Santa Rosa / Bishop Alemany School

Overall, the school has a lot to offer. The staff is very caring and dedicated. Students appear to have pride in their school especially with the new connection to Alemany High School. However, not all promises are kept. The new TK program is still in the hall. Parents were told the completion would be done shortly after school starting. Seven months later the program is still in the hall. The students in all grades have nothing to do during breaks. There are no bikes, apparatus or play ground equipment so the portion of outdoor play is really not included in the curriculum. The on site principal is nice but rarely goes in the classrooms. The principal from Alemany who is the "true principal" has yet to step foot on this campus. Overall good intentions and caring staff but not everything happens as promised.
—Submitted by a parent

Dedicated faculty, dedicated administrative team, dedicated parents, involved Pastor. WEEKLY school masses! Each grade does one it seems as I have attended most Friday masses at 8:15. Awesome school choir! The school is now partnered with Bisop Alemany. The principal is top notch. This school will be full next year. It seems as if new students are enrolling weekly from other Catholic schools and some magnet and charter schools. The school is challenging students to do their best and to built their moral character as well as increase their academic potential. Nothing but praise for this school/
—Submitted by a parent

I agree this school is a gem. The school has now partnered with Bishop Alemany High School. Exciting things are happening in all aspects of the school. The school is not only undergoing facilities upgrades, new teachers are bringing a new look at strengthening the curriculum of the school. Religion and faith formation will remain an important part of the school. This school is going places, if you are looking for a top notch school in the San Fernando Valley check out Santa Rosa Bishop Alemany Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from Santa Rosa last year, and my daughter is in the 5th grade. My son has gone on to Bishop Alemany High School. Both of my children not only received a great education at Santa Rosa but they also received faith formation that will help to guide them where ever they go.
—Submitted by a parent

I ve had my child at this school for 2yrs now. This school is lacking on organization and the communication with the parent s. There has been many occasions where the children are not giving the tools they are required to do an assignment. The principal seems to come across very rudely at times. She seems to get annoyed when issues are brought up to her. It s unfortunate but I will not be enrolling my child for the next upcoming year.
—Submitted by a parent

i think this scjhool is trying its best . everyone should want to put their children in this school. we have our goals and we r almost there. the best part is the computer class and the physical eduation and the lunches they have improved. go sister !
—Submitted by a student

This is an update from a previous parent reviewer. New leadership occurred in August of 2004, and with it, several much needed changes. First, the principal is a woman of integrity, and her values translate right on down the line from the faculty and staff through to the students. Though the teaching staff still will benefit from being better qualified, it is leaps and bounds above where it was in June of 2003 and June of 2004. Moreover, the honesty and love by the principal has begun to heal the damaged parents and students. Time will tell, but I am betting the school will continue to improve. The enrollment, which had slid dismally into the redline area, is creeping up this coming year. Keep it up, Sister Antoinette!
—Submitted by Debra Siordia, a parent

Great moral values. Recomended.
—Submitted by a parent

Being a past student, I was expecting Santa Rosa to have the same or greater school community spirit and reputation it had when I attended. That was one of the main reasons I choose to send my children there, much to my dismay it has been a great disappointment and has failed my children spiritually, emotional, and academically. The principal needs to be replaced, her unchristian-like tactics are destroying this school. This is no longer my school, and I'm very sad about that fact. The children are constantly being given contradicting examples of behavior and information on the part of most of the staff. They are also shown no appreciation for any of their efforts. There are many families that have been with this school for decades that will not be returning next year because of numerous situations where the principal has the back of the teacher, never the student.
—Submitted by a parent

The school which consists of primarily Hispanic students, is no longer serving a low income base, as the tuition and fees make it among the average in costs in the area Catholic schools. Currently, the SAT scores are dismal, and have been for 5 years in a row. The administration lacks integrity, and safety had become an issue under her watch. The teachers generally speaking have not met the state requirements to teach. Several have serious problems with the English language, and the algebra for junior high students is not being taught by qualified algebra teachers. Please make an informed choice. I no longer recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent