St. Mary Elementary School

Very unprofessional principal. Panders to politics instead of wellbeing of children. Not really up to the job. Probably an alma mater and the only reason she was selected for the job. Some of the teachers are good, but the assistant principal should really be in the role of principal, and it is clear that his hands are tied by the poor decisions/handling of issues by the uncaring and prima donna'ish principal in place right now. Not the type of personality one would expect in administration for a Christian Catholic based school where basic fairness, compassion and kindness seems to be lost on her.
—Submitted by a parent

During my time as a parent, I have found the teachers to be very committed and caring about my child's personal, educational, and spiritual development. Parents are very invovled in volunteering at the school and are also a great source of support for other parents. We love all the traditions and events! Great afterschool enrichment classes plus a very, strong arts program for performing and fine arts.
—Submitted by a parent

Completely overrated. My son's teacher is totally awesome, but if it wasn't for her I would have pulled him from the school within a month. Most of the teachers are dedicated and hard-working, but handicapped by the administration, facilities and resources. The administration panders to the rich and well-established parents at the expense of the students and teachers. Most of the staff seem frustrated with the administration. The facilities are out-dated and cramped. Technological academic resources are severely limited. Numerous parents at the school are looking at other options for next year due to the lack of leadership and vision at the school. It is unfortunate that this school that used to be stellar is now less than adequate.
—Submitted by a parent

This school met well below our expectations. We plan on transferring at the end of this year. A lot of parents are Alma Mater and not open to meeting new people. Many are narrow minded and feel this school is the "end all be all". We were new to the area and had heard such wonderful things. I will be happy once this year is over and we transfer. There is not nearly enough focus on the religion part of a "Catholic Education". Extremely disappointing all around. The teachers were fine, but not nearly enough resources for the kids. The rest of the faculty is subpar and as another reviewer wrote "EXTREMELY condescending". What more can I say.....save you money or find a private school that's worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter began here in 4th grade. She absolutely loves it! We look forward to sending our other two children here as well.
—Submitted by a parent

4.June.2010 ~ CAVEAT EMPTOR!!! Do not be fooled by the prestigious locale! Other than the support of committed classroom parents, a truly dreadful experience. New to area and child attended for the first time this year (a full school year). Not the first time in a private school, however. The faculty is EXTREMELY condescending. Inconsistant grading of tests and homework. 25% of the time, my child watched Disney movies in "Art" class. Class size of 33! Save your self 8K and a deluge of staff insults to your intelligence by sending your child to a public school or choose to home school!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's is a quality elementary school in downtown Annapolis. It has an AMAZING faculty and staff. The curriculum is fantastic.The community feel is tremendous. It is a legacy that last a lifetime. I attended St. Mary's for 13 years and now volunteer on the Home and School Association. My daugher is 4th generation to attend. It is by far the best school in the area!
—Submitted by a parent

Over rated is too kind of a term. While the facilities are outdated, cramped and in poor condition that is just the start. The principle is not only incapable of managing the student body but is unwilling. Constant caving to the high influence parents is the rule.
—Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled with St. Mary's. After relocating to the area 3 years ago, we were so pleased to have our son treated like one of the family. He has excelled in every subject and I truly believe the faculty and staff had a huge impact on his success. Thank you St. Mary's for truly living up to our expectation!
—Submitted by a parent

When we were choosing schools for our kindergarten aged daughter 7 years ago we researched many private schools in the Annapolis area. One of the other reviewers said St. Mary's was one of the most 'overrated schools in Annapolis'. I found the opposite to be true. The word on the street was that St. Mary's had huge classes but it was the 'cheapest private school in the area'. Despite this glowing report we attended the open house and are so glad we did. St. Mary's makes up for its large class size with loving teachers, an orderly and disciplined environment, challenging school work, and most importantly (in our minds) Christian values. Now we have three children attending and are very pleased with our choice.
—Submitted by a parent

5/28/08 - It would be nice to know when the previous review was written, so I'm dating my entry. Although there are some things that I'd like improved, I have found that the teachers care a lot about the children. I agree that the administration seems to lack flexibility. I haven't found it to be better elsewhere, however.
—Submitted by a parent

This has got to be the most overrated school in Annapolis. The facilities are old and not well-maintained. The students are packed into too small classrooms and the admissions staff is a bit too big for their britches. You can do better elsewhere
—Submitted by a parent