Archbishop Mitty High School

My expectations for choosing to commit $15k/yr + for my child's education at Mitty versus a public school were: Superior Academics, Deepening Religious Faith, and Acceptance to a Top University - via College Planning. The results were sub-par at best for the following reasons: 1. Academics was mediocre - many teachers were unavailable outside the classroom due to sports//coaching commitments. Good students had a difficult time excelling in the classrooms given lack of interest on the part of the teachers. My child had a 4.2 GPA and found most teachers disinterested and unresponsive for help. 2. Religious Education was watered down due to appeasing liberal, political correctness interests. In fact, it has damaged my child's desire to continue attending mass with us. 3. College (lack of) Planning Go online, use Naviance and find the colleges of choice. Where's the counselor's independent, honest assessment of where your child is best suited? My child wanted to go to an East Coast school, and even with high scores, the highest level achieved was being accepted into a UC school. AMHS just doesn't' have the gravitas or pull with college admissions directors. Avoid!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Mitty is a joke. Presents itself as a college prep school, but its a joke. Unless your child is a sport superstar or would make it academically without teacher support your child will be just another number. Most students go to California State University (CSU) or University of California schools (UC). Entrance requirements are GPA's and SAT's. So why spend $15K for something you get at a public school? Teachers are iffy and many are coaches (ie. sports influence).
—Submitted by a parent

Mitty's priorities are clear: Fundraising, and sports. We have two children that are in great colleges that went through public school, but we thought our third child could benefit from Mitty's so-called great teachers and smaller classes. Big mistake. Teachers are average and administration is unhelpful. Don't believe the brochure or open-house sales pitch. If your child has difficulty in a class, or needs accomodations of any kind, Mitty wants you out of there. Even with a 504 plan, Mitty will kick your child to the curb faster than you can say "holier than thou". It is all about their image, really no interest in helping kids. Not only a waste of money, it is damaging to kids. STAY AWAY!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman and I love Archbishop Mitty! I think I made a great decision between Mitty and Valley Christian. Mitty offers good education, and their sports and arts department are fantastic as well! I am in the arts and I love it so much! Mitty built a new building for the Arts Department. There is a great diversity of people and everyone is nice. The teachers are very helpful and there is also a Campus Ministry program. Go Monarchs! :)
—Submitted by a student

I have two children at this school: One is a junior and one is a freshman. I have been incredibly impressed by the academic rigor, the quality and care of the staff, and the range of after-school activities offered. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Mitty is an excellent school, wonderful helpful teachers and it cultures a well rounded and educated student ready for college.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a sophomore at Mitty and she (and we) love this school. She works hard at academics and at athletics (swimming and water polo). She brings home advice and knowledge from teachers and coaches. Her large group of friends are the best that I could wish for as a dad. They treat each other with so much care-respect-encouragement-fun. This school is a bargin and their athletic program is rated #1 in California and #3 in the US!
—Submitted by a parent

Do not pay for your children to go here. They will get the same experience in a public school. If you are sending your children to private school there should be a reinforcement of rules and school work as well as strict codes.

My son is blessed and honored to be starting as a sophmore this year. His freshmen year was fantastic. The staff is amazing, the education extrordinary, and the athletics are fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent

Mitty provides an environment rich in excellent, challenging and interesting cirriculum. The teachers are engaged. The students are smart and high performing; each one seems to have some special talent or gift. Extracirricular activities are plentiful for all interests. Their sports, art and drama and robotics programs are particularly high level. Our children have been supported by faculty and staff, and have had opportunities to explore through immersion trips, clubs and activities. The kids are great. I highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman at Archbishop Mitty and I love it! I grew up pretty white bred and I wanted a change, so when I shadowed I looked for a good diversity. I also am very spiritual so I looked for a strong Campus Ministry program. Archbishop Mitty offered me both. I looked at St. Francis, and Woodside Priory but each one had their problems with my fit. Although I came to Mitty alone I have made so many more friends because of the diversity. I am involved in Campus Ministry and I have made so many friends because of this. So if you are looking for a diverse and loving community come to Mitty because it is that and more! Go Monarchs.
—Submitted by a student

I am a freshman at Archbishop Mitty, and this school is great. I know I made the right decision coming to Mitty instead of a public school. Its academics is one of the best, and its athletic program is likewise. Mitty has something to offer to everyone. Everyone is caring and nice, and the teachers are excellent. I would definitely recommend Mitty over St. Francis and Bellarmine. Go Monarchs!
—Submitted by a student

I, too, would have given Mitty 5 stars Freshmen year. By senior year, one marvels at the school's priorities. Strengths: Ideal for career athletes & drama students. Has some fine teachers & AP courses. Assemblies & Monarch Madness are a delight. Weaknesses: Non-honors/non-AP classes are poor. Many first-time teachers. Smart kids get a 50/50 mix: reasonably good teachers for AP classes, surprisingly weak teachers for all else. The placement record at top colleges is far weaker than at other private schools. Extracurriculars are brutally competitive & political. Academics take a back seat to sports, theater & fund-raising.The school values championships above all and gives athletes special treatment. If your kid is aiming for a selective college, hopes to play Varsity, or participate in the touted extracurrics, think twice. All of the above can happen, but it is rare. Far more likely at Bellarmine, St. Francis or a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman at Archbishop Mitty High School. Mitty is one of the best high schools in the Bay Area. The teachers are friendly and caring, and the students are likewise. Mitty has not only the best academics, but the best athletics. The administration is organized and the campus and athletic facilities is one of the best. There are also many honors and AP courses. Also, there is a wide range of student activities and clubs, and Mitty also has the best athletics. I would highly recommend Archbishop Mitty High School. For more information, go to www.mitty.com. GO MONARCHS!
—Submitted by a student

My child is a freshman at Mitty and we are extremely happy with all of the teachers, the honors program, the music program, and the coaches. My child did not come in to Mitty with a group from a Catholic school, yet has found the students to be very nice and friendly. My child has made good friends easily at Mitty. The administration and teachers are extremely well organized. We are pleased with all aspects of the school, and highly recommend it to other families.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter switched from Saratoga Public Schools to Mitty and I couldn't be happier the life-changing decision. The education received at Mitty along with the strong values taught to all students is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

mitty has provided a safe and effective learning environment for me. Its athletics are outstanding and the staff is tremendous!
—Submitted by a student

I am a freshmen at mitty, and I love it! I came from a public middle school, and I wasn't sure what mitty would be like, but I know I made the right choice. The teachers are fun, enthusiastic, and make learning things a breeze. I love it!
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school at every level.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good academic programs. Good list of Honors and AP class. Lots of sports and extracurriculum activities. Many choices. Parents get the chance to volunteer as much as they want.
—Submitted by a parent