St. Jane De Chantal School

School is OK but do know that your parenting will be second guessed the whole way thru. Very judgmental staff and administration. Children and relatives of teachers, principal and parents whose job it is to volunteer at the school, are the only ones selected for anything special and truly live by a different set of rules. Lower grade teachers are quite good, the quality deteriorates a little each year so by Middle School the quality is poor. Middle school science is embarrassingly bad, math is so-so and Spanish is a total waste of time.
--Submitted by a parent

The best decision I have made for my children. A wonderful blessing in every way. Principal is a 5 Stars Intellectual, Caring, Leader. She makes sure all teachers are outstanding and keeps parents informed and encourages them to be pretty involved at school. Teachers have authority and parents listen to them. Teachers keep communication channel open with parents at all times. I feel I can be at peace knowing my children are in a safe, caring environment an receiving the quality christian education they deserve!! I feel so blessed to have my children at this school. I finally put an end to years of bullying at public system!! Thank God for St. Janes De Chantal and for its outstanding Principal and Teachers! God Bless Them!!
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I feel grateful and blessed for the gift of sending our three children to St. Jane Dechantal School. This is our 17th year with a child attending the school. We have been lucky enough to experience how well-prepared our oldest two children were to move on to an excellent private high school and then to strong universities. My oldest child is now a senior at Duke University, preparing to go to medical school. The principal and teachers are hard- working professionals who truly care about the emotional, spiritual, and academic growth of the students. There is a feeling of family in the school environment, which begins with the principal who emphasizes traditional values and the a sense of cherishing each moment with our children. My children have learned to work hard, accept responsibility, treat people with repect, and truly care about others. With our youngest child now in middle school, we are approaching the end of our dechantal years. Leaving dechantal will feel like leaving home.
--Submitted by a parent

Looking for small class sizes? Try public or exclusive private schools. DeChantal is a healthy Roman Catholic elementary school not a private school. They still recognize that there are parents making sacrifices to send their children to faith-based school, not just seeking prestige of 'private' education. Dedicated teachers do an excellent job of managing the 22-30 students per class. Excellent academics - strong in math particularly in upper school. Focus is on the basics, but there are a number of interesting and challenging extracurricular activities available to students. 'Extended Day' program is terrific for working parents, and kids seem to enjoy it. Parent involvement is very high, and there are many ways to jump in and help and meet other parents. Principal supports diversity and the student body represents a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Respect and tolerance are encouraged; service projects sponsored monthly; with daily active religious education.
--Submitted by a parent

DeChantal academics are outstanding just hard to know until you experience first hand.Students are attentive, engaged, nice mannered.The class size is overwhelming, not right for all but does work. My child thrived in Kindergarten class of 29.The teacher had such a command of the class. There are resource teachers and they break into small groups, the school will work with all levels. Teachers uphold traditional academic standards, work closely together, have greater flexibility to adapt than other school systems.The teachers are open to communicating what your child is learning. The school does not openly communicate through e-mail, they value letter writing and face-to-face meetings, once you accept it is nice.They are updating web sites as they understand the need. The carpool is not as bad as written.This is an inclusive school with many volunteer and social opportunities. School is about the students day, kids find their place and parents will too.
--Submitted by a parent

De Chantal is a great school in many ways: strong Catholic values, caring teachers, strong community and traditions. But the the biggest weak link is the class size: 30+ children per classroom. There are aides in the lower grades, but still...30 is HUGE. That is much bigger than the public elementary schools. Every teacher will tell you that one of the most important features to look for in quality schools is class size. If De Chantal fixes this one issue, it will go from being a very good school with a very good reputation to being top tier/outstanding. The tuition will need to come up, but there is room for that, since its currently at only about 4k...one of the lowest in the area...and most parents in this area can afford more and would willingly pay it for smaller classes. Come on...let see class sizes of less than 20.
--Submitted by a parent

The school needs to get in the 21st century. The Web site is inadequate. School/parent communication is restricted. Endless phone tag. Teachers need professional development. Discipline is strict to the point of absurdity. Not condusive to working parents. Clique-like environment. Academics not impressive and unimaginative while educational support for students is not offered. The dismissal/parent car pick-up pick up process is out of Groucho Marx movie. But, well-behaved kids and pretty school who know their catechism.
--Submitted by a parent

My son got lost in the shuffle of 32 first graders! Too many kids in each class. You cannot bring a problem to the principal because they will not meet the needs of your child if it does not fit there agenda. I do not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Among the schools assets are the longevity of the administration. The principal has been there for several years which allows continuity of programs and initiatives that benefit the students. She is an alumni of the school and her love for the school is the driving force that makes deChantal great. Most teachers are experienced and committed. The students are taught respect for authority as well as tolerance for one another. Bullying is taken seriously, the children are socialized from the beginning to take care of and watch out for one another. Academically, the school is strong, most students seem to be working above grade. The school has an excellent reputation with the hyper-competitive private high schools. Perceived inflexibility is often for the good of the student involved or the greater good of the school at large. I am very pleased with St. Jane de Chantal and would highly recommend their program.
--Submitted by a parent

The curriculum is challenging. The students are typically doing work above grade level. The students are well prepared academically for the competitive Catholic High School application process in the area. However, the principal has an unconstructive concern with maintaining a good reputation for the school at the expense of the students and culture of the school. Students are pressured to perform and parents are pressured to conform to the point where academic and behavioral problems are swept under the rug.
--Submitted by a parent