St. Andrew Apostle School

St. Andrew's is a wonderful school! We've been here for 6 yrs and have seen many positive changes. The principal is amazing and staff are very dedicated. They offer lots of after-school activities (e.g., band, choir, sports, art, science, robotics, chess, sewing). They have great science and computer labs, the latter of which features a TV studio from which the morning announcements are made. There are SMART boards in every classroom, the science lab, and library. They have a weather station and recently installed pollinator and vegetable gardens. In general, I have found that the teachers are strong and responsive to parental concerns and questions. The school follows the curriculum set out by the Archdiocese of Washington. The parents are very involved in the school and our Catholic faith is the foundation for everything. We are working to build a strong core in our children to prepare them for life. They attend Mass at least weekly and regular Reconciliation. I believe that this school can meet the needs of most families; however, they are not resourced for children with significant special needs or behavioral problems. There is a waiting list for most classes.
—Submitted by a parent

The classes sizes in this school are not rediculous!!! They seem like they have it together even with a new principal. Everyone seems very humble for the most part and that's great for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I concur with parents that think "Teachers do not always seem to want to make ajustments for students with differences". The class sizes are ridiculous to the point that pubic schools student teacher ratio is wayyyyyyyyyy much better and the school does not have enough teacher assistants.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Andrew is a top notch school--truly a community of educators. The teachers, principal, clergy, and after school care providers all engage students in a meaningful way. The school's Blue Ribbon awards and student successes in regional and national competitions/activities speaks to the quality of the education received at St. Andrew. The school provides students with a challenging, yet manageable work load, which will serve them well in the future. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a junior high student at St. Andrews. The teaching at St. Andrews is very seriously taken, which is good. But, in junior high years, you have a crazy homework amount most of the time. And, about 3-6 test on average a week. I perferably do not agree with the schedule either.
—Submitted by a student

I find that this school does a good job with students who have no learning differences. Teachers do not always seem to want to make ajustments for students with differences. Teachers will not go out of their way to meet with parents or return calls. Often my calls(which have been very few over the course of many years) have gone unreturned.
—Submitted by a parent

Im quite unhappy with my school im in junior high and they push me wayy to hard and make me miserable right now im studying for THREE tests tomorrow and next week i have standardiezed testing 2 tests in one subject and one in another it's very stressful for me and there is an unacceptable amount of homework i really dislike my school and my parents aren't to happy with it either
—Submitted by a student

This school was just awarded a second Blue Ribbon from the US Dept of Education, and its graduates have been accepted into their top choice high schools for several years. Obviously they are doing a great job.

a school were students and teachers all have a learning expierence. Not to mention a great staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, everything about it is just fantastic!
—Submitted by a staff

I am very happy with St.Andrew Apostle School and Community. The teachers that my child has had were great. They have well run and well disciplined classrooms with exciting ideas and fun ways to implement the curriculum.I am also happy with the parent involvement at St. Andrews. Parents are always welcomed into the school by the great office staff. The school is always willing to accept parent volunteers and appreciates what we do for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at St. Andrews for several years and overall, we are very happy with it. The teachers are terrific and very responsive. We have a wondeful music teacher and band instructor just to mention a few. There are alot of extra curricular activities such as choir, band,scouts,chess club, hands on science and our youth group although I would like to see more. Our pricipal is fairly new and does a good job administratively however seems to have a hard time dealing with parents or any kind of conflict. I think this is something she is working on and hopefully it will get better in time. Last year we got a new pastor and a young priest who have truly energized and revitalized our parish. We have a very involved and active parent population and tons of oppurtunities to volunteer and be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children (5 years apart) attend St. Andrews and have found it to be a very friendly and close knit community. There are ample opportunities to interact with teachers and many social activities for parents and students. If your children attend here, plan to volunteer your time as that is how you get connected and meet lots of parents even from different grades. We moved but chose to keep our kids at St. Andrew's because we liked the school so much.
—Submitted by Lori Dec, a parent

I have been very happy with St. Andrew's over the past 5 years. The teachers have done a great job with my children. There are many teachers especially in grades K-5 who have gone above and beyond their call of duty. The counselor at St. Andrew's is wonderful and very helpful when your child is struggling with something. Overall St. Andrew's is a great school and a wonderful community to be part of.
—Submitted by a parent

I am relatively new to St. Andrew, but have been very pleased so far. The school community is diverse, the teachers are very caring people, and the principal and the assistant principal are great with the children. In terms of a community school that nurtures children this is a great place. I have found that when I have concerns about my child's performance, the teacher is very willing to set up a mutually convenient time to meet and come up with a strategy to solve the problem. I have also found this to be true of the principal. It takes a village to raise a child I am glad St. Andrew's is part of my village.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended St. Andrew's for the past 10 years. It has been a wonderful experience. No school is perfect, but there are some fantastic things going on. I feel my children are loved and are learning greaet things. My special needs child has received the assistance they need. In addition to a great academic program, there are phenomenal music and physical education programs. The Spanish and art teachers are excellent as well. Children are constantly encouraged to be aware of and help those in need. The principal is a true administrator who deals with students, parents and staff in a professional manner. There is very strong involvement of our priests in the school. If you are looking for a Catholic School in Silver Spring, this is the place for you!
—Submitted by a parent

I was new to the school but will not go back. My child was not taught any thinking skills.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I was very un-happy the past two years at St. Andrew's. The new principle of this school takes care of issues by ignoring them with an attitude and lack of respect. Very un-friendly! Although, the teachers were wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

I myself attended st. Andrews and loved it. i met great friends had aboslutly great teachers and had great learning experiences. I do hope you consider sending your child/children there. It was great, the only thing i wish they could have done more with is the alumni program, there isn't one.
—Submitted by a former student

Do not send your child/children to St. Andrew Apostle school. It is the worst school my child has ever attended. Bad disipline and terrible teaching. There will be one better thing next year, the principle will change. That is very good news but still I would not put your child/children through such a bad program.
—Submitted by a parent