St. Catherine of Siena

We have sent our child to this school for over 6 years. I have always felt as has my child for it to be the next closest thing to family. The on site staff and teachers truly care about their students. The support and lessons our child has learned have prepared for 'the real world'. There is no bullying here. Respect, discipline, challenges and building character were found here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is still one of the best in this area. The staff is very capable and the new principal is quite a find. This is our third year at this school and we find it to be a great alternative to public schools. The Pre-K teacher is outstanding and prepared our child not only for K. but beyond! Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

I am second year parent at this school. My first year was grim. The previous principal was not friendly. She really was not active. The new principal is great. She cares so much about our students. We are lucky to have her. Our new principal has many things to offer education is #1
—Submitted by a parent

This is sad to see a once great school diminish right before your eyes. What was once a school with spirit and a huge welcome of friendliness is now gone and replaced with a cold atmosphere. The new principal spends a lot of time on unnecessary gossip about students. Administrator or Teachers shows no student support to any basketball or soccer (the only two sports they offer) games. Teachers have left in the middle of the school year and replaced by non-certified staff. There has been hostile disputes between administrator and teacher in front of students. The students attend no field trips (with the exception of a Catholic school week Mass at the High School), no school dances or social events. The enrollment continues to decline (check the previous years records). Many good dedicated families have left this school. I believe it starts at the top.
—Submitted by a parent

I would strongly recommend St. Catherine to anyone who needs a good school for their kids. The teaching techniques are newer so some parents don't quite understand the value in them until they see the results! I have noticed my kids bringing home projects that they need to complete and they are learning so much more from this approach instead of lectures that teachers did back when we were kids. I admire the changes the new principal has made. The smaller class also helps my son a great deal he told me that the teacher sits with him when he's having problems and walks him through to ensure that he understands. When my kids come home from school they have fewer questions about their homework. At the kids old school I use to drag them out of bed now they wake up and get going they love their new school.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent who sent a posting in February 15. I am too very sad to see this school go down hill. Everything is unorganized. How can anyone run a school and not have controll. Then try to blame it on the no so well behaved children. Compared to other schools in the area, I think St. Catherine's has the better behaved students. Oh well, some people think the new principal is great, but I do not see what is great about her. One might say give her a break it's her first year, but Mrs. Velez (who was wonderful) didn't have this problem. She was out there in the back parking lot every morning and afternoon waving to all the cars and she knew all the students by name. This new principal is always seem to be missing in action.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the First Grade Class at St. Catherine of Siena. Mrs. Steffel (teacher) has done a wonderful job at teaching my child. She kept us informed of our child's progress and of any behavior problems. She is just one example of the type of teacher involvement you'll see there at St. Catherine. The teacher's are friendly and very involved with the student's education. Considering the limited funds that these private school receive yearly, the teachers have done a wonderful job. They have quality teachers. If you compare tuition to other schools, St. Catherine is one of the cheapest and most reasonable Catholic Schools in our area. Don't take my word for it, see the school. You'll see how friendly every one is.
—Submitted by a parent

During the last three years, Siena has experienced many positive changes. A new principal, Mrs. Velez, was hired and she has been in place for three years. This consistent leadership allows for many programs to flourish. In addition, Music education, spring and winter concerts, addition of 8th grade class,and other school activities have begun to make positive influences on the curriculum and student attitudes. ISTEP test scores have continued to improve and Siena has been rated an exemplary school in 05-06 and 06-07. The teachers are very dedicated and well trained! Hammond is very fortunate to have such a wonderful school in their community!
—Submitted by a teacher

My name is Kayla. I've been going to this school since 3rd grade. It's great! The staff care for us kids sooooo much. I went to a Babtist school before this school. My mom wanted me to go to a different school because she thought my old school wasn't challenging me enough. Since I went to St. Catherine's she is very happy. This school teaches you of the great power and ove God Almighty has. May God bless everyone at this school especially the staff. I love them all. God bless, Kayla
—Submitted by a student

My children have attended this school for over three years and overall I am satisfied with the school's performance. I like that 7th grade has been added and the possibility of 8th grade returning next year. However, I do think the school is in need of a variety of extra curricular activities and sport teams for boys and girls. I also think teachers should utilize all that nearby Chicago has to offer educationally by including fun academic fieldtrips. The School needs to remember that these are still children! I also think that the children should not have to suffer and endure the high degree of classroom heat on hot days. (Every classroom should have a working air conditioner). The school must remember that parents are choosing and paying for their child(children)to attend St. Catherines of Siena verus all the new neighborhood schools!
—Submitted by parent, a parent

I had a 2nd, 3rd and 5th grader attend for 2004-2005 year we love this school, my girls has kept a strong belief in God thru Father Larry excellent teachings during mass. The respectable children and staff, the concern of the teachers always keeping me informed when my children needed improvement and the areas they needed to improve in. Ms. Velez and Mrs. Kraus are wonderful staff they are always on top of things making sure the children are respecting their peers and always in uniform. They have a wonderful afterschool program to assist children with homework and have wonderful activities for the children when their done. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a respectable structured environment with wonderful prayerful staff that makes sure the needs of your children are met and they come first. You'll Love Them!
—Submitted by a parent