St. Augustine Elementary School

This is a wonderful school with an excellent faculty and staff, caring teachers and a great principal. The parents are very involved with the school and many have attended here when they were young. This school has a warm family environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

This s a very nice school with kind teachers and parents. I know so many people that rave about this school. I have friends that have sent their children here even though they attend another church. There is a warm spiritual environment and a welcoming spirit. I have brought my nieces and nephews to many school events here and they love it here!

Very rude crossing guard on duty for this school the afternoon of 3/20/12. Heavy set, blonde hair in a bun, aged 50-60. Rude and unpleasant to passers-by. Makes you wonder how she is to the kids? The kids deserve a kind and friendly crossing guard, not this grouch!

I 'm very disappoint with this school.I was call the principle and leave her a message twice because I want to asked her about my child BUT she never return my call.
—Submitted by a parent

I have sent 4 children to St. Augustine and though they are all different in their academic strengths and learning styles (2 with ADD), the three that have moved onto high school and college are way ahead of their peers in many subject areas. With respect to an earlier 'review' claiming discrimination, one of my son's best friends while attending there was African-American, and they never experienced (I asked) racial slurs or discrimination in the school. The school teaches Christian values of love for all people and the students spend time in and out of school in service of various charities such as Lazarus House, Hike for Hope, Pennies for Pesos, etc. I'm surprised that greatschools.com let someone write such an unsupportable and incorrect review of the school. If their child was truly discriminated against. Never would such behavior be tolerated by teachers or students!
—Submitted by a parent

I strongly discourage anyone from sending a child of theirs to this institution. As a parent who has sent two children of my own to this school, I have come to regret spending my hard-earned salary on their tuition at the school, when they could have gotten a superior education at a public school. The teachers lack understanding of students and parents, bringing my children to tears and my spouse and I to fits of anger. The school lacks basic facilities seen in nearly every school, even in Lawrence. Racial discrimination is also a key problem at the school. There have been several instances where there have been antisemetic and racial comments written in public spaces. This is unnacceptable, especially for a school that preaches a Catholic education based on reverence, respect, and responsibility.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is exceptional. If you're looking for a great education for your children in a loving, Catholic environment, this is it.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school ! The teachers are dedicated and outstanding. The students are motivated to learn. Strong parental involvement. Faith based learning provides a strong moral foundation. Impressive academics. Reasonable tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

I want to apologize for my previous statement. The episode was misconstrued by myself. I've received so much help from staff after the incident. The principal overall, is an exceptional leader. The school should not be held accountable for other people's opionions or behavior. A childs education first begins at home. The children are thought to be respectful and fair at St.Augustine. The principal of St. Augustine is a great leader. Her strength and encouragment gives you enlightment and direction. If you are thinking of sending your child, it's a good investment.
—Submitted by Dorothy Sajous, a parent

If you are a parent of a minority background, I strongly discouraged you from having your child attending this school. My son was subjected to Racial incidents and Harassment from the students, which was tolerated by the staff of St. Augustine Elementary School. An educational institution has a duty to provide a nondiscriminatory environment that is conducive to learning. In addition to the curriculum, students learn about many different aspects of human life and interaction from school. The type of environment that is tolerated or encouraged by or at a school can therefore send a particularly strong signal to, and serve as an influential lesson for, its students.
—Submitted by Dorothy Sajous, a parent