St. Leo the Great School

I am so proud to be part of the St. Leo Community - it provides an incredible education with high standards and well develop technology program, and holds students to high behavioral expectations. I joined the school community in 2009 and have never regretted it. . . .the students, families and teachers are welcoming, dedicated, talented, and make each other better people. It is so great to see a wide variety of opportunities for the kids - from sports to band, drama, art, creative writing and so much more . . .the school is warm, welcoming, well organized, maintains high standards and prepares the kids for high school. It is just amazing!
--Submitted by a teacher

The language arts teacher gave my son an F on a writing assignment "these sentences is not an essay." The religion teacher asked if I was "being kind" in bringing this up (during the parent teacher conference.) It would have been kind of the principal to respond to my email regarding my child's organizational issues. Unfortunately they are very cookie cutter here and ONLY use an accordian file as regular, but esasier to organize, binders don't fit the desks.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at St. Leo's for 3 years. We came in during the administration change and we have been quite happy with the new administration. The principal is youthful, innovative, and is always thinking of the "big picture" for the school community. She has helped create a wonderful foundation for the school. Some families have had difficulty with some of the changes, as the status quo has been disrupted, but the changes are positive ones. The school has finally started utilizing technology in the way it is meant to be used, which has been so helpful to the children for learning purposes. The new website and communication via web with parents and students is fantastic. The only thing that we struggle with is that the Church itself is a little more on the conservative side than most other Catholic churches in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

We love St Leo the Great! The new administration has created such a wonderful foundation for the school. There have been many changes in the last two years, all for the best. The school has really jumped into the 21st century with the computers in the class rooms, the Environmental education, the Science lab, Spanish twice a week and so much more. Also the communication to parents and students with the website, emails from principal and newsletters to keep us all in the loop. We love the community traditions and overall family feeling. I can't imaging sending my kids any where else, they love it even more that I do.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at St Leo for two years. We selected this Catholic school over others in the area because of its leadership and school community. St Leo is a one classroom per grade school which means their is true bonding amoungst the students. Each grade is paired with another for buddies, expanding frienships and faith beyond their classroom. This is one of the only schools with enrichment in the lower grades. From Kindergarden, the students receive Spanish, Computers, Library and PE instruction twice a week, in addition to academics building a well-rounded student. St Leo has s diverse community, it is not 'cookie cutter,' which builds tolerance and understanding if others....perfect for faith formation. This year, the school welcomed a new principal who is awesome! She interacts with the students, building understanding and self esteem in the students, parents and staff. She has implemented change which has been positive.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in the Pre-K program this year and we have had a wonderful experience. The community is warm and welcoming. The new principal has an endless amount of energy and a 'get it done attitude', while at the same time being inclusive in the decision making process. The school's emphasis is on the social/emotional, intellectual and physical growth and well being of the students. An emphasis on Catholic education and values is taught daily. I couldn't have asked for a better school. My daughter has blossomed in this environment and looks forward to going into Kinder next year.
--Submitted by a parent

We could not have asked for a better school then St. Leo the Great! The atmoshpere is such a family community. The people, (teachers, staff, family, etc), are all so kind hearted. We have been very pleased with the academics, the homework level, the religious emphasis, the parent involvement, the teachers and especially the new principal. St. Leo's is truly a GREAT school!
--Submitted by a parent

This schools teachers insert to much of their own thought and feeling in to what they teach-i moved to willow glen middle school in 6 grade and even though its public its a much better school
--Submitted by a student

St.Leo's is about to undergo some major changes, hopefully for the best. The person's review before is right on the mark. This school used to be a true gem. Those who have been posting all the positive responses are either not involved much with the school or they are in the younger grades/been there fewer than 2 years. The school motto is currently 'lack of respect and no responsibility', especially by the current administration...shame on them for helping and contributing to erode something that was once so good.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Leo is no longer the gem it once was; it is no longer a close community. I'm not sure what happened, but having been a parishioner for 25 years, and a St. Leo school parent for 11 years, I have seen some very distressing changes. The administration has managed to eliminate many wonderful families. We have decided to stay and try to change from within. It is heartening that we will have all new administrative staff; that is only a start. Those families that are happy must have children in grades Pre-K to maybe 3rd. Those of us in upper grades know the quality has gone down. The school must bring back PAC so parents' concerns will be acted upon. We need basics such as a science lab, a REAL computer lab, & Spanish 3 times per week.
--Submitted by a parent