St. Francis International School

I do not recommend St. Francis school at all. I have had several children go through the original Saint Camillus school and I considered it a blessing to part of the community. After 6 weeks into the new school I knew I had to remove my child from that enviroment. All of the St. Camillus teachers were moved down into the lower school and many of the favorite teachers were forced to retire. There was no recognisable interest of the middle school teachers in the academic progress of the St. Camillus students. this was very clear in the comments and behavior of the middle school teachers. As a parent I was very disturbed by my inability to get an appt with the principal and the administrative office was a mess. There was a breakdown in behavior and most of the teachers in the middle school thought it was fine to shout and rant at the students. The most disturbing fact was the bullying... The school needs to return to its Catholic value system. International means nothing when you are part of the diverse Washington DC area. Parents and students are looking for a good moral academic experience - you will not find it here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at SFIS, both have been there since they were 2, and I am so pleased with the education that they have received. Both kids are doing work well above their grade levels and the teachers are fantastic. SFIS does more than just have good teachers and great classes there is much more with events and special visitors and amazing field trips. On top of that the community is warm and welcoming. I love what they are doing at SFIS!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so glad that my son is attending St. Francis International School. He is in the Early Childhood Program. The teachers are very caring and dedicated to the students. They care for the children as if they are their own kids. I have seen the growth in my son and St. Francis has been a positive contributor to his growth. I like the class size, two (2) teachers in each class, and the activities the children participate in daily. I also appreciate the diversity. There are many backgrounds in the classroom which is good. One of the improvements I would like to see is more parent participation. I see the SAME parents volunteering their time or working with the classroom. If we want to see SFIS continue to progress, we must have parental support. I pay my tuition just like everyone else and I want what is best for my son by giving my time and support to SFIS. We cannot move forward without the support of parents. You are a part of the investment you are making to SFIS and your involvement is very important. Be involved and know what is going on parents!! Overall, I am happy with SFIS and would recommend the school to others. My son loves his school and he's 4 years old!
—Submitted by a parent

My child had a terrible experience at St. Francis Intl. in their middle school. It was SFI first year merged between St. Camillus and St. Mark's schools, and we expected some expectations for the school to get organized. The school has some very bright and dedicated students. However, there is a lot of bullying and disprespect among the students and towards the teachers as well. Teachers cannot control their students, and the principal doesn't follow through with parents with serious concerns that complain to the school and to the church. Needless to say, we did not return to this school, which was the best decision we could have made. We hope SFI continues to find a way to control their misbehaved students to stop this unacceptable cycle in a Catholic environment, where Respect and Safety should be a priority. Do a thorough research before deciding to enroll your child in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school for my 4 year old daughter. She is in the pre-k class and it has been the best investment thus far for her education. She has learned so much this past year and continues to amaze me all the material they cover. She knows how to count from 1 to 100, colors, abc s English/Spanish, shapes, grouping, and so much more. She can spell her name and recognizes the spelling based on the sounds of a word. I really like her teacher Ms. Prema. She is caring and will let them know what they are and are not doing right. I am Christian not Catholic per se, but a Christian and I love the teachings of our Savior. The school has outstanding activities and programs all year long. The communication with parents its pretty good and they are incorporation more online technology. It s a nice campus and clean, I really have no bad things to say. You get what you pay for and more when you see your child s success.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Camillus in now St. Francis International School. I do not recommend this school for 3 year olds. I enrolled my 3 year old after being told that the teacher/student ratio would be 1:8. Because of last minute enrollment drop-outs, the school combined classes but did not increase the teacher ratio and my 3 year was placed in a class with 24 others with 1 teacher and 1 aide. When asked about this issue, the Principal said that because of their long, excellent teaching history, they were granted an exemption by the State to have a higher ratio than what is required for Daycares. Absolute bologna. Even the teacher expressed how overwhelmed she was and wasn't able to provide enough attention to the students. I ended up pulling my son out. The only saving grace with this school is the Front Office Administrative staff (not including the principal).
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school!!! The teachers are wonderful. Their program is pretty competitive and the we love the diversity!!! I honestly believe this is one of the best schools in this area.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters, both attending St. Camillus, the oldes one graduated from St. Camillus and the youngest one is in 5th grade. They love St. Camillus, wonderfull team of people working with the kids to find a better way to make the knolegde fun, exciting and spiritually accepted for all of them.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has thought me beyond subject of school, but about lesson in life. St.camillus has help me notice that i can achive the highest goal without forgeting God . All the teachers and other students help and inspire me to do my best.
—Submitted by a student

Why do you love St. Camillus School? St. Camillus is a great school. My son who is 23 year old now is an alumni of St. Camillus. He attended St. Camillu for eight years. My daughter always said that she wants to go to the same school with my son; she is attending it now. St Camillus is a great shcool for its diversity and a family like community. St Camillus has a great learning potentiality and the ability to help each and every student to grow spiritually, mentally and physically. I am proud to be part of the St. Camillus family.
—Submitted by a parent

Saint Camillus helps its students grow physically mentally and spriritually. It has, for the longest time, represented what an institution of learning should be: a sanctuary and craddle where young minds are molded to become articulate, responsible and active citizens of tomorrow.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a granparent of four children. One is an alumni and three are presently attending. I like St. Cam. because of its diversity . I think its a great school. All my grands love it.
—Submitted by a parent

I love St. Camillus because my children are St. Camillus alumnis,.I have been a teacher here for 15 years, I am proud of our cultural diversity, and we are like a family that works together and continues to grow. I truly enjoy coming to work everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a multicultural school with a family like atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

It is the best School. My 2 year old could spell his name, at 2!!
—Submitted by a parent

The school uses a holistic model to teach the children. The basic academic subjects are supplemented with a keen eye toward child development, religion and spirituality, and social skills. We are so happy to have our children at St. Camillus!
—Submitted by a parent

I love St.camillus school because it maintains christian values and principals. It is a very warm environment. Staff is like one big family, helping each other in times of need, sharing ideas. Principal is always supportive, and many more things. Students are well disciplined, and parents are very cooperative.
—Submitted by a teacher

I've been a parent/staff member of St. Camillus for 35 years. I am also a member of several churches in the area and in Delaware. St. Camillus is the church/place where we are most at home and part of a church family. All four of our children went to school here and two are very successful teachers, one is the manager of an auto shop and the fourth is with the Federal government. We love St. Camillus as a church, school, community and a loving, caring environment!
—Submitted by a teacher

As a new teacher, I am quite impressed with the student support available. The school is a valued part of a larger ministry of the parish. Respect and dedication are obvious as one tours the halls.
—Submitted by a teacher

Have a current 8th grader and 2 grads who went on to Catholic high schools. Both felt well prepared and continue to do well
—Submitted by a parent