Visitation Academy

The school claims to be strong academically especially in Science and Math. I do not see it. Yes, the girls are required to participate in the Sciene Fair. But that is a parent assisted project. There should be more science and math opportunites available at the school. A science club, Lego Robotics competition team, Destination Imagination team, a math club, and a chess class. Many of these clubs/teams could be head by a qualifying parent. A bit disappointed that the school is happy with staying stagnant.
--Submitted by a parent

Very misleading the way they project the credentials of the staff. quoted fro the website "With degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education to Masters of Education, Business and Juris Doctor," . They fail to mention some of the teachers have NO degree at all!

I feel this school is a diamond in the rough. The parents are a tremendous resource that is being stifled and overlooked. Unless of course, the school is requesting funds. The administration would be wise to begin listening to the concerns and ideas of their parents. Without the support of the parents the school will fail. The academics are on par with those of public schools. And not especially challenging. The girls do receive homework each night, but I feel most of it is actually busy work. I would love to see more a individualized approach taken in reading and math. The girls should be encouraged to work at their own pace to make sure that they are learning to their ability. Some grades the class sizes are getting out of hand and need to split in half. If I wanted a large class size I would send my daughter to public school. The teachers are decent. I am not impressed with the amount of yelling that goes on from the teachers. I do think that teachers should remember to take care and remember that the girls look up to them. The sarcasm with the girls needs to stop.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so happy with this school for our daughters and cannot recommend highly enough. The focus on science and math and small class sizes as well as Spanish, Mandarin and Tap for all levels is fantastic. Very affordable for a private school with great teachers and a real sense of community among the parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Visitation claims to be gentle and humble but I found the opposite to be true. When I had specific questions about my daughter, the teacher never had time to speak with me. The teacher was even annoyed that I asked her anything. As soon as I would begin to speak, she would cut me off immediately. This happened on several occasions. I also found that there was a lot of favoritism. When another parent, apparently from the in crowd , asked the same teacher a question, she would patiently listen to her and answer her questions. When I brought this situation to the assistant principal s attention, I got the same, don t bother me attitude from her. She told me that the principal would give me a call to discuss the matter, but the principal never called. The school also seems to be in a deep financial crisis because they would ask for money every week. The money, according to them, was to pay for the heating bills. Now if the school needs money just to pay for basic necessities, how could it invest in the tools necessary to prepare the girls for the 21st century?
--Submitted by a parent

amazing school!!!!! amazing experience!!! I know my daughter has made great friends and the teachers not only teach them school subjects but life lessons all around great school
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent in the school I know first-hand the issues we are facing. I am very worried about the perception of the difficulties we are dealing with. The school teaching staff is dedicated and always puts the well being of the girls and their education first. The traditions of the school and the beauty of the campus is appreciated. However, we are currently dealing with very unhappy staff which could ultimately impact their dedication and efforts put forth. The current administration does not seem in touch at all with this issue. There is a real lack of communication and often no clear answers when parents question the principal on issues. The experience at the VA has been positive until this year. I am rating the school based on the current status.
--Submitted by a parent

What once was is no longer...... very disappointed in the turn the board of directors and principal have taken this school. My daughters once loved this school and I felt secure in sending them every day. Now with the pre-k 3 teacher gone with no explanation, my one daughter no longer wants to go to school. The best thing this school had going for it was the teachers. The current administration is forcing them out and without communicating with parents. We are looking at other options now.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not understand how a parent in Pre-K 3 can pass judgment on a 140 year old school being in "fast decline" or "headed in the wrong direction". Based on what prior experience? During the years my daughters have been at Visitation, the school and its volunteer board have admirably accepted responsibility for, financed and steered the school through a significant transition in administration due to the retirement of the nuns. From where things stood just 2 years ago (not withstanding the economic crisis), the school is undeniably on more solid footing and strives to raise the bar. Given the change, the previously mentioned lapses in communication are understandable, forgivable and easily fixed. It does little to diminish the fact that over the last few years the students and teachers have been recognized for outstanding performance in regional and statewide competitions in the sciences, maths, spelling, athletics . . . you name it. I get one shot at setting the bar for my daughters' educational experience. The rich tradition, special history, campus, strong academics and school pride are priceless. Great school, aiming for even better!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a Viz student for four years. Each year we become more and more convinced that choosing Visitation was the best possible decision for us. Though the school has been in transition administratively since the sisters left, the academic tradition of the school has endured and blossomed. The girls thrive academically, socially and spiritually--the faculty is really first rate and every teacher knows every student's name! The school recently won a technology grant and now each classroom has an interactive "smart" promethian board. I am looking forward to seeing how this new tool will enhance the presentation of the school's already challenging curriculum, particularly in science and math--subjects in which the girls regularly win county and state competitions. I believe the new principal is a great asset to the school, and that she and the board are taking the school in the right direction. I would invite anyone interested in a first rate education for their daughters to take a tour and decide for themselves whether Viz would be right for them.
--Submitted by a parent