St. Timothy School

This is only our first year at St. Timothy's but so far we have been very impressed with our experience. Academically, their standards are equivalent or higher than the public school kindergartens that were an option for us and our daughter is given small group attention multiple times a day for reading and math. Socially, over the school year the kindergarten class has become a cohesive & comfortable group who are able to get along & work together is multiple different environments from singing together at the Advent Musical to working together to create projects for the holiday celebrations. In addition, my daughter has had the opportunity to get to know many other students in the older grades through buddy systems and group play/learning opportunities. I appreciate that St. Timothy's expects nothing less of the kindergarteners & I believe that this will be very beneficial to our daughter's sense of community & confidence as she moves through her school career. I understand that the leadership has been struggling here for a few years but I have found that this year the new Principal is working hard to resolve communication issues & there are positive things taking place!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with the school. It's an extremely nurturing environment that educates the whole child -- they really care about raising the kids to be kind and empathetic. The teachers and staff are very caring and dedicated. It's a private school, but it doesn't have a snobby feel at all -- that's one of the things we noticed and liked right away when we visited. The student body is very diverse, which is another plus. The staff who run the after-school program are great and really reinforce the good citizenship rules of the school (plus you pay by the hour, which is very flexible if you don't need full-time care). From academics to spiritual life to social life, it has been a great experience for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my daughters go to St. Timothy and we chose this school specifically for the academics (science, computers, music, and spanish are included) and the sense of community. The staff is very involved with the children, and as with everything, you get out of the experience what you put in. The teachers are great and excited about being a part of the school. There have been several changes in the administartion over the past several years, but the new prinicipal is a gem - involved, interested, and engaged. Per some of the other comments: yes, fundraisers are a pain, but most schools have them whether public or private, to help bridge the fiscal gaps. And everyone is informed about the mandatory hours and they do have the option to "pay" for them if you choose. Everyone always has choices and we are very happy with our school and our choice.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that teachers at this school are great, but the admin staff are the WORST I have ever met! All they want is $$$$$ Before we sent our daughter to school, the principle said they will limit 25 students per class. After our first day at school, we found there are 32 students in her Kindergarten class with NO additional teacher. After we compare this school with some other schools, we decided to move our girl out of there. Then the school still charged us a full month tuition for one week. As parents , you will need to sell three different catalogs for the fund raiser, if you can't meet requirement, you need to buy them yourself. 40 hours of services also will be hard if you have little kids at home or both parents work. This school doesn't give us any feeling of community! I don't recommend you to go unless you have have absolutely no other choice!
—Submitted by a parent

It is an awesome school and environment for my girls. They feel so comfortable there and love their friends and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We simply love the school. Our daugthers are enjoying the interaction with the rest of the kids on different grades. One major reason why we joined this school was because there is a sense of community and a large mix of cultures. The extra curriculum available is more than other schools have to offer and the kids enjoy all of them.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has served my family very well. My son, now a fresman at Serra, was very well prepared, and my daughter now in 6th grade. The teachers care deeply about the acadmeic success of each child. The parent community cares deeply about the school and work hard to contribute.
—Submitted by a parent

Leadership of the school has gone down the tubes. There is no feeling of community or incentive for parents to get involved. Kids seem happy but it could be so much better.
—Submitted by a parent

They ask too much of parents, not just tuition but another 500 or so on uniform, about $5.00 per meal, teachers are insensitive and rude, and they do not meet the needs of each student. The Junior High is unorganized. Not enough activities, and, too many fundraisers. The children miss out on academics when recess is prolonged, and for kids with problems concentrating it is hard.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was only there for 6th and 7th grade but I want to echo the previous post about the parent involvement, it's amazing and everyone is really nice. My son had wonderful teachers and I can't say enough about the front office staff, I have always been greeted with smiles, and for a new parent, that was refreshing. Even though we are moving to South Carolina I have made some lasting friends through St. Tim's.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Timothy School is a second home for my daughter. The staff are all great not only in teaching academics but also when it comes to molding character and total well-being of each child. Parents involvement has been always encouraged in a fun environment, and everybody seemed to be one family in helping out with the school activities.I felt the warmth in each staff I met the very first day I went in the school with my daughter. St. Timothy School has lived up to the policy of non-disciminatory rights of each individual regardless of race,color,or origin.Kudos to St. Timothy School!
—Submitted by Ellen Ong, a parent