St. Bernadette Catholic School

They do tolerate bullying here, big time. Deleting my review of it won't stop me from saying it. I have information to prove it. Freedom of speech.

The pre-k curriculum is phenomenal! My son has excelled . However, the school itself is not very accommodating to working parents. What they don't tell you when you enroll is that they have half-day Friday's every 1st Friday of the month. Also, if there is a school concert in just one of the grades, or for other random reasons the after school program will be closed. They also don't tell you that in addition to tuition, you will also be responsible for fundraising some hundreds of dollars or writing a check at the end of the year. For working parents with a couple kids at home this can be quite cumbersome. In addition, they do not have an adequte playground or gym for children to safely play. Instead, they force children to play on the asphault. With the amount we pay on tuition, you'd think they could invest in a playground.
--Submitted by a parent

10-star school! We began in 2001 w/ Mrs. Hart (aka the best Kindergarten teacher ever). Well-planned curriculum, safe environment, Respect & Discipline taught. No bullying allowed. My 3 children (ages 4-12 years) don't want to attend public school & don't mind uniforms! We live a few towns away,each year we find a way to keep them there although it's becoming difficult. Teaching up-to-date, science & computer labs, wonderful clubs & extracurricular activities begin around 4th grade & sports begin around 5th, they learn spanish, go on educational field trips, learn to speak in front of an audience by participating in mass, sports for both genders, learn to help their community, join numerous clubs: art, scrabble & tech ed, family community encouraging parents to get involved what ever way they can. We've formed lasting relationships here as well. Your child comes first. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish to respond to the remark made by the person who said that bullying is basically ignored at st. B's. I can attest to the fact that quite the opposite is true. They have zero tolerance for bullying of any kind and my son attended school there for 5 years and if the economic situation hadn't gotten so bad, he would still be there. He is in public school and they do a good job but st. B's was better with regard to the bullying. The school was wonderful, the teachers dedicated and caring and probably working at much less of a salary than public schools and my son had such a good prep at st. B's that he is doing so well at public school. All a's and b's and a great reader. St b's is the best!
--Submitted by debbie dattilo, a parent

A horrible school wher bullying is allowed and basically ignored, STAY AWAY

This school is a treasure tucked into a great New Haven neighborhood. The environment and commitment of the teachers make Saint Bernadette School a wonderful place for children today.
--Submitted by a parent

There are several sport programs and extracurricular activities after school. I, for one, know that because I participated in almost all of them and benefited from them. St. Bernadette's prepared me for an excellent private high school in CT where I am currently excelling. The teachers were always supportive and encouraged all the pupils to strive to do our very best. Every year the school is developing even more (new computers in every classroom, new and interesting clubs, and a brand new computer lab). I graduated SBS with an incredible feeling of accomplishment and determination to do anything. I also made the greatest friends there whom I am still in touch with and if I could go back in time I would not change enrolling there. I highly recommend SBS if you want to send your child to a superior private elementary/middle school.
--Submitted by Heather S, a former student

I have 3 daughters in SBS (grades 2,6 and 8) and all 3 have had nothing but good experiences from The Pre K program on up. All 3 excel in academics and have had excellent relationships with every teacher. They are also enjoying all of the sports, clubs and extracurricular activities offered here (softball, basketball, cheerleading, art club, student council, Italian club, choir, etc.) We have a wonderful community of students, parents, families and parishioners. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.
--Submitted by carol cyr, a parent

I took my daughter out of this school. The teaching is not up to standards. She did horribly on the state master's test. I placed my daughter in public school and she is excelling. I am severly disappointed with this school and do not recommend. There are no extracurricular activities and no sports.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a gem. My twin daughters are currently in first grade at St. Bernadette and they love going to school. The secure, caring and nurturing environment of this school is comforting for any parent's piece of mind. The teachers love to teach and that makes all the difference. The PreK4 teacher, Mrs. Scaranuzzo, had some of the four year olds reading a hand full of sentences by the end of the year! The kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hart, is a loving, gifted women that not only loves all children, she knows how to motivate them and teach them to love learning. She is a touch act to follow! First grade is a big adjustment, but my daughters - and their classmates - continue to excel. I highly recommend St. Bernadette.
--Submitted by marcella mascola, a parent