Santa Maria Del Popolo School

Our family loves this school. It is such a close knit group and my child is as happy as can be in this loving environment. Santa Maria feels like an extension of our family!!
--Submitted by a parent

We love SMdP! It was the best decision I have ever made!!! My daughter has flourished in this family environment. Great families, students and staff!!
--Submitted by a parent

Our family couldn't be happier at SMdP. They have made so many new changes to the school that truly benefit the children in their education. It's a place of faith, family and community. Our children love going to school. What more can a parent ask for?
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school! The teachers have instilled such a love of learning . Our son has gone here for three years now and has blossomed academically, socially and spiritually. We couldn't be happier. Kudos to the whole staff.
--Submitted by a parent

The kids at Santa Maria have a very good social environment. My kid's classmates are all close friends, but not cliqueish. All these kids come come from good households so I am comfortable with whoever they are getting together with from school. The teachers are very caring and competent. My kids were reading and adding by the end of kindergarten. They were reeady for algebra in jr. high. They read at very advanced levels and are intrigued by science and social studies. In addition to learning Catholicism, my kids understand the basics of Judiasm, Buddism, Hindu, Islam and non-Catholic Christianity, so they are ready for what they'll encounter in HS and beyond. My only problems are that the building is a little old and the larger parish community could show a more support for school activities.
--Submitted by a parent

What an amazing diamond in the rough this school is! My child has had incredible teachers who care about him both spiritually and academically. All of the kids at this school are great examples of value based education, and generally go on to do very very well at Carmel HS. The families are all extremely involved in every aspect of this school and I couldn't be happier with the environment and support that we've seen here. This is more than just another school, this is a wonderful caring community and a beautiful environment for learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Santa Maria is the best! My wife and I are both graduates and knew in our hearts from the very beginning that there was only one school which would become the home of each of our four children for 9 years- Santa Maria. This relationship will end in 2010 with the graduation of our youngest child. We are proud to say that this will culminate 21 consecutive years of Santa Maria education for our four children! Santa Maria may not be the biggest, fanciest, and glamorous school around but who needs that status when you are provided something much more important- a school 'family'. A 'family' which truly cares about each and every student and their child's personal, social, and academic growth.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of Santa Maria my whole life. My husband and I graduated from Santa Maria and moved on to Carmel....Presently we are sending our children and are very happy! Santa Maria is an extended family like no other I have experienced. That is something the public schools definitly lack. Educationally, my daughter is ahead in math, reading and writing at her grade leval. I know this because I sub in the public schools time to time and see first hand what Santa Maria deinitly has and what the public schools do not have. The small class size is a definite plus. I know my child is getting the attention she needs to exceed. Yes, you have to give of your time and donate and support; but isn't your child worth it! A parents example is what forms a child. Santa Maria is the Best!
--Submitted by a parent

Despite all these parents complaining about the school, Santa Maria does a wonderful job preparing students for high school. I attended Santa Maria, and am currently a new teacher. They may not have advanced programs, but what parents have to understand is that the curriculum in general is advanced. Growing up, I was surrounded by public school kids, and the education, attention, and opportunities I received went well beyond theirs. When I finally reached college, I saw the extreme difference between my knowledge and education compared to public school kids. Looking back, things like AC were not important, but the education I received was great.
--Submitted by a former student

I just wish this wonderful school is what it used to be. I am disappointed with the lack of direction it has gone in as well as the declining enrollment. I hope it will be able to sustain itself in the long run, but much is needed to repair what has been lost over the past decade or so...
--Submitted by a parent