St. Paul's School

We are a new family to St. Pauls. I was very surprised with some of the negative reviews as our experience has been great. The principal has been warm and helpful, the teacher caring and friendly, and the other parents extraordinarily welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had 2 kids in St. Paul's, one now in 8th who started in Kindergarten, so we've been here 9 years. So we know the pluses & minuses, trust me, we know... The community is excellent. The parents & parent group are excellent. The education is far above average. You can find better, but pretty much only at schools with far greater resources. You can find problems, but you can find problems at all schools. All in all, it's an excellent neighborhood school, with a great community, and I'm very happy with the education. You will read negative reviews, and I bet I know who they are, and I may even agree with the issues they raise. But looking at the big picture, & talking with other parents I know with kids in other schools, I'm very happy we've stuck it out for the 9 years.
—Submitted by a parent

After this past school year we decided to take our son out of St. Paul's. For one, the principal is so rude and sarcastic. She rushes you of the phone, doesn't listen to the parents concerns unless you are buddy buddy with her. Second, the assistant secretary is also rude. Instead of helping answer a parents question she is too busy gossiping on the phone or with another staff member. They do have a fter school program but it lacks in enrichment. The education is just ok..considering you do pay. The one person who is very attentive is the secretary Vera she is courteous and get's the job done. I went to this school when I was young and it's sad to see how much it has changed.
—Submitted by a parent

We finally just made an informed decision not to return in the new semester. Entrusting our most valuable assets (the children) to educators who have raised so many doubts in recent months is just not something we can do, though it was a difficult decision. We were content enough until the last few years, and the decision has come slowly and with difficulty. The good no longer outweighs the questionable leadership and the tired curriculum. A fond farewell to days gone by. Everything changes, they say.....
—Submitted by a parent

Not as well organized as it could be. Focus seems to be an issue for most of the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been here a year. Though there are good qualities such as after school care, we find some of the curriculum and faculty to be mediocre. I listed before but my comments did not go through.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attends St Paul's now and we have found that it is wonderful. Though the teachers and staff are friendly, there are some moments when they can be much more inviting with parents and students.The principal is very nice and greets parents at the gate after morning assembly. Never seen or met the assistant principal. The office staff is great, could smile more, but they get what you need done. The office assistant is the most friendliest and most enthusiastic on the telephone and with the children. Very clicky with some parents. You find your niche, as with all places. Not so 'uppity,' as children from different backgrounds attend this school.The Parent's Group president is awesome even if you do not attend meetings. Curriculum is great, the children learn so much and improve greatly with a little push from parents at home and their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new family to St. Paul's this year, with a daughter in kindergarten. She absolutely loves the school, her teachers and all her friends. The curriculum is great and challenging. Her teacher is great and very approachable. All of the faulty and staff know my daughter by first name, some even know my three year old! I love the community of St. Paul as I have felt very welcomed. I try to participate in as many activities as possible (although I work full time). I find all the other families quite welcoming. I am very impressed with the kindergarten parents involvement. I have met some great people, as had my daughter. We are also very involved in the church. I am proud to be part of both St. Paul's school and church
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former graduate of St. Paul's' & now my children atttend this school. I must say that things have changed dramatically since I was a student. The teachers are good and academics are great. The sports program is good however the communication across the board is lacking...to be nice. The principle is completely disconnected and hardly shows her face. The school is run by an elite group of parents so if you're not 'in' then your not 'in'. If you can tolerate all of that then this is the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent to St. Paul's this year and am very pleased with the welcoming, enriching community our family has chosen. The school offers many opportunities for parents to be involved. I was surprised during the second week of school when the principal called my daughter by her name. I could not believe she knew all the kindergartens by name already, then the 7th grade teacher used her name, and I quickly realized that all of the teachers and staff new every child by name! My daughter has learned so much in her first five months, I look forward to being part of the St. Paul's Family for the next 8.5 years. I would highly recommend St. Paul's!
—Submitted by a parent

