St. Isabella School

The school is terrible. There is a reason enrollment is at 50% in the early grades. The teachers are sub-par, the teaching method is outdated by 20 years and there is no progressive/innovative teaching that is found in other private schools. I agree with the prior post that the principal is apathetic, as are most of the teachers. Discipline is archaic and overall not a supportive positive environment. Exclusions are the PE teacher, after-school care and the supporting aides/helpers in certain classes. Save your money, look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Not up to par for the amount of tuition per year, teachers have been there too long to have a fresh outlook on education, less than healthy hot lunches, not a great experience- unorganized and apathetic principle.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, great teachers, highly active parent community. We've been there for 6 years, and have enjoyed every year. Our children are excelling, and the school has good academic programs and plenty of after school enrichment programs as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't feel that this is the case at all. I am currently a kindergarten parent at St. Isabella, 4/22/10. I feel that the kindergarten teacher and full time aide are very competent. We value and respect our religious beliefs and that is why we enrolled our children in a Catholic school. If you want less religion, go to a private school. There is only 30 minutes of religion taught in each grade throughout the day. I don't feel that is taking away from the academic workload. The California state requirements are followed.
—Submitted by a parent

excellent, dedicated teachers. well structured lesson plans. involved pta.
—Submitted by a former student

School provides an excellent education and the skills for a child to succeed. There is a high paent envolvement and everyone is made to feel part of this schhools success.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with the education our children are receiving at St. Isabella School. The faculty and staff are outstanding and extremely dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Isabella is a wonderful school. The teachers are caring professionals. The parents work very hard and raised over $200K last year. The graduates get into the best Catholic high schools in the area! We love it at St. Isabella!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Isabella's is a fine school but the teacher's could focus more on inspiration than discpline to motivate the children. Also, although religion is clearly part of the reason that one attends, we hope the time spent declines over time in favor of more academic work. But mostly, we wish they would limit class size to < 30 and if necessary increase tuition to ensure a better student/teacher ratio and to increase teaching aid and educational exposure the children recieve. Having said that, we are keeping our child in the school, but supplementing studies with additional 'homework'.
—Submitted by a parent

The Kindergarten is terrible. They have a no hug policies even for parents towards their own children while helping in the class. They have actually sent home a memo that stated that parents could not pick up their children and carry them to their cars after school and that the children should be forced to walk to their cars. The teachers have discussed personal information and their opinions of our child with other parents who have children in the same grade. They have on more than one occasion made statements that were not true. The kindergarten class has problems, what they are, I can only guess. Too high of expectations. Too many children in one room (28). Incompetent teachers. Limited teaching skills and experience. We were warned of these issue prior to signing up and failed to believe what we had heard. Look closely, examine the teachers, ask the teachers about any past problems with children and/or parents.
—Submitted by a parent