St. Philip Neri Elementary School

This school is awesome. I love its quiet secluded and secure environment on a large campus. The teachers are great, especially the middle school science coordinator who comes up with extraordinary experiments for the children to learn scientific concepts like having the children design parachutes for raw eggs to determine wind resistance force. Then they launch them from the second story window. Egg survives, you get an "A". My oldest daughter went into engineering because of Ms. Meeks.
—Submitted by a parent

We came to this school after many disappointing years at a nearby Catholic school. WE were so shocked at how the administration and teachers actually listen to the parents and how every is treated equal and not because you raise a lot of money for the school. The church is so involved with the school and all complaints and concerns are addressed immediately by the staff. I really love the fact that the school is diverse. I would recommend this school to any parents who is looking for a solid, Catholic education with exceptional staff and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been part of the SPN community for many years. Every school has their issues; SPN is no different. I have never seen a closer school community than SPN. I ve witnessed many teachers go the extra mile to help a struggling student. If your child is average it is a great school. If your child is above average, I do not think the academics are challenging. With that in mind, I would like to see a stronger academic curriculum (last year the amount of math homework was cut because parents complained that 30 math problems were too many). I wish the school would emphasize writing. The school is getting a science lab, and if done correctly will be a great asset. There is a definite bullying problem, and sometimes I feel as though the administration doesn t care about chronic misbehavers. Sometimes I think the school is more worried about the right socks, than disciplining the child that disrupts class. Bottom line: if your child has behavioral issues, or is at the top end or the bottom end of the academic spectrum, SPN is probably not the best choice. However, if you want a good Catholic environment, and have the time and ability to supplement academics; SPN is a great choice.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for 3 grades. The first year, kindergarten, was great, the 2nd year some issues surfaced, the 3rd year was a nightmare. Do not send your child to this school if they have food allergies. The principal will tell you what you want to hear but not back it up at all. The principal put parents who were belligerent and uncooperative about providing safe food for children with food allergies in charge of a classroom with 2 food allergic children. There is a huge problem with bullies not being dealt with at all. The same children bully children in the same classes and the only punishment they get is sent to the office day after day and no escalation of punishment. The idea that this school is advanced academically is not true. The public school we are now at was actually ahead of St. Philip Neri in math. The atmosphere, knowledge, kindness, overall treatment and organization was like night and day between the two schools as well. While there are several great employees and teachers, the school overall has become a nightmare. Our experience is not unique. This past school year I know of at least 10 students not returning due to similar experiences.
—Submitted by a parent

This school rocks! My children attend this school since coming from another local Catholic school in the area. The principal is always seen and the administrators know the children by name. The church parish is so involved with the school. The teachers work with each child and know what levels they may need help on and work with the child and the parents. There is no bullying and not even toleranted by the staff. My children are very outgoing and friendly and love that the children at the school don't judge by the way you look or act. I should have sent my children here a long, long time ago! I encourage any prospective parents to come and visit the school. The teachers are highly educated and have a lot of experience working with all types of levels of children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in the 6th grade. I thank God every day for leading my family to this school. My son is receiving a good education and is progressing well. As a former teacher, I can attest that the instruction is of a high quality and the teachers are caring and supportive of individual students and their needs. The staff keeps parents aware of student progress. There is a website with homework assignments and parents have access to student grades at all times. Most importantly, my son is getting reinforcement on Christian morals that appear to be reinforced in other students' homes as well. Religion is important at our school. I love the fact that it is taught from a perspective of reinforcing good behavior, not just religious facts. I think you would have a hard time finding a school with the family atmosphere, quality academic education and strong character building foundation in this area. It is well worth the reasonable tuition price.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Philip Neri from my short observation of the school I am very impressed with the energetic and enthusiastic group of teachers and parents alike that are devoted to making their school succeed. I am pleased to have my grandson attend a praiseworthy school.

I love everything about this school. It takes you back to the good old days when teachers really took an interest in their pupils and tried to work with their individual needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience has been a good one so far. We have been able to participate in discusions with staff and commuicate concerns or suggestions without any trouble. My feeling is that some parents have expectations of staff that may not be clear and or are not reasonable in a group setting. No school is perfect for everyone. I think it's important to remember that the staff is on the same team as us parents...we are all looking out for our children. We have to be careful not to present ourselves as 'entitled' just because we pay tuition. It takes a village to rasie a child. GOD leads our village and their is no amount of money that can buy HIS leadership. How about working together with staff and making SPN even better than it already is!! W.W.J.D.??? I think he would send HIS children to SPN!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended St. Philip Neri for almost 4 years. Him and I have been pleased with MOST of his experience at St. Philip. The Admin Staff, including Mrs. Wise are extremely helpful. They realize my child is under their care and will gladly address any question or concern I might have. I appreicate the strong sense of Faith that is taught to my son on a daily basis. There are some teachers who obviously enjoy teaching, which I appreciate. While I would say my overall rating for St. Philip is High, I do think some of the home work is a little excessive, and the summer homework is way TOO MUCH. There are a couple of teachers whom I think forget they are dealing with Children, and lose thier patience too quickly. The good far outweighs the bad and my son will attend St. Philip until he Graduates Definitely.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child that will attend 8th grade this year and an older son who graduated three years ago. St. Philip Neri has been a wonderful school and has prepared my children well. They are also learning how the love of God will take them as far as they wish to go. The closed classroom environment, I believe, it a blessing in itself. The teachers and administration truly care about the students and want to see them achieve the very best they can.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best. When every my children or I need help. they all have been there for us. My doughter has need help in reading and spelling. From K to now every teacher and office workers have done to help her to get all the help she needs. This is in this school and out. Also the nurse has been there for my son when he needs to help or just someone to talk to. The father of my children died when they were younger and then one grandfather. The grandfather living with us died. The school and staff have always been there for them. I can not say enough good things about this school. I tell everyone I come incontac with about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

