St. Dominic School

I attended this school from 2nd to 8th grade and, at 23, I still cringe at the thought of it. If you're not in the click with the other parents, your child will suffer. My parents were divorced and I certainly suffered for it. You won't feel a supportive, compassionate, Christian atmosphere - just Jonathan Edwards-esque tyranny. If you have any concerns, don't bother bringing it up to the principal...unless you enjoy a foul temper. Her screaming is thoroughly ingrained in my memory. The environment is exceedingly stressful and enough to keep even the brightest child from thriving.

This school is not what it used to be. They recently let a fabulous teacher go because she spent too much time during the day doing actual work with the kids instead of playing with them and only send home minimal homework. Her belief is that homework should only be a review and reinforcement of what they did during the day and the parents should not have to teach it. Apparently not the belief of the school because they pile on hours of homework in first grade up. The teacher "let go" was a pre-K teacher by the way! I have two other friends who pulled their K aged kids and put them in St. Paul's since they live in Lakeview and one goes to Kehoe. Both worth the extra tuition. You get what you pay for and it is not much here, unfortunately

This used to be a great school but I am taking my children out for this coming school year. It has lost its edge and has fallen into the "its always been this way" trap. The standardized test scores do not reflect an advanced curriculum. Very few of its students are recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program. The clickiness is there but I taught my kids to not let those type of things get to them. The problem with the principal not listening to parents' concerns is sooo real. It's basically her way or the highway.As long as you follow along like sheep and don't speak your mind, everything is fine and good. If you try to make any suggestions and she thinks that you may be criticizing her, watch out! Once you're on her list you might as well leave!!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school over 20 years ago (from 2nd grade until graduation) and am currently looking for schools to send my young son. I will definitely not be sending him to St. Dominic. I agree with some of the other reviews that state the school as being very "clickish". The school community consists of families who are rooted in Lakeview and this is where they send their kids. If you are not in that community, your child will not fit in properly and be accepted either by students or staff. I experienced this first-hand. I lived outside of Lakeview and my parents were definitely outsiders in the community because of it. There were many instances where I was shunned, by both faculty and students because no one knew me or my family. I can recall at least a couple of occasions where other kids were favored because their parents were close friends with faculty. I witnessed it with other kids, as well, who did not live in the area. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a place to send your child, and you are not involved in the Lakeview community, your child is more likely to have problems at this school.

My daughter has been a student at this school for the past 3 years. St. Dominic school has well surpassed my expectations in all areas, including academics, leadership, teacher quality and parent involvement. There has never been a moment in time when I have questioned my decision to send my child to this school. I do beleive that St. Dominic is the best of all catholic schools in the New Orleans area.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! Teachers work well with their students. There is always something going on where parents can be involved. I think this is one reason why some parents don't like the school, they don't have the time to be involved. Between family nights and the annual fair, the school offers many oppurtunities to meet and talk with the faculty and the principal. Through her hard work , St Dominic was one of the first schools to reopen after the hurricane. Her loyalty to St Dominic is greatly appreciated.

Very difficult to keep up with. If you are a stay at home mom and have time to be involved this may be a good school for you however, I am a working mom, it s VERY difficult to keep up with the schedule especially every other Thursday early dismissal. Also the principal doesn t follow up with concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

I was extremely unhappy with St. Dominic and in paricular the principal. I did not agree with all of her policies and related to her that I was unhappy with certain things. She asked me not to come back the next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in his second year at St Dominic and our daughter will attened next year. The staff and teachers are very good and get to know the students. I think the parents that are upset or claim that the shcool is too 'clicky' just do not like the fact that the parents must be involved. If you want the school to teach and raise your child keep looking, but if you want to be part of your childs life stop looking.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a tough school to come into. If you re not a part of the community for years and years, you will most likely not fit in, nor will your child. It s a very challenging school, academically and socially. Academically is great, the 'clickeshness' however starts with the parents/teachers and is carried forward by the children. Overall, good school just disappointed with the social aspect.
—Submitted by a parent

The St. Dominic School community is wonderful. The school is big enough to offer many opportunities for development (physically, socially and spiritually) while maintaining a small number of students per classroom/teacher. The devoted principal and excellent teachers create a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My first daughter just started at St. Dominic this year and we could not be happier. It offers every activity any age child might want to be exposed to with a strong desire to teach the children the importance of being kind and respectful. There is heavy parental involvement and people from various socioeconomic groups attend the school. We considered other private schools for our child but after touring St. Dominic I knew we could not do better anywhere else. Our daughter is thriving and we are really enjoying the ride so far. She is being exposed to so much positive energy daily and she is excelling in her academics with the help of the enthusiatic teachers. I recommend it to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Dominic school is an excellent school! My daughter absolutely loves it! The parents are able to be so involved. The teachers and principal are amazing. There is also a great nun there named Sister Marie Jo! This school is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible people skills. I have no desire to be associated with this school in anyway anymore. The administration is absolutely horrible. Keep looking.
—Submitted by a parent

After hurricane Katrina we returned to New Orleans in search of a great catholic school for our son...and we found it! St. Dominic offers our son the educational beginning as well as the spiritual background needed to maintain a confident, caring, loving, young boy in today's society. We can't say enough about the staff (teachers and principle) for their hard work at maintaining the schools excellant reputation and pride after such a horrible event as Katrina. The parental involvement is outstanding and we can't help but call St. Dominic home!
—Submitted by a parent