St. Bernadette School

Cliques: Yes but not more than any other school. All schools have them in some capacity and it is more with the parents than children. Regarding these parents, it seems they are the ones who have stayed in the same area they grew up in type thing (went to same high school, etc.). While it seems like some are reliving sorority/frat days, they are such a small part of the atmosphere and are not really that abundant as I've experienced...they are just really comfortable with the people they grew up with : ) Otherwise, especially with the incoming grades, many of the families are those who didn't grow up in the same area, etc., making for a very welcoming, community environment. We have enjoyed this immensely. Education: The administration is making great strides in bringing in new, fresh, accomplished teachers. We are in the private system for the private high school it will afford, and while I'm sure my child is not learning as much as her public school friends at this very moment, she's learning more than enough to excel in the private high schools and most importantly is very happy there. We've looked at other private parochial schools, and so far, St. B's is a good fit for us!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is excellent and has made substantial improvements at the school. I cant say that for the teachers, as some of them definitely have their favorites and are partial and this impacts their teaching. They spend more time enforcing petty rules. Also, if you are anything but causcaian, think twice before attending this school. The quality of the education has defintiely improved but the the sacrifice on your kids self esteem and confidence might not be a good trade off in the short or long term. There are other choices out there and you are paying for this choice, Think again.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a serious clique problem. If you want your child to be happy then do not send them to this school. The principal has tried many ways to break up the cliques with the school children but it's the parents who dictate what children are accepted and which are not. Extremely sad for the children, espcially when they're not the favored ones. And forget about CYO. Even if your child is the best athlete in the school, if they're not one of the "chosen", they will never make the "A" team. Do you and your children a favor. Do not come to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

It may not be the most challenging school for the brightest students, but many of the graduating 8th graders go to academically rigorous high schools and perform well. This indicates that they prepare students at an above average level. For the most part the students I interact with are courteous, well mannered and polite - that speaks volumes in the world we live in. Cons - believe the hype, this is a cliquish environment. And this can lead to some alienation between parents. And sadly this sometimes filters down to the kids as well. My two children are doing well here - not as challenging as I would like at times, but it is only elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't send your kid here. Seriously. They provide no preparation for highschool. Like at all.

The cliquiness at this school is not overrated. Been a parent here for many years and the cliques are real. Whatever anyone has written about being left out for various reasons are all true. It's really sad for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children--one who graduated recently and one in middle school. We have found the community to be very strong and welcoming, and the 'cliquishness' to be over rated. Our kids don't fit the 'jock' or 'popular' crowd and felt very accepted for who they are and for their talents. Academically, my oldest was very well prepared for high school. St. B's grads seem to grab more than their share of academic scholarships/honors placements at the local Catholic High Schools, so I feel the school certainly holds its own in that area.
—Submitted by a parent

Too may cliques, which starts with the mothers and creates a negative atmosphere for the children who aren't "popular" or "jockish." At basketball games and the Powderpuff game, the "popular" girls only pass to their friends, and the coaches don't do anything about it.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved here mid-year from out of state and St. Bernadette's welcomed us and our children immediately into its community. The school and activities and both parents and students included us and made us feel like we'd been part of the community for years. We now have 2 children enrolled in the school and are quite happy.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been in the school since 2006 and have been very happy here. Mrs. Wood has helped the school innovate while protecting the traditions of St. B's. We have two children in the school (lower grades) and have seen them flourish academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a serious bullying problem involving both the students and the parents. Many adults have expressed that it's like being back in high school again with the cliques -- something we thought we'd left behind years ago. The cliquisheness of the adults translates to their children and creates nightmare situations for children who aren't "cool" or "jockish." While the new Prinicipal brought in a bullying expert, the bullying waters run deep and it's going to be difficult to fix. We withdrew our chilren.
—Submitted by a parent

Do you live in the Woodmoor neighborhood? Because if you don't, you will not be welcome at this school. Very exclusive. We did not feel welcome at the open house by the other, existing parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We love St. Bernadette's and know that the faculty and administration are educating each child as an individual.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my small issues with St. B s but I wouldn t have my children in any other school. There is a sacrifice that our family continues to meet in order for our kids to attend but we do it because of the positive educational experience/environment our kids are receiving and are in. It is also a pleasure our kids go to a school that enforces what we teach at home and that is being a person of morals. The Principal is 2 years new and has made many aggressive changes in all aspects of education and raising money Catholic school there is fundraising involved can t get away from it .but it is all worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

I love St. Bernadette's because my children love St. Bernadette's. It is a comfort to know they are learning in a Christian atmosphere. My daughter talks about her Moses Moments! How great is that!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended school here, my children too, and I have taught here for 27 years. I couldn't think of a greater place to learn, laugh and love both our community and God.
—Submitted by a teacher

i graduated from st. bs in 2008 and i wanna say that my experience here was average. i made a lot of friends, even though we have our ups and downs. the field trips were good, and the teachers tries their best to help and teach the students here. the new principle improved this school and the middle school religion education is excellent.
—Submitted by a student

I am a public school teacher who is choosing to send my children to St. Bernadette's. I couldn't be happy with our decision. The school exceptionally meets the needs of its students, both academically, spiritually, artistically, and emotionally. I feel so good dropping off my children in the morning at school knowing that they are loved by their educators.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is now in his second year and enjoying the school a lot. He seems happy and relaxed, and eager to begin each day. The academics are certainly on par with the local public schools. There is homework at night but at it is an appropriate level for a 2nd grader. The community is close-knit and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent

Saint B's is, at this point, a decent school. Nothing spectacular on the academic scale, but kids will not be left behind either. As posted earlier, if your child is bright or needs a little extra attention, this might not be the school for them if you are not willing to provide extra work or help for them. Additionally, the local public schools are not 'shaky', they are in reality quite decent, but I prefer to send my children to a Catholic school. Onto the million dollar question, do you get your money's worth (the school is not cheap) and at this point I have to say no, but a new Principal is on board and hopefully . . .(I'll give it a couple more years). One last comment, the parents are, without a doubt, cliquish, but in the long run, the school is for the children, not us.
—Submitted by a parent