St. Pius X Catholic High School

I love this school and I am a student. The teachers are the best and yes we get homework but who cares! The school has a great athletic program and a great principal. I would never want to go to any other school. I love the excellent teachers as well.
—Submitted by a student

Love, Love, Love this school and everything it stands for. Absolutely awesome Principal who REALLY cares and a faculty that enjoys making high school a rewarding and enriching experience for all the kids. I have 3 kids currently enrolled and would not have them anywhere else. I really like the fact that Pius has challenges just like every other school. If you look for a high school environment that is devoid of challenges then you need to home school only. It's not the challenges (smoking, drugs, promiscuity, cheating, drinking, etc.) that Pius and all schools face it's how you decide to address them. I think Pius is diligent without being overbearing and constructive as well as firm and fair. Like any high school, you need to get involved to have a great experience. There is lots to get involved in and kids are strongly encouraged to do so. Great School, no matter how you look at it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending St. Pius and would not have them go anywhere else. My daughter has made friends of all races and religions at Pius. She is a slightly overweight, beautiful and outgoing girl who is a member of the drama club, the debate team and she is an Eucharistic Minister for masses held at the school. She strives to be the best student that she can and the teachers at this school have helped her every step of the way. My son does not play sports at the school, nor is he considered a scholar, but as a freshman he does well in his studies and if he has any questions or concerns his teachers have gone out of their way to set up study times with him before or after school. They go above and beyond to make sure these kids are ready to take on college. The parental involvement is incredible and there is always someone willing to lend a hand. Is sending them to St. Pius a sacrifice? You bet, but it s worth every penny, and if you have the opportunity please check the school out, I know you ll like what you see.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Piux X Catholic High School is an excellent school from the principal, the faculty, the facilities and the students. This is a caring, supportive and academically challenging school that wants their students to be successful in high school and beyond. The communication from the school and faculty is clear and responsive to any questions. My son is very happy to be at St. Pius and oftens thanks us for sending him to this school. How often does that happen? He feels a part of the school community and wants to participate with the clubs and service projects. This school is wonderful and I highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of the primary reasons I chose St. Pius for my daughter is because of the diversity-racially, socio-economically, etc. and because of the challenging coursework. Additionally, the tuition at St. Pius is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, for private high schools in Atlanta and they offer financial aid for those in need. They also offer scholarships-my daughter has received 3-two for academics and 1 for the arts. As a single mom who receives no child support, this was very appealing. My daughter is one of 27 Protestants in a class of 270, and that has never been an issue. She is not thin or on an athletic team. She is beautiful (inside and out), shy, and academic and loves SPX. She has been in the band program (marching and symphonic) for 3 years, as well as in several other clubs. The offerings are amazing. Their arts program is wonderful and the athletic program is top notch. Parents are very involved...I am very involved and I work full-time. It is a very welcoming, nurturing environment...it feels like family. The principal and leadership at the school are amazing and they know teenagers. I would highly recommend this school to anyone...you won't be sorry.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that the school is sorely lacking in diversity. If you are not white and mostly thin, then you are on a sports team or at another school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. It is amazing!

Don't send your child here expecting to be offered AP coursework even if they are deserving. SPX does not have enough AP teachers to cover the students who are eligible.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a family member of a student here at St Pius and it changed her a lot. She used to be grumpy and mad and had a bad attitude, but now she is a completely different person. She never fails a test anymore. I think that St Pius is the best school to go to

I attended St. Pius X for 4 years. It is a great community to get involved in. The teachers are great and are there for you for whatever you need. The work load was tough at times, but the transition to college has been very easy. I find that Pius had successfully prepared me for college. It is a great school and I would recommend the school to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

Love that my kids are challenged to be stronger both academically and spiritually. This school is a family of educators and learners...parent involvement is high. My kids love that they have opportunities to take classes that most schools don't offer, like sociology and AP art. It's amazing how wonderful this school is - send your children.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a junior at St. Pius, and after a rough transition for freshman year, I have really come to enjoy it. Mr. Spellman is the best principal in the history of principals. He's so enthusiastic and knows so many students by name. The teachers are challenging but usually very good. I feel like I'm getting prepared for college. There's a saying that Pius won't let you go there without doing an extracurricular, and it's true. There's something for everyone. Athletics and fine arts are always pretty good, and I don't even know all the clubs in the school. Parents are pretty involved, and even though it's in a sketchy neighborhood, no one ever feels unsafe. I feel like I'm being prepared for college, and I love my school.
—Submitted by a student

Here is a school which cares, which challenges, which seeks to meets needs of its population. The principal is absolutely top drawer, the teachers involved,highly qualified, caring; student body diverse across socio-economic levels, racial populations and student apptitude.I read a critique questioning diversity...this is a parochial school, some call it private- likely considered so by admissions standards...still the school attempts to appeal to and accept students willing to work,but who can afford the tuition,&/or qualify for one of many scholarships.. Tuition is reasonable by Atlanta private school standards- the days of parochial school 'free rides' are over. I also object to the criticism that students who need help won't find help here. That is completely untrue and we know from 4 years of experience! To be fair, we did not come from a public school, but were well-prepared by 9 years of private K-8 schooling. Here is a school population which works hard and plays hard - many sports/arts/extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is good if you don't have any problems. If you have any problems which need addressing, the staff is too busy to help.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Pius is not only a great school, but a great community. The parents and teachers are so warm and caring and the students are all great. Something that I really liked about St. Pius is that even though it is a Catholic school, the teachers and staff are very open-minded and do not force any beliefs on the students. They are even open to debate and do not judge anyone reguarding their own personal beliefs. The discipline is reasonable and always involves parent notification. As a former student and a Catholic, I am so grateful that I had the experience that I did at Pius.
—Submitted by Elizabeth Ripley, a former student

As non-Catholics, we have felt welcomed and included in every way. Diversity is clear here- accounting for the richness of the community. Almost a hybrid of public/private. There is a high level of parent involvement-as much as one would prefer to do! St. Pius Is HS Only so parent talent along w/academic, artistic,& athletic talent comes from many metro counties and parochial,public and private schools. School administration is top-notch and same can be said of most faculty. The talent here, combined w/caring about the students make for an excellent learning environment. Academically, St.Pius offers 3 levels-Honors, College Prep I, College Prep II as well as every type AP course -also a study center staffed by exceptional teachers/guidance staff. The Arts are important here- several years ago an entire building opened devoted to Fine Arts and further growth. Students participate exuberantly in every athletic sport imaginable. SPX enjoys a legendary reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding the diversity issue ~ what do you mean? It's a Catholic school. Of course, the majority of the students will be Catholic. If you're talking about racial diversity, look at the statistics. Black Catholics are a minority in the Church. This isn't New Orleans, where there's a strong old foundation and history of Black Catholics. Regarding Asians and Hispanics/Latinos, the school adequately reflects the Atlanta area. If it's a socioeconomic issues - once again check your surroundings. St. Pius's tuition isn't cheap. Yes, scholarships are offered, but not to cover everything. So, not everyone can afford to attend.
—Submitted by a former student

this school does not have much student diversity
—Submitted by a student

This is the second year as a parent with a child at this school. The only thing that concerns me is that there has been at least two occasions where suspects fleeing from police entered school grounds. School procedures provided an immediate lock down when intruders have entered the grounds and teachers (according to my child) were ready to protect the children at any cost. It's unfortunate that this location apparently provides a good escape route for these suspects.
—Submitted by a parent