No child fits a perfect mold. But at least children aren't allowed to disrespect others and disrespect teachers. If you want your child to be able to do what he wants when he/she wants, then send him to a nearby public school. Nobody wants to strangle uniqueness out of a child, but no child should be able to run amuk either. I love St. Philip Neri. My child is very sensitive and has never been picked on and teased. Thank God for St. Philip being tolerant to the kids who need it and intolerant of those who aren't compassionate.
—Submitted by a parent

So far, we are very happy wth the quality of education our daughtr is receiving at St. Philip Neri, she has certainly shown progoress in her reading and comprehension skills from K-1. We also appreciated the fact that St. Philip Neri allowed out daughter to start Kinder at the ge of 5 unlike public schools for which she would of have to wait until next year due to the cutoff of date of birth of 1 Sep. Thi allows my daughter to stay on track for her age and education level. The teachers and staff at this school are very concerned with my daughter, they immediately contact us if anything is wrong with her. The child care section is also very concerned with the well being of my daughter such as not letting her outside when its too windy. I would recommend this school to any parent .
—Submitted by a parent

I can't believe some of the negative reviews! I had all three of my children go through this school. I have nothing but good things to say about the teachers and other staff. I now have a grandchild going to this school. We couldn't be happier. I admit some things have changed since my children went here, but they are positive changes that go with today's changing world. I worry about some of the things that go on in some of our public schools, even elementary schools. I guess all we should really care about is our children's welfare, and their safety! How much our children learn is up to the children. If they don't want to learn, they won't. You can't force the children of today to do anything. Discipline is a key factor, and this school has it. If you have discipline in a school, they will learn.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will be entering the 1st grade this fall. In Kindergarden she learned more than I could ever imagine. She learned how to count coins, counting to 100, telling time by the hour and can read short stories. I thought this was amazing for a 5 year old but the really amazing part is public schools in the area are introducing these skills in 1st grade. St. Philip Neri is far more advanced and this is what I want for my child. There is a unity amongst the staff and the children and that is important becuase it teaches the children how to respect one another. When needed discipline is practiced and you feel safe knowing that you're child is in a controlled enviroment when you cannot be there to over see that. It's a school that cares-worth every penny!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children are now graduates of the school. I have been with SPN since 1994. SPN provided my children with a wonderful education that prepared them well to go to a private college prep high school. The leadership and quality of the teaching staff was excellent. The school offered a wide variety of extracurricular activities, parents were very involved and I never worried about the safety of my children. I highly recommend parents who are shopping for a school to take a look at St. Philip Neri School.
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be entering the 5th grade this year. I am a former public school teacher so sending my son to a private school was a difficult decision for me. He went to public school for kindergarten and when I saw the lack of parental participation, I made the decision to move to a private school. I have seen my son grow and mature at this school in so many ways that every day I thank God that we found it. When he first started, he was an average student whose maturity caused him some learning issues. Rather than being labeled as a poor learner, the teachers and staff worked with him to help with his learning and confidence. He made the honor roll two of the three times this year. The administration, activities and parents make this a great private school at competitive prices.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at St. Philip Neri. One of my children has, in the past, had some anxiety issues and I could not have asked for more compassionate and understanding teachers and staff. Both of our children are above average students and their needs are addressed at SPN. I would not consider sending them any where else.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow, I am shocked at the few negative ratings posted to this site. I have two sons attending St. Philip Neri. Both boys started in kindergarten and are now in 4th and 8th grade. I feel the education is comparable to public schools. However I think the structure and discipline is worth every penny spent. In our 9 years at St. Philip, we have had two minor issues. One being my eldest son being kicked by some other children in hallway. I was immediately contacted and all parents were addressed. The children were reprimanded and this never occurred again. Secondly, my youngest son was the instigator in a recess scuffle. Again, I was telephoned by the staff and this was addressed and resolved. I have found the teachers and staff to be very caring regarding any issues. I could not be happier with every aspect of St. Philip Neri. outofspacenow
—Submitted by a parent