there is a coldness at the school that makes you feel like an intruder. Changes in attitude among other things have to happen to attract more parent involment. Same old people cant stay forever. New people are needed to keep the volunteerism going strong. Welcome and embrace everyone the same for the good of the children. Cliques come and go ....who suffer .....the children. Very sad.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a high school student who graduated from St. Paul and currently have a child in the middle school classes. The teachers are decent, especially 7th and 8th grade. I've never had problems communicating with them, and any issues were resolved immediately. The principal is another story. She is very robotic (no emotions) and distant from the parents and children. Definitely doesn't appear to care about your concerns, and I have attempted to have discussions with her. I had better conversations with a brick wall. If this school's reputation goes down, I would give her the credit. The hot lunch program is a great plus, and the sports program is strong. I just wish the Father would offer his parish center (gym) to CYO more for home games. Sorry, but I can't understand how bingo nights and men's club could take priority over the children.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is not only minmally involved, she is extremely judgmental, like the many of her staff, is frequently inclined to sarcasm. She has a reputation of not getting back to parents with their concerns which I have experienced first-hand. The school is resting on the laurels of a school it once was. The academics aren't any better than that of a public school. As well, the head priest is very short and poorly equipped at dealing with school issures which is unfortunate as the Archdiocese will encourage you to deal with him first. The school is in a 'safe' neighborhood, a few blocks east of Mission St. but along with the gentrification of the general area, you get the full blown snobbery of parents who yet can't afford to send their children to school in Pacific Heights or on Brotherhood Way. They are also extremely lacking in after-school enrichment.
—Submitted by a parent

We are back again for the '08 year. I am hoping for better communication and improved faculty energy, though there are other things that being us back that are more positive. Like the after sahool program for one. Not the church so much as it borders on exclusive nor the principal who is trying to improve. We are content enough to stay because the children are happy with it and they learn.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to attend this school, when I was a child. It was such a wonderful school back then. I felt the teachers really cared about the students, back then. I have wonderful memories that I will never forget. I feel this new school with new staff just don't put the children first. I feel they are very disconnceted from the parents and aren't very welcoming. I feel that my child received an adequate education while there at this school I hope for the future parents that things improve. The accounting staff was terrible. They would tell you things weren't paid when in fact you would have proof they were. I hope they have since gotten someone who really knows what they are doing. Also, the staff does not care if a parent is struggling. It seems like all they care about is the money!!!!

Thank gosh this school year is over! It has been so stressful trying to be a functioning member of a dysfunctional community. We enrolled for the church and the academics, but the school culture is stifling. Too much turn over. Too much snobbery and power playing. For what? I really mean it. For what, in the long run? The kids are who are really important, not who is seen in Church...with who. Back to basics, Christian and scholastic. Then things might return to something cohesive.
—Submitted by a parent

We came new this year, our child being in fifth. We are not impressed, though are willing to ride it out and give the school a chance. The meals are convenient and good. The course of study seems adequate, but there are personnel issues that I think need resolution. The administrator is passive as far as my opinion goes. Sometimes the office seems tense and I have not been received warlmy there. My child says school is okay and she likes her friends. I wish we were experiencing a piece of the glowing reports below though. I think we all pay the same tuition, so why not all have a 'great' school experience. We're not yet, but still hope.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had children at St. Paul's for 21 years and have great admiration for the diversity, the care, the commitment and the standards at this school. I was actively involved in volunteering in classroom projects, field trips, parent advisory board and athletics. As a teacher, my husband taught many years in other San Francisco schools and rated St. Paul's very highly in comparison. My children found their education at St. Paul's gave them a solid base not only in top-notched high schools, but also in college. As a parent, I appreciated the family involvement and the camaraderie at St. Paul's School, in addition to the solid academic education. As with any school, the best way to enrich your child's experience and improve communication is to volunteer your time at the school. I highly recommend St. Paul's School.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 daughters at St Paul's, in 6th & 8th grade. I cannot imagine a better or more dedicated group of teachers. We have been happy with all of them and in particular 6th, 7th & 8th grades, but really, they are all good. All the faculty including the principal are available to parents if they have concerns about anything. I have found the principal to be very approachable.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter and son at St. Paul's, in the 6th and 4th grades, respectively. We have been extremely happy with the education and attention our children have received at this school--they've both been attending since Kindergarten. We believe that the teachers at this school are extremely dedicated and show genuine passion. I believe the administration to be approachable and candid in listening to parent comments and concerns--there are forums available to discuss. Anne and Dave O'Shea
—Submitted by a parent