St. Albans Country Day School

St. Albans is a good school, but their the expectations that they set for their children are just way too high. My student is always doing homework. It seems like he can't do anything else. Also, he afraid that if he misses a day of school due to sickness, he will fall way behind and frankly, I agree with him. What makes it even harder is that if your student is a student athlete, then it is even harder for them because then they have to juggle the stress of going to "The Best Little School in the West" with their team or sport.. Some people may like that added pressure, but with me, that is just way too much stress on my child and me to go there.

St. Albans, academically, is a great school. It pushes children outside of their comfort zone sometimes, and in many ways that is good. The homework load is a large amount, but it really prepares you for high school. However, after being there for ten years with the same students, you feel "locked in." With students, school is looked at as a popularity contest, and in my opinion, that is not a good thing. The school is very small, and teachers do not pick up on bullying very well. Bottom Line: Academics- wonderful. Social Aspect- Poor.

After attending top public and private schools myself and searching exhaustively for schools, my honest assessment of St. Albans is that it's slightly above average in delivering a top-notch academic education. The school does a good job to foster parental involvement (mandatory and high pressure not unlike other private schools) and offer programs like art (K-8), music/drama (PreK-8) and Spanish (PreK-8). The school (from Principal on down) is VERY UNWILLING to go the extra mile to challenge high-achieving kids. The response I've heard repeatedly is that "It's just not done here", and the school's philosophy is that the curriculum is rigorous enough for all children. Also, it's common parental knowledge that teachers are not consistently good from year to year so parents "endure" the years when their kids have mediocre teachers (everyone knows who they are) in hopes that great teachers will more than make up for the "lost" year(s). I wish the Principal would more actively mentor or replace ineffective teachers. BOTTOM LINE: The small number of school choices (lack of competition) in this region makes St. Albans a bit too complacent to truly make solid improvements.
--Submitted by a parent

The art and drama programs at this school are terrific. However, I would say that the other academic subjects taught at this school trailed the surrounding public schools substantially. This school simply does not have the capacity or resources to deal with kids who are varying ranges of academic progress. As a result, classes are taught at too slow a pace for many of the students who catch on quicker. Further, I had concerns that the social development of my child is put at risk on a daily basis. The classes are filled with students who are very much used to getting their way. If the student can't get their way on their own, their parents can help as the head of the school unabashedly plays favorites with certain parents. To put it mildly, the head of school has failed miserably in her responsbility to ensure that certain bullying students, and their bullying parents, are not properly put in check for the benefit of all of the other students. The situation has been strikingly different than the experience at other surrounding schools (which is markedly more nuturing and confidence-building).
--Submitted by a parent

Although there are many good schools in the area, St. Albans' academically challenging program is far superior. From the time my children were small, the school nurtured and taught them everything they needed to know. The impressive curriculum, test scores, and high school placement make it an outstanding choice. The teachers and administration are caring and consistent. The Head of School is fair and has high standards for everyone. This is truly a family environment. I encourage everyone to check out their website!
--Submitted by a parent

I ve seen many positive changes over the 10 years that we ve been at the school and the academics have always been superior. I love that students receive not only challenging core classes but also music, art, P.E. computers and Spanish. My unique perspective, children in elementary school and high school, have given me an appreciation for what St. Albans can do for their students way beyond graduation. My high school child went into advanced classes as a Freshman and the AP classes were a breeze. The teachers, Head of School, and office staff are caring, competent and always look out for the best interests of the students. The outstanding reputation that St. Albans has earned over the years is truly deserved.
--Submitted by a parent

Roseville has really great public schools. However, St. Albans gives your child a great opportunity to excel in many different subjects. Many of our friend's children who have graduated from St. Albans are at the top of their classes in both private and public high schools. All the teachers care deeply about your child and instill upon them both knowledge and life skills preparing them to be our next steps in life.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Albans has been a wonderful school for our 3 children. We have been extremely happy with the academic and support classes such as music, band and PE. In my opinion, what really makes this school stand out is the care and attention of a wonderful staff of educators. The small class size allows the teachers to really get to know each child and understand how best to reach them. I would highly recommend St. Albans as a solid investment in your child's future!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids that have graduated from St Albans in recent years and I am very pleased with the quality education they received. They were challenged, encouraged, and supported. Both of my kids are taking Honors and AP courses in high school and feel prepared for the accelerated coursework and higher expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough great things about this school. We have three kids that attend and are in our third year at the school. We feel extremely fortunate to have them in the experienced and caring hands of the St. Albans faculty. I have never known teachers that go above and beyond the way the teachers at St Albans do. Our oldest will be attending a challenging high school this fall and I am certain that he is well prepared due to the strong foundation earned at St Albans.
--Submitted by a parent