St. Catherine Laboure Elementary School

We love St. Catherine. They have an excellent academic curriculum which prepares the children for higher education. Many of the graduates go on to excel in advanced placement and honors classes at some of the best private and public high schools, like Bishop Montgomery, Loyola High, Mira Costa, and the Torrance high schools. I've met a few parents who are also alumni, all with college or graduate degrees, that loved St. Catherine so much when they attended that they decided to enroll their own children. The teachers and administration are very professional, caring, and devoted to their jobs. The children are well-behaved. There is absolutley no fighting or bullying. The school offers spanish, art, and techmology classes as well as after school sports and music programs and academic decathalon. It really is one of the best schools in the South Bay.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic standards at St. Cat's are set higher than your average public school. The students are really taught at an early age that hard work is the key to success. I feel that this school prepares students for the more competitive private high schools in the area, because the kids are held accountable for a lot more work. The sense of community here is also very strong. You feel welcome and everyone is there volunteering to help the school.My only complaint is that there is not any green space for the younger children to play on. But that is a small price to pay when they are receiving a top notch education. The level of respect you witness among the students toward adults is quite impressive as well. You can tell that these kids are taught to be respectful of their elders and their classmates. The teachers are all very professional and the principal is very approachable and friendly. I am very pleased that we moved my daughter to this school from a public school in Torrance.
—Submitted by a parent

If you just walked into one of the Kindergarten classes, you would see first hand how special this school is. Students are groomed at such a young age to strive for your very best. They are taught how to apply academic excellence, faith and integrity in all areas. This school teaches the "whole" child and this is the place I want my children to be. Way to Go!
—Submitted by a parent

After attending K-5 at a top public elem. in our area, words can't express how impressed we are! Teachers are truly dedicated and the V.P. and P. are both outstanding/committed educators of the *whole* child. Still in awe - they seem to have thought thru how best to do everything! Communication far exceeds what we've seen in our former school & we can actually see every grade on every assignment as it happens. Middle school does an outstanding job of creating an atmosphere where each child is valued. Bullying is virtually nonexistant. I've seen kids who were teased in our former school cultivated as school leaders, sharing in opportunities to serve school, community and charities. They are so good at raising self esteem in these kids. To me, the middle school academics are on par with JR college. Challenge to adjust from public school but the kids hit honor roll by 7th Gr.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. The principal and her staff are committed, kind and involved. They contribute so much to both the students and making this a great academic environment. The teachers are great (though it is our first year at this school) and they offer a higher standard of curriculum I did not find after interviewing other schools within this area. My child has learned so much even within the first half of the school year. The only negative comment I have about this school is with their church wide fundraising efforts. They seem a bit ineffective and unorganized, but otherwise, the education, teachers and administrative staff and even parents are great!
—Submitted by a parent

Like all of us GreatSchools parents, I spent a lot of time researching and debating to which school I should send my child. St. Catherine met all of the standard criteria - academically rigorous, safe, diverse. They offer small class sizes, extracurricular activities, before and after school care, and a summer enrichment program. But what sealed the deal for me is the people. From the principal to the custodian, from preschool through 8th grade, each teacher I've met, each parent I've talked to, has been so warm and friendly. It truly feels like we are apart of one big family. My son is excited to go to school each day. What more can a parent ask for?
—Submitted by a parent

There have been some changes to the school. They now offer low cost tutors after school who are all former students. This school is tough academically and these tutors have been lifesavers for many us. Starting fall 2011 they will also offer Spanish, along with Computer, Art, and PE to all students K-8. The kids are a little sad that the LA Archdiocese has extended the school year "in order to prepare our students for the global economy." But they are also really excited that grades 5 - 8 will have access to iPad's for use in the classroom next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Although this school offers a great academic and religious curriculum for our children, some of the teaching styles seem a little antiquated. Most of the teachers are great and seem to be very dedicated. The computer program they have there is excellent and the teacher rocks! There is, however, a small number teachers who've been there for many years that may need a refresher course on patience and fairness towards students. On the other hand, The principal is outstanding!!!! She is very supportive with parents and students and she is always available to parents. The vice-principal is just as great! I just wish st. catherine had extra resources or funds to provide our children with more field trips, music programs and/or after school tutoring.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Catherine Laboure school is a wonderful school! The Principal is dedicated and always thinks of the students first. The teachers are very dedicated. My child learns academic as well as moral and catholic values. I just wished the school went up to 12th grade. Keep up the good work St. Catherine Laboure!
—Submitted by a parent

St.Catherine Laboure is a great school.Everybody is nice to you.When you go back to public after going here everything is so easy.They have a great student body.
—Submitted by a former student

I believe this school needs more support for students and parents. I currently have 2 children attending this school and when we have needed extra academic help there was none available to us. They don't supply any tutoring after school for kids that are struggling. The school belive's it's up to the parents to supply any extra academic help and when you're working it's difficult to get your children to outside tutoring. The principal needs to realize mothers don't stay home anymore and we need help from our schools.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools in Torrance is St. Catherine Laboure School. The principal is super and teachers are dedicated. I could not ask for more. What a blessing to all of us who desire quality education! Parents are incredibly helpful and the pastor is warm and kind. Great school!
—Submitted by a teacher

My child is currently a student at St. Catherine.Coming from a background in education and also having been in public school and having tried it for my other children I can honeslty say there is no comparison. Take some time to volunteer inside some of these public schools and you will see first hand how many children are left behind.With a growing population of students and declining funds from the govn't you can't expect these schools to have the adequate resources necessary to help prepare each child for college and for life in general.How many public schools have a security system where you must be buzzed in to enter campus? How many public schools offer programs in art and computer as part of their daily curriculum?St. Catherine Laboure is a great school and I'd recommend it to any parent serious about their child's success in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Catherine Laboure is like no other. Yes, it's a bit harder than most schools but in the end I wouldn't want my child to have anything less than the best when it comes to education.The parent involvement is great, the children are involved in art, computer, music and sports are offered once they are in upper grades.Other extracurricular activities are available through the city for a reasonable price but education is #1 here and thanks to the commitment of the parents, teachers, and students the schools great reputation and success continues to grow.Once your child has attended St. Catherine's no other school will ever be the same.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni from St. Catherine Laboure and my younger brother is currently an eight grade. I must say that this school prepared the student so well that most of then do very well in High School. St. Catherine made my high school years so much easy and the top student from Bishop came from St. Catherine. About the after help from teahcers I know for a fact that my brother stays many hours after school to get personal help from all four of his teachers. This school has one of the best educational programs and yes it is a little hard but in the long run all the homework and projects and hours of school pay off 150%.
—Submitted by Katie, a former student

Good school, good environment, responsible teachers
—Submitted by a parent

This school prepares students to pass the high school entrance exam for Bishop Montgomerey. Unfortunately, students who are not able to keep up with the fast paced program are left behind. This school offers no after school tutoring or additional teacher assistance. They believe it is the parents responsibility. Unlike the local public school system that insures no child is left behind. St. Catherine is in need of some on site after school academic programs that are free to the parents paying full tuition. The principal has a good plan but this plan is not working for all of the students.
—Submitted by a parent