St. Michael School

I went to St. Michael's and now my daughter goes to kindergarten. Since September (4months ago) her reading has improved dramatically. I was skeptical about the school since in her kindergarten class there are 27 students, a teacher and an aide. Class size truly doesn't matter, her reading and math are advance, homework is about 45 min-1 hour long every day. During Sandy the school did not have power for a week, but they sent the parents a message that they will be opened for halloween, the school did NOT want the kids to lose their day to dress up and have fun. Dr. Cerino was principal when I went to St. Michael's and now she's my daughter's principal.... I could not feel more comfortable in having her manage my child's education. I love the school, the teachers and the students. Kindergarten and 8th graders are paired with a"buddy". The kindergarteners get to spend time with their buddy in 8th grade, they mentor them, have field trips together, eat lunch. These activities is what makes the students great and the school. Their location in Newark isn't the best, BUT they are safe, the students are polite, good kids who truly get along with absolutely everyone. No bullying at all.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in Kindergarten and find this school to be very organized, challenging and well staffed. I can honestly say, that this school has been an awesome start for my little girl. She has learned awesome manners and respect for religion. I am so pleased with St Michael's and am looking forward on enrolling my son when he's of age.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry that that parent feels that way of the comment of March 2010, but St. Michael School is a fabulous school. I am a graduate of SMS and now my son is there. Unfortunately, due to the economy classroom size has dropped dramatically, but I have found that the size of the classroom does not matter - it's the teacher's managementthat counts. St. Michael has good strong teachers, my son is happy and his preparation for adulthood is fantastic. I strongly recommend this to all. Principal is strict, but fair and that is what makes this school special.
—Submitted by a parent

Once a strong school, strong community focal point, Saint Michael's has begun to fall on hard times. Lots more activities on paper than in reality. Great 1960's style Catholic school discipline still reigns supreme. ZERO parent involvement-parents are highly discouraged from