St. Monica Catholic Elementary School

St. Monica Catholic Elementary School continues to be dedicated to educating the whole child. SMCES offers an dynamic environment for ALL children while keeping the tuition affordable.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this school is going downhill. I feel like they are more concerned about filling up 35 kids per class, it doesn't matter who they accept, just as long as they get the $$$. Most of the teachers, staff and parents do care and try to make it a better community, but if the president and principal do not listen to the parents' concerns and be proactive leaders to solve problems, we can't move forward. Many parents who I've spoken to are tired of making an effort, thus volunteering and fundraising goals have gone down. Education is average. If your child is gifted or needs extra help, there's no help at the school for that. Come on leaders of the school.....Make some positive changes now!
—Submitted by a parent

I wish I could give this school zero stars. Bullying is rampant, not only amongst the students, but also amongst the parents. If you deviate from the rigid Catholic doctrines in any way, then good luck to you and your children! And it's not like the academics even make up for the social climate at this school because they are average at best. They squish 35 kids into each classroom, with one classroom per grade. Research shows that class size DOES matter. We are looking forward to switching schools in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and my family's experience has been a positive one. The teachers are dedicated to the students and the school, and this is visible each and every day. The president/principal model that the school employs provides strong leadership and allows our principal to focus on curriculum and the day-to-day of the school. The academic environment is challenging and the teachers and administration are continually scrutinizing it to make it the best it can be. Above and beyond everything that I've stated above, the community at the school is wonderful. Students are educated in a safe and nurturing environment and the result is confident children who excel socially and academically. I highly recommend St. Monica Catholic Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

The classes are full at St. Monica's because of word of mouth. My children have and are receiving an excellent academic education. This is reflected in their high national test scores. More important to me is the nurturing community and environment. The rich array of after school programs, the sports programs and the involvement of all grades with one another in the "school families" that include children from each grade in one "family" all serve to bring children together in many different ways. The service hours that are required of parents also ensure that parents become involved and become part of the community as well.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a terrible experience at this school. I would not recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Monica's has changed A LOT since the previous reviewer's children attended. The new principal, now in his 3rd year, has stuffed the classrooms to capacity (35 children in each room), so the teachers cannot individualize the curriculum to ensure every child is reaching his potential. Many families left the school in the middle of the year because of this, and we are currently searching for another school. If your child falls outside of what is considered average, this is probably not the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending SMCES since the first grade, he's now an seventh grader. He loves going to school. The staff is tremendous, the principal is one of the best I ever been around. The teachers are amazing. At back to school night they lay out their goals for the coming school year. The talk about their teching styles, and expectations for the students. You know exactly what to expect. The campus is safe and the elementary school works together well with the high school. I cannot imagine my son going to a different school.
—Submitted by a parent

A great and safe education.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter, who is in 1st grade, comes home happy and can't wait to tell me how good her day was. Every morning at breakfast, she is so excited to go back to school that it is clear to me that the learning environment at SMECS is a nurturing and empowering experience for our daughter and, by extension, our entire family.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a great principal and is very community-oriented. The school also has a great after care program, including on-campus enrichment classes.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is beyond lovely. The teachers, the principal, the community. Everyone seems to truly care and work together for the best of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Great community! Fantastic teachers, awesome core values, incredible environment and an amazing principal.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so fortunate to be a part of this beautiful school community. Our son went from a public school to St. Monica's and adjusted well within a short time.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with all of the prior reviews. St. Monica's offers a a very safe and comforting environment for children, the ideal environment for learning. Most of the families that have decided to send their children to this school have made an active choice to be very involved in their child's education as it is a requirement of the school. Research has shown that it is this active parental involvement that is one of the most critical factors in determining how successful and happy your child will be later on in their life. St. Monica's breaks thru class barriers and has really created a community all working towards the same goal. As the children progress thru the grades they are expected to become more independent. This is another aspect of the school that appeals to me.
—Submitted by a parent

We love St. Monica Elementary School. It provides an excellent academic program in a nurturing environment. There is a sense of community and family spirit that;s hard to find. The teachers are professional and caring. The principal supervises by 'wandering around' and is totally available and approachable. Eighth graders graduate on a positive note, proud of what they have accomplished and confident to succeed at the next level. We recommend this school with great enthusiasm to anyone who is searching for a super grammar school for their children. We have been very highly pleased!
—Submitted by a parent

An academic and spiritual gem. It is the best and only Catholic school to consider. Strong PE program and outstanding academics!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Nurturing yet disciplined. Lost of great teachers and an outstanding principal. She is on the school yard morning and afternoon and knows every child by name. What a difference from our previous school, where after 4 years, no one knew who we were! A warm, friendly, and caring community.
—Submitted by a parent

A near-perfect small elementary school environment. There is a sort of 'Donna Reed Show' kindness and gentleness, combined with great teachers, up-to-date computer facilities, and current teaching techniques. My daughters had a great experience there and I recommend it highly. It is safe, academically advanced, and prepares the students well for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Monica Elementary is the best. The faculty and staff are very nurturing and supportive. The principal is out on the yard every day. She knows all the children and they know her. She is very fair when she disciplined. The children are prepared well for high school. All get into the high school of their choice, and most go on to Catholic high schools.
—Submitted by Kim Tuverson, a parent