Saint Patricks

St. Patrick's is a GREAT school! The curriculum is at least a full year ahead of Duval Public schools. The staff and students do not make any student, new or returning, feel any differently; they welcome everyone as all part of the same family. Every parent is different and their parenting style is different, so unfortunately there are those "bad apples" that attend the school. Some students are able to overcome the standards, structure, and curriculum to become successful at St. Patrick's, others are not. The bottom line is parents who make the sacrifice to send their child to a private school, will also take the necessary steps to help their child adjust to the different environment from previous schools. When bullying is discovered, it is squashed immediately by the staff. Unfortunately, based on parenting, it exists everywhere, but it is not tolerated at St. Patrick's by any means. It is important for those people who have rated this school poorly to realize that kids will be kids, and child rearing is the responsibility of the parent, not the school. No place is perfect, but I would not send my children to any other school other than St. Patrick's.
--Submitted by a parent

My Kids love St. Patrick! Education is important, providing a solid catholic education is important, but most important is how my grandkids feel about themselves and how they feel about school. As a grandparent and the guardian of my 2 grandkids I have been exceptionally happy by the education and the catholic education they have received. St. Patrick provides balance. My grandkids love their school, it's not a day I don't hear about what they did, The teachers recognizes each child potential and then build upon it. My grandson is an example of that. He came to St. Patrick in 2nd grade, he was somewhat quiet, struggled reading and didn't show much interest in school. Today I see a different child. Instead of being loss in a classroom, he was able to get the attention he needed. St. Patrick teaches them to care about others as well as themselves. Last year my granddaughter insisted that instead of gifts for her birthday that everyone give money for Haiti. I can say that it is because of me that she did that, but I will be honest and say that it came from what she gets from St. Patrick. St. Patrick's School offers a strong education, where our children feel safe and loved.
--Submitted by a parent

A great education at a reasonable price! There is no comparison between the curriculum of St. Patrick's and the Duval Public Schools. In addition to the core courses, my children have access to state of the art Computer and Science Labs, Physical Education, Music and Band. They participate in team sports including: Basketball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Softball, and Volleyball. The faculty is great, caring and nurturing. They place a strong emphasis on parental involvement with their children's education. The children are taught and expected to uphold strong moral values, both at school and at home. One of my children has a learning disability, and needs special compensations. The school, all though not required by law as with public schools, does meet all of those needs for us. This is a great place to get your children's education started in the right direction. Many, if not most, of the children continue on to Bishop Snyder or Bishop Kenney for their High School education. St. Patrick's ensures your children are ready for the challenges of these fine schools!
--Submitted by a parent

The eduction is fine, but if you don't put your child in the school before 5th grade, your child is doomed to be a outcast. If a kid entering 5th grade will have trouble making friends, imangine that kid in 8th grade! A person thrown in in the later years will likely make no friends. Some of the teachers are great, some not, some teachers shrug off kids and insult them and all. The science teacher here is AWESOME for the middle school grades. The principal has her problems and seems to be very uptight. She will defend teachers before students and has no interest in stopping the bullying and shunning commited by her students, pretending the school is perfect and those problems do not exist. The school also restrains new students horribly. They are denied access to many groups and "clicks".
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great as far as education goes and in comparison to public schools in Jacksonville. Not all teachers are concern about the students and the principal's motto is teachers first students last. She will stick up for the teachers before hearing the concerns of the kids. I think the school needs to be updated and bring in new faces, there are too many clicks and if you are not part of it you will be an outcast. The principal should consider retiring. I had to take my children out of the school because of problems with the staff.
--Submitted by a parent

it is a great school were everybody gets a great education.
--Submitted by a student

Awesome! I love the close family-like environment!
--Submitted by a parent

I attended St. Patricks as a child, and my daughter has been there for the last 5 years. The environment here is wonderful, the teachers and staff are so supportive, and I can't imagine sending my child anywhere else. When my younger daughter is ready for school, she will be attending St. Patricks as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 7th grader and Pre-k student at St. Patricks. I am extremely pleased with the level of caring and skill of the teachers and staff here. The academic program is exceptional, my oldest child has struggled with her grades during the transition from public to private school. However, she has unlimited access to tutoring in any subject she may be having a problem with. The sports program is amazing. Our coach expects the best from the children in every aspect of their life. His moto is 'God first, family second, School... if you have all of that then sports.' But they strive to achieve that. I placed my 4 yr old here this year. She loves her teachers. They are both so kind and caring to all of the children. I expected some type of a baby sitting service. Not even close they are learning spanish!
--Submitted by a parent

St. Patricks Is a wonderful school and church. I would not have my children attend any where else. The teachers and staff are excellent. The sports programs are great. The principals door is always open. I would like to see them move to another area where it would be easier to find, so we could get more students. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by Brian, a parent