St. Mary Elementary Catholic School

I have had two children graduate from St. Mary's, with the educational benefit for my eldest child(10 plus years ago) being more than we as parents could have expected; however, the education of my second child (5 plus years ago) was not. The leadership has received since the Salesian Nuns left has been a severe detriment to the school. The admin. decisions have left the school with a less than favorable taste in the mouths of alumni & their parents. Mismanagement of funds, & hiring of less than qualified (though educated) teaching staff has further compounded the problem. If left to do it again, I would say no, the education may not be much better than a public school - but public doesn't charge tuition. Very disappointing to not be able to give a more positive review. This is not to say that some, rather than most, staff do not care about the students or their education - they do, but not being in a position to change things or convince the new administration of the need to address these concerns, their hands are tied, and that is a shame. Additionally, though they mean well, too much parent involvement has become a problem as well. Too many chiefs, and not enough indians.
—Submitted by a parent

We had to bring in a whole dollar just to participate in Electronic toy day back in like 2nd grade. Plus, the uniforms were hot and itchy and the nun teacher was kind of mean....ohhh but i liked the chalkboard. i remember the art teacher got mad at me for using a light green crayon that looked yellow instead of a dark green crayon...i remember it got really got on the playground and the blacktop was squishy...i remember there were nice parents and kids and mean parents too...um....yeah i only went there for two years....but they were always like 'give us money give us money'...oh but i remember we "baptised" our stuffed animals that was cute i was a student here about 5 years ago.

My daughter has been attending St Marys school since kinder, she's in the third grade now, and all I have to say is that I am so grateful that we have such an excellent catholic school here in the AV. I have found nothing but respect, hard work and dedication to the children, from both the staff and teachers. Sure our principal is loud, but she came to add a much needed boost of energy to the school and if you don't know how to follow simple rules as to where to cross in the parking lot for your own safety, maybe you don't belong at St. Marys.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school !!! Both my boys go to St. Marys, this school is one of the best, there is a lot of extracurricular activities, the teachers are excellent and always involved. My kids love it here!! I do have to say it has been a strggle, but its well worth it. You go to the other schools in the area and I woulnt want my kids anywhere else but St. Marys. The way the world is now adays, strong moral character, values and strong ethics are what we can give our children and that is offered at St Marys. Priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is going down the drain! My son has attended there 3 years already, the first year, Kinder, was awesome but as you get to know the school better and the things that go on... well now I can't wait to get my child out of there! We pay so much money for a better education and I'm at the point right now where my husband and I feel they can get much more at a public school. We are currently looking to move out of the A.V. to a better neighborhood with bettter schools. St. Mary's got a new prinicipal this year and oh boy, she is a yeller!! Watch out, don't cross the parking lot where you're not suppose to or she will get in your face and yell at you!! Very rude and needs to know how to communicate better with parents... and if she can yell at us adults that way, what kind of respect might she have for our children! We're leaving St. Mary's School!!
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter attends St. Mary's School and has since her Kindergarten year. Although there are a lot of reasons why this is one of the best decissions a parent can make, sending our children to this school is simply the right decission. There is a quality that comes with a real education and that means the ability to teach our children how to be confiedent, independent, respectful and dedicated young adults. St. Mary's gives this and more. A quality education that involves, of all things .. 'PARENTS'. With the new transition of new leadership on its way in for 2010-2011, I am excited at the opportunity to have this school grow into the new decade as one that is more in tune with the diversity of the students and parents. Here is to a greater future for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended their elementary school years at St. Mary's and I was so sad to leave the school/parish when we moved. I was so grateful to be able to volunteer in the classroom. I was so impressed by the involvement of the students in the Friday Mass and equally impressed by the teachers and staff on the weekend Mass. It was rich with academics, religion, and development of strong character. These were made even more evident when we moved to another parish where those lacked. After a visit during a graduation ceremony I was so pleased to see that although the old church no longer stands, a new building with the same strong characters are still there. I miss it immensely! My children are wonderful citizens due to their early exposure to this environment. God bless you all
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's is a wonderful catholic school. Children are encouraged to grow both accademically as well as spiritually. The staff provides a safe, educational and spiritual environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children, both of which have only known St. Mary's. They love it there. When I walk onto campus, what I feel is awesome. I feel like i'm at home, or an old friends house. The harmony, love, and dedication the entire staff puts into the daily activites is amazing. Everyone knows each other, and I have yet to see 'lack of dicipline' or 'nickel and dimeing'...yes, if you want to bring your Ipod...pay the dollar! school is not for 'social hour' it's time to learn! It should be a treat, and it was treated as such....did I forget to mention its a private school? Of course they will rely on any money that comes in...or think of ways to generate money..think of how much money could be made in a public school that offered 'electronics toy day'??? Many, many blessings!
—Submitted by a parent

I love St. mary's. The faculty really cares about the children and that is what is important to me. Weekly mass and daily religion! Thank God for Catholic Schools!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a past pupil. St. Mary's is a wonderful school. I have many great memories from there. Most of my very dear friends that I still keep in touch with today I met while attending school there.

I have had two children go through St. Mary's from Kindergarden through 8th grade and currently have another child there for the past 5 years. St. Mary's environment is a safe and caring with an emphasis on religion. You may occasionally encounter an unorganized staff member os someone who lacks consistent discipline practices in the classroom but for the most part most staff members have a firm controll over their classrooms. People who fill that they are being 'nickel and dimeed to death' don't belong in a private school. Private schools run mainly on tuiton and fund raisers. if sending in a $1 for Electronic Toy Day is absurd to someone, then they should consider moving on to a public school that won't allow your child to pray during the day.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's is a wonderful school! I am a past pupil and now teach there. The family spirit, great faculty and staff who love the kids are great to work with!
—Submitted by a teacher

Not what I expected a Catholic school to be like. There was a definite lack of discipline. They were also disorganized, and they nickel and dime you to death. I think the most memorable was 'Electronic Toy Day' where the kids were told to bring in an electronic toy AND in order to participate in Electronic Toy Day, each student had to bring in a dollar... Are you kidding me?
—Submitted by a parent