St. Gregory School

Unfortunately, it looks as though someone from within the school actually posted the last two reviews. First and foremost, I can't think of an 8th grader that would take the time to look for school review sites to post their opinion. Secondly, the leadership has actually gone down hill since Mrs. Paul left. Mr. Dooher, the new principal, is more of a warden than a concerned educator. Since his arrival he has made sure to eliminate the small school, family/ close knit community feeling. Some of the teachers seem to be less than enthusiastic, especially in the lower grades. Class size is a major concern, larger than most public schools theses days(36 students per class). In all honesty, St. Mathews or St. Catherine's would be a better choice in comparison to the current state of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is really going in the right direction. The previous leadership seemed to be stuck in a rut of "we've always done it that way." The new principal and pastor are actively hiring new, great teachers and staff and you can feel the energy in the school. Applications can be competitive with a waiting list for all classes. I feel like my children are cared for and are getting an excellent education as well as learning to be responsible, caring young people. Their teachers have expected a lot of them and they have learned. I really enjoy the St. Greg's community and there are so many ways to get involved. Communication to/from the parents and school has greatly improved and the principal really adheres to his open door policy. You can tell based upon the high schools, and ultimately colleges, that these students go on to that St. Greg's is doing an excellent job of educating our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I just recently graduated from St. Gregs and I personally loved it there. The environment is just so wonderful and it is a great place to grow up. St. Gregs shaped me to be the person I am today. Thank you St. Gregory for a wonderful experience that I surely won't forget.

I think the school is ok some of the girls in my class are really mean and made fun of me because I was the only girl not playing basketball because I'm playing club vollyball the teachers are great I love my current teacher mr spray he is so funny and is all about respect and the truth I love the sports program it's awesome a schools ok I can't wait for junior high next year I am a student I'm the 5th grade at saint gregory school in san Mateo I hope to see more classmates next year cause you don't have to hang out with the bully I don't and I'm not small but the bully is

I read all reviews and most are quite accurate (sports, partying). The school routinely allows my children to turn in work that is extremely sloppy, misspelled, & with wrong answers. The resulting grades consistently might be 10/10 for some of the garbage my kids will turn in! Never is an assignment redo required! The standards are pathetically low. My kids our out this year! The science curriculum might be ok based upon what I saw at the science fair. I didn't seem to find any environmental brainwashing projects by the students (APGW anthropogenic global warming, pollution, smog, overpopulation...); but, I cannot attest to the science curriculum/quality.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! The principal is amazing. Most teachers have been there a long time and are well loved. One new teacher came on last year, and she was darling too. There are three Catholic schools in San Mateo, and we are thrilled are children are here. Any issues I've had were handled by the teachers quickly and with compassion. We've had all the current teachers in K-4 and liked them all. Very excited as we enter the jr high phase next year.
—Submitted by a parent

well...this school needs to clean house. There are some teachers here that have been here a very long time and really do not care about educating the students... the middle school teachers are better...but my kids really struggled in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade...they were pegged as not that bright and that was that! I did feel I could do better in San Mateo with their education (after all isn't that what it is all about!)...so they were moved to the smfc school district where all 3 of them really excelled...it was then that I realizied how SGS really didn't serve them well. Shame on you SGS.
—Submitted by Julie, a parent

well now...where do I start...it seems to me that SGS is a place for parents and not kids. education is probably 3rd or 4th on the list of importance with most of these people (admin, teachers, parents). Upper class are NOT held accountable for unruly behavior. Parent partying is SO important it is ridiculous...I couldn't believe all the drinking at the parish festival and crab feed. It disgusted me. Monsignor seems to look the other way where the school is concerned. This was a very bad fit for us...we are outa there...
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal has really turned this school around since these prior reviews were written. Strong academics and leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding Education and foundation for kids to build from going into High School.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended 6-8th grades, graduating in 2005. He had two excellent teachers; they were the only bright spots. Sadly, one left due to lack of support from a very poor administration. The new principal has her work cut out for her. The pastor, the effective head of the school, does not deal well with conflict. Discipline was weak, inconsistent and ineffective. Lots of parent involvement, yes, but that was not always positive. Several parents were overinvolved and hysterical. Parent cliques ran the school and were mostly closed to new people and ideas. The parent board was run on cronyism--no elections, no board minutes, no accountability. Many parents there needed disciplining as much as their kids. The library is absolutely pathetic, although the librarian is good. Sports programs appear to get the lion's share of the money and are generally good, though some of the parent coaches are on power trips.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been pretty happy with the classrooms, teachers, curriculum. Foreign language after-school program needs to be beefed up. Looking forward to new principal - last one seemed quite aloof and did not seem to make discipline a high priority, especially in upper grades where it is most needed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs to focus on the disciplining its students. They are more rowdy and uncontrolled than you would expect to find in a public school, let alone a private, Catholic school. First grade teacher is the best on the faculty.
—Submitted by a parent