St. Monica School

the administration is awful they wont take care of any problems they're zero tolerance for bullying is so the staff doesn't have to decide who was defending themselves and who was the attacker they are both just automatically in trouble i would choose a public school over this school is because the only thing you lose is being able to express you faith you gain extracurricular activities and a chance to get a better education

The mission and public credo/marketing of the school is absolutely wonderful. As a catholic it appeals to my family. The teachers are proficient and the many of them work very hard to be good educators to the students. The parents and families are exceptional. However, there is a great deal to be desired in terms of administration and the overall operation and leadership. There is an overall stoic feeling to the environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I have (3) girls that have attended St. Monica School since the 2000-2001 school year. We had to leave in 2009-2010 school year for personal reasons knowing we would come back. All I know is I have seen a reflection of the lack of education and one on one in their grades. We are definately coming back here and Hackett. This is worth every penny. I firmly believe what you do now will show the benefits always. This is my opinion based on our time here. I also believe it does not matter what school you thinking about sending you kids too they all have kids who are finding out more and more about themselves. In this transition you may find friends and you may not. We are all different no matter what always searching for others with similar interests. I am most important with education than socialization.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been attending St. Monica ever since kindergarten and I love it. Most of my teachers have been awesome and I've made many good friends. Wheneer you have a problem, the teachers take care of it. Also getting to pray everyday, go to mass once a week, and learn our Catholic faith is a privilege.
--Submitted by a student

If your kid doesn't fit the mold, don't expect them to get what they need here. Portage Public Schools have many more resources at their disposal for all types of students and the education is free. If your child is exceptionally gifted or requires any type of Special Education, St. Monica''s is not equipped to deal with it. The staff is relatively inflexble and has difficulty adapting to students outside of the bell curve. The only thing that public schools lack is the faith based education.
--Submitted by a parent

As much as I dont like paying tuition, the whole package you get at St. Monica makes it worth it. I recall one time when my son had missed several days due to illness. We came in late, during standardized testing. The door showed large 'do not disturb-TESTING' sign on the door. We could see his teacher when he knoocked. She didnt look happy to answer the door, but after she saw him her face lit up. She told him how happy she was to see him and gave him a big hug. At the same time, three kids jumped up to help him with his bag, coat, etc. I leftand had to wipe the tears away. You wont get this kind of care from public schools. Plus, his class had only 17 students in it. That day made all the tuition worth it to this Dad.
--Submitted by a parent

I am proud to be a teacher at St. Monica School. St. Monica offers an excellent, faith based education to children in Preschool through 8th grade. Our relatively new principal, Mrs. Becky Reits, has turned our school around, offering a vision for the future and striving for continued growth and excellence from both students and teachers. I look forward to each new school year at St. Monica as an opportunity to guide, educate, inspire, and nurture another group of children.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am a currently enrolled student (8th grader) at St. Monica's, and I am enjoying it, but like most 8th graders, am ready for highschool next year. The academic's at St.Monica's are average to my out of state friends, but I don't mind simplicity. The teachers are wonderful and caring, and try to get the best grade out of you! With religion built into the school day, I know more about my faith then I ever thought was possible! Church every Friday in a nice warm building, also helps us reach out to our faith. The music program (band) could use some work, but its fun. It'd be nice for a real art room though. The sport programs are great too, and everyone learns and enjoys. Parent involvement is a must for St. Monicas, and they help run the school, it seems. Hope this helps!
--Submitted by a student