St. Raphael School

The principal is very involved with the students everyday. She supervises the cafeteria and recess daily. She is quite often in the classroom reading stories, listening to reports, or just ovserving classroom lessons. Her door is always open!
—Submitted by a teacher

As a parent at St. Raphael School I would to thank the teachers and principal for the loving caring environment they have created for my children. My children come home excited about what they have learned during the day. They have become well mannered God loving people. Thank you teachers and Mrs. Brzezinski.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends St. Raphael and we couldn't have placed her in a better school. The teachers we've had so far are wonderful. The class sizes are very good and I love that everyone knows each other. I plan on having my daughter attend all the way through the 8th grade. I will say I agree with the one comment about the principal lacking enthusiasm. It's amazing how much that position impacts an entire school.
—Submitted by a parent

As the proud principal of St. Raphael I would like to invite you to come and take a tour of our school. Our school has an incredible staff that extend themselves beyond the school day. We have many activities after school that go beyond the sports program (Art Club, Knitting Club, Service Club, Math Lab, Choir and next year Drama). Our students take on an active role in their school's improvement with the Student Council and Peer Mediators. They also run a school store and with the money they make decide how to bring more technology in the school. We have a wonderful community of families who share in the partnership of education. Come and experience the St. Raphael Difference!
—Submitted by a teacher

Our children attended St. Raphael School. Many times they called from college and urged me to share with our students that they were using information and skills that they learned while attending St. Raphael. Teachers know students from alternate grades on a first name basis. Regularly, Fr. Ray stops in classrooms to ask the children what they are learning, and how they are doing. Teachers come early and stay after the "official" day has ended to help students. We care about our students!
—Submitted by a teacher

I went to this school for first grade in 2004 before I moved. I don't know if Ms. Hammer is still teaching there but she was awesome! I just didn't like the mass. It was really boring sitting there for two hours on a Wednesday morning. Also, my big buddy was awesome! Jordan Rocks!!

Improvements are sorely needed in some of the academic areas for 6th - 8th grade. Administration, as well as teachers would benefit in a refresher course or in-service on basic courtesy, character building, and consistency.

It was the single best thing we did to get our 5 year old daughter excited about school. Fantastic pastor in Father Scott and a fantastic school staff from the office staff to the teachers!
—Submitted by a teacher

Parental Status-two kids alumni of St. Raphael, both moved on to successful academic careers, one kid remains at St. Raphael. Teachers-superb quality in lower grades, too much turnover in grades 7/8. Content-usually slightly to dramatically ahead of public schools. Academic demand on students- rigorous,again expectations and grading scales beyond local public schools, but like most private schools, does not provide much curricular flexibility especially in higher grades. Does integrate public school special needs resources to an extent. Atmosphere-safe disciplined and oriented like a functional family. My kids are/were known by staff. Little to no tolerance for acting out behavior. Spirituality-well grounded and integrated in lower grades. Fades a bit in 7/8. Technology-beginning to be established but still behind some local public schools. Sports/extracurricular- second to none. Parental involvement-second to none. It should eb noted that the school has made an effort to reduce 'fundraisers' Principal/Admin- Highly supportive pastor. Innovative new principal. Physical Plant- Only real negative- 50 year old buildings.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs.Sikorsik is the coolest teacher ever! friday lunch moms rock!
—Submitted by Corinne, a former student

Let me start by saying that St. Raphael had a profound impact on my life. I graduated in 2000, and from there went on to attend high school at Divine Child. I am now in my first semester at MSU studying Criminal Justice. However, i most likely would not be here today if i hadn't attended St. Raphael. St. Raphael did a wonderful job at preparing me for high school. At St. Raphael I learned all of the important skills that enabled me to thrive. I admit that when i was there, I may have found it to be a bit strict and at sometimes difficult, but it was well worth it in the long run. Also, from what i've heard, it's gotten even better in the past four years. The teachers are amazing, the moral standards are superb, and the school all-around is 100% worth the money. ~Scott
—Submitted by Scott Craig, a former student

The education for this school is phenominal! what i do not agree with is the way the sports are held. I believe if a child wants to participate in a sport they should be able to do so. I believe it should be for children who's parents pay tuition to attend the school. Others, there is the city. I find it so amazing that you must meet a 'certain criteria' in someone's eyes to be able to participate in a sport. You want kids to do the right thing and be involved. If they have the ambition to take up a sport they should not have to be judged! the paying school children should all play! you make it work! so, when a child is not picked for a certain sport, he/she knows it is because they do not 'meet' your standards!
—Submitted by Annette Haas, a parent

St. Rapphael School is full of nice people. My child has gotten many wonderful friends. Some of the rules may go to far but most are fair. We are losing enrollment rapidly. In the sports program everyone gets to play. It is a wonderful school. Gives you a chance for a good Catholic education. My child is very happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a seventh grader at St. Raphael School and I am very happy here. All my teachers are nice. Our pastor Fr. Scott is the best. The sports they have are great and show you teamwork. It is just a great school and you should come here to get a good Catolic education!
—Submitted by ~*Lindsey*~, a student

Well St.Raphael of Garden City Michigan is a great school. I am currently in the 7th grade at this school and this is an excellent school. The sports include: volleyball, football, cheerleading, basketball, and baseball/softball. The principal is new and she is the best. The teachers teach great and know what they are doing. If you might know but Father Scott (our church father) he is the greatest. He is making our school a better place than it already is. So if you would like to you should go to this school.
—Submitted by stephanie, a student

I was sent to St. Raphael's after finding myself in some hot water at my public school. This school changed my life. I went from being grounded everyday to spending weekends at friends houses. My grades improved because failure was not an option. Best of all, I made life long friends that I still depend on to this day.
—Submitted by a former student

My son is in the 6th grade and has been attending St. Raphaels since the 4th grade; prior to this he was in public schools. I could of not made a better choice for my son in picking this school. He enjoys the school, classmates, teachers and the many other adult figures that run the school. I have never seen a more deciated group of individuals come together and work toward goals that are in the best interest of our children. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by Christine DeGiusti, a parent

I have nothing but positive things to say about St. Raphael School. My children are in 4th and 6th grades and have attended since kindergarten. I am extremely happy with the teachers and my children's eagerness to keep learning. They actually enjoy going to school. There are only better things to come for the school with our new priest, who the children absolutely love, and just announced our new principal. We also have excellent sports programs available. Overall, I am very pleased with St. Raphael and have every confidence that my children will continue to do well at the high school level because of their experience at St. Raphael.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a recent graduate and an elementary child at St Raphael-My graduate is very well prepared for High School-You must have a strong base to have a chance in High School-I feel we owe that strong base to St Raphael-Every parent wanting to give their children the tools and values needed to succeed should consider St Raphael.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at St. Raphael's; 8th grade and 4th grade. The teacher/student relationships are good. The principal lacks enthusiasm. We have a great Pastor that will make the much needed changes this year to make our school a better place. I would recommend this school for a good education now more than ever.
—Submitted by a parent