St. Richard's Episcopal School

My son studied sharks, built one on our kitchen table, did a speech to his grade about "his" shark, and today, he dissected one. The child is consumed with enthusiasm and we couldn't be more pleased. Great, great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Terribly mismanaged The Head of School is attempting to bring on as many close friends as possible, as he has no experience with managing a school and is trying to surround himself with puppets and "yes men (and women)" for his agenda. He lacks an appreciation for the school's unique qualities, including "classic curriculum" and "faith". which are also this school's greatest assets. The staff feel hugely unappreciated and their thoughts and opinions are given no consideration. In fact, the Head has cancelled nearly every faculty meeting this year as he cannot face the staff and address their questions and concerns. In this administration, anyone who questions a superior is seen as complaining. The students are taught they can never be wrong, and they run this school alongside their parents and the aforementioned and largely inexperienced administrators. The students and teachers are fantastic but the current Head of School has no management experience and is only concerned about enrollment numbers--the current students and staff have no value. Everyone is concerned about this school right now, including the faculty, families, and students Stay far away until this Head is gone.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Richard's has been absolutely fantastic for our two children, and we just can't wait to get the third one in the PK program. The school is truly dedicated to values and knowledge for a lifetime and challenges children appropriately to meet their highest potential.
—Submitted by a parent

SRES is a strictly, in-flexible school. Their education program is based upon video learning and self guided work. The classroom numbers are small, yet the teachers cannot reach the individual child. The children are only successfull because the majority of the parents pay for private tutoring - their competitive nature. Many of the teachers are obusive and demeaning to the children. There is no room for individualism at SRES. The children are forced into a "one mold fits all" idealology with no room for individualism or creativity. SRES is not state accredited and does not have any test scores to demonstrate productivity. The new head of school has the same narrow-minded mentality. He has begun to "weed out" children who have been successful, yet do not fit the "brick in the wall" mentality at SRES. He is creating a mini "Park Tudor" including staff and students. BEWARE: bullying is rampant at SRES. The faculity and staff believe the children behave as angels unattended. Children who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or have non-verbally learning disabiliies will be victims of other children, teachers and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does a wonderful job of meeting children's individual needs. My daughter has been pushed to develop at her own pace. She is given individual attention, as the class sizes are relatively small. My daughter thrives at SRES. She looks forward to going to school everyday and even wants to attend when she is does not feel well. The teachers at this school do an amazing job and truly care for each student.
—Submitted by a parent

S.R.E.S. is a truly unique establishment of 52 years. It is not a parochial school as the name might lead you to believe. It is an independent day school with a partnership with Trinity Episcopal Church. It embraces diversity with over 30 countries represented and a variety of socio-economic, religious, and family backgrounds. What does this mean for you and your family? It means respect, appreciation, care, and concern for each member of the community,and the ability to be a partner in your child/children's education. In order to create lifelong learners and instill knowledge and values for a lifetime, every member of the faculty works to meet the individual needs of every child with care and concern for the whole child. In addition to a rigorous curriculum and school uniform policy, it is enhanced with language, music, art, technology, chapel/divinity, school assemblies, athletics, leadership programs, and community service projects, just to name a few. The school community has a family feel. I know my child will not only be prepared for high school academically, but has also been strengthened in character and truly loved by his teachers and peers for the past decade.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our son's second year at St Richard's. Our experience has been even better than we had expected it would be. The faculty and administrative staff go out of their way to make each student feel special. This morning the middle school literature teacher saw me in the hall and asked about my son by name and he hasn't even had him as a student yet. When you walk down the halls at St Richard you always see involved parents and caring teachers and a lot of happy kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My son REGRETS getting older! The reason: I had to go to high school and leave SRES.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Richard's is truly an amazing school. It offers a unique combination in Indianapolis of a faith based education which cultivates diversity and openmindedness in our children. I have never regretted a minute of the 11 years my children have attended there. The teachers genuinely get to know the students and their families. My son (currently in high school) is very proud of the education he received at St. Richard's and often hears positive comments from his teachers about how well prepared he was for high school. I am so grateful to have found this school for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

St Richards takes such great care to stay to true to its mission: Knowledge and Values for a Lifetime. I might not be able to persuade you to attend with the few characters printed here, but I urge you to pay a visit to the school and take a quick tour before you make your final decision about where and how to educate your children (www.strichardsschool.org/about-us). St Richards has a classic curriculum with a progressive and inclusive global perspective. Its graduates are able to pick their high schools and go on to attend an impressive list of undergraduate institutions.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children at St. Richard's- spanning a wide range of grades- and continue to be incredilby impressed and happy about the level of education, support, and friendhip each of them receives from the school. The academics are challenging, but never overwhelming, and payoff in a huge way as showcased in different ways, including the fact that 100 percent of the school's 2013 eight grade class was accepted by their top choice of high school. The faculty and administration treats our kids- and us- with kindness and respect. There is a great feeling of community at St. Richard's which is wonderful especially considering the student body hails from all over the world and is very diverse both religiously and socio-economically. Not only are we, as parents, very pleased with the school, our children are, too- and their daily happiness and growth speaks volumes about the quality of education and care they recieve at St. Rishard's.
—Submitted by a parent

