St. Didacus Parish School

This is an update to my previous review in 2010. Since my children attend a different school. I am so happy that we left Didacus. My children are learning at a higher level now. Also my children receive tutoring every week in math for one hour at no extra charge. Didacus has too many children in some of their classrooms and they do not do enough to help children that are struggling. the school focuses on academic competitions for promotion but doesn't focus on overall classroom academic excellence. I give this school three stars because it is better than public schools in the area but they need to make some changes. Just read the students review, pretty accurate.
—Submitted by a parent

Moving our daughter to this school was one of the best decisions we could have made as parents. Our daughter's level of knowledge is by far above and beyond that of other kids her age who do not attend this school. This school prides itself on academic achievement and students see the result after they graduate. Principal is top-notch. They just hired a Vice-Principal and smartly hired one that is a counselor, she is a good hire. There is no such thing as a perfect anything but this school is by far the best in the North Park area!
—Submitted by a parent

Very solid preK teacher!!! Ms. Rose knows how to handle all types of children. She nurtures and runs a tight ship with so much love. My son has some sensory issues (autistic-like) and would be considered challenging to most teachers. We tried 3 preK programs and finally landed here. Ms. Rose has him working at grade/age level and socializing. Very good experience. I'm not religious however this was a solid choice for my son. Thank you Ms. Rose and assistants!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student here. Almost none of our homework is graded, only checked for completion, which gives me no incentive to do my work properly, therefore hindering my learning experience. Principal is insensitive and quick to inflict punishment for mild offenses. There's only one classroom for each grade, which is not optimal for students who need individual attention. Teachers come into work moody and unpredictable. We are forced to do a prison style line-up and uniform check every time the bell rings. Individuality is not accepted in the forms of writing. Art class is not art, we are taught to copy individual lines and create duplicates. This school was impressive many years ago, but staff has since changed for the worse. Teachers push opinions on the students, and other parents are generally standoffish if you have not been at the school since at least the first grade. I would not recommend this school if you need special attention, are a minority, or are working-class. The only reason that I give this school two stars instead of one is because I have been to schools that are much worse than this one, nevertheless in MUCH worse areas than that of this school

I just love this school. Friendly, families are involved in school. Great principal and teachers. I would recommend this school to every parent.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends 2 preschools and this one has surpassed all my expectations. I am so impressed with the curriculum not to mention the loving discipline which is instilled.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great family feel. Multi-racial. Really good education and involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

5 kids at St Didacus. Can't believe the wonderful education they are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children who attend St. Didacus School. We moved our children from a private school setting at a young age, and were very pleased with our decision. The spiritual component along with the ability to grow personally for two very different kids is what made this an excellent choice for our family. What makes it a wonderful school is the small- one class per grade. The kids must follow the class expectations and problem children are not tolerated. We admire the 8th graders assisting preschoolers, something not seen in public schools. The long term friendships will last them a lifetime. Parents take an active role in school activities, fundraising, and education at school, church and the home setting.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children attending the school. I chose St Didacus over more expensive catholic schools due to its discipline and the requirement that the children show respect and are held accountable for thier actions. If you want to make excuses for your children for not achieving their best, do not send your children here. If you want to raise children with character who are required to be held accountable for their conduct and who will develop a good moral compass, choose this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my Children ages 5 and 8 attend St. Didacus school. My wife and I chose this school carefully for its religious, moral, and academic teachings. Its Pre-school program is in no way a day care facility. Students are there to learn. They are taught to count and recognize their numbers, letters, shapes and colors. Pre-schoolers are introduce to religion and prayer, as well as creative thinking through arts and crafts. St. Didacus is top notch in preparing its students for kindergarden. Its' grade school studies are just as impressive, Its' students are incredibly polite and well-mannered, something you won't find in todays public schools. Parents are encouraged to participate in all functions of the school and its' parrish, which makes for a better learning enviroment for students and parents.
—Submitted by Ralph Rodarte, a parent

Small school environment encourages personal attention to students. Opportunities for sports and other activities are open to all. Parents are involved and interested. Students are expected to be self-reliant, conscientious, and resepectful of themselves and others.
—Submitted by a parent

School is good for above avg children, if your child is in need of extra help, they don't allow or help the children in this area, they don't want the hassle of alittle more attention to each child!
—Submitted by a parent