents under the guidance of experienced teachers who take the time to know each child well. As a former graduate of St. Apollinaris and now a parent of a second grade student, I can confidently say we are a close-knit community of parents, students, and teachers working together to nurture students' minds and hearts. I am proud to be a parent St Apollinaris Catholic School.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Apollinaris School is a fantastic school that provides not only the best educational foundation for our children, but also a social structure that is based on a strong Christian value system. The teachers are well qualified and supportive of the students. The school work is challenging but fair. The extra-curricular activities are second to none, with Spanish, computers, art, and sports offered to all students throughout the years. I am confident that my child will be well prepared for high school, college and beyond because of the education she is receiving at St. A's.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Apollinaris School is excellent! My daughter is currently in 1st grade and her teacher is extremely bright, great with the students, and very caring. My daughter's transition into kindergarten from preschool went very smoothly as well thanks to her teacher last year. The principal, Mr. Kersting is a great instructional leader. He is always active on campus and knows the students and parent community. He is an excellent role model for students and very engaging. The parents in my daughter's class are kind, involved in their child's education, and volunteer regularly. The campus is well maintained and very safe. We could not ask for a more supportive and most importantly CHALLENGING environment for our child. St. A's is an excellent school that our child enjoys attending every day.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Apollinaris is a wonderful school. It's credentialed teachers and other staff members are genuinely concerned about each student's education. St. A's also has specialized teachers for Music, Spanish, Science and Computer, and a terrific art program called "Meet the Masters". Each student also learns about moral vaues and respect which (ideally) reinforces what is taught at home. Although no school has "everything", St. Apollinaris has what is important: committed staff, varied and accelerated curriculum, involved parents, well-established sports program, religion, and a small (but not too small) student population of approx. 270 studnets in grades K-8.
--Submitted by a parent

St A's has a great Music Instructor! He has helped our son do well. Its a shame this teacher is over burdened with CCD, Choir, and Church activities...my wife would love to see the school expand its music dept!
--Submitted by a parent