This school in the near north side of the city is 52 yrs old and based on old British Day school. Therefore it has a classic curriculum that stresses art, music, behavior, academic knowledge, moral ethics and physical education. I cannot find a better blend of old teachings and modern living. I would highly recommend this to parents who want to raise smart yet compassionate and ethical human beings who know the need for helping others, being truthful and honest and repecting elders. These qualities are essential along with academic success to raise the bar of humanity. Tradition and culture are abundant at St.Richards and the ability to maintain them and yet be modern and cutting-edge iss something quite remarkable to see.
—Submitted by a parent

There are far better schools so keep looking. The middle school environment is emotionally toxic. The school's "Five Pillars" are nothing more than words on paper. Whatever is taught at chapel, and we've never been told, is not on display in student behavior. Many teachers have no control over classroom behavior. Anti-social students who behave inappropriately know there are no consequences. Many high-achieving students are ridiculed and rejected by their peers. The administration and teachers have little or no knowledge of behavior mangement. Parents who are rightfully concerned are labeled and dismissed by the administration. The quality of instruction is subpar. The language arts program is a disaster. We have had to provide substantial home instruction in composition, grammar, usage, and mechanics. One of the foreign language teachers exhibits an obvious dislike of boys. The specials "curriculum" is a joke and a waste of the students' valuable time. PE is nothing more than free play. The music teacher cries in front of students. We've seen not a single art project of any merit. We will be leaving the school as soon as our children can be placed elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

This review of SRS is long overdue. My family s experience with the school was a painful one. This school is fine if you just want average quality of education and childcare service. SRS offers the "popular" curriculum in Language Art, Math and Science program. Unfortunately, the quality of education that my kids received was far below standard. Its private independence school status does not require the school to meet any standard established by Indiana DOE and no state standardized test is required. Kids who moved out of the school or graduates have to do a lot of things to catch up before they move into a new school or enter high school, especially in the area of math, science and language art. Music and Art it is nice to have them offered in school, but it is not a good program. I really hope the new Headmaster will bring the school into a brighter future. My advice that may save the school: (1) Provide regular training for teachers (2) Get rid of the old school administrators especially the Division Heads. Bring new people with better skills, attitude, and culture to the school (3) Listen to the families concerns.

Like many parents concerned about their child's education, my wife and I took the necessary time to interview schools in the area to find the right fit for our daughter. After lot's of visits, the unanimous choice was St. Richard's School. What we felt would happen to our daughter is actually happening before our eyes. Our daughter is blossoming into a confident young lady. The committment to classic curriculum as well as its approach towards developing young minds is an attractive feature of this school. A plus for me is that parental involvement is not only encouraged, it is expected. I have enjoyed the level of interaction with the teachers and have developed strong relationships with many of the parents. We all work together as a communty to help fostor the growth of our children. I am confident that St. Richard's is not only preparing my daughter for high school and beyond, but also helping her develop into a solid citizen.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at St. Richard's. I have been very impressed with the school, the teachers, the curriculum and the communication with parents. My children are being challenged to do their best work and they feel (and say) that their teachers care for them and have helped them do their best. The middle school teachers are extraordinary and I feel confident that my children will be very well prepared for any high school.
—Submitted by a parent

SRES is a magical place that encourages all children to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. Teachers here love their jobs and show their students the joy of learning. All 3 of our children began their years at SRES in Kindergarten and have continued to grow and mature with the dedicated staff.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Richard's Episcopal School has been a perfect fit for our family. Our daughter started in Pre - K at age 3. SRES has provoided a loving and nurturing environment which has become more academically rigorous each year. The school truely is one big family unto itself. A tremendous benefit that is not found at most public or private schools. It provides character and virture building qualities in the student that very few schools can specifically pont to as part of their students' attributes. These are qualities that will last a lifetime and carry them well throughout life. The foundation SRES creates is immeasurable.
—Submitted by a parent

We have sent 2 children to St. Richard's Episcopal School, with our oldest graduating this year. It has been a wonderful fit for our children as well as our family. It is a academically rigorous school, with passionate and caring teachers. Our son will graduate this year with an excellent education and appreciation of the diverse world in which he lives.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school I have ever been a part of. Great curriculum, excellent teachers. Passionate instruction.
—Submitted by a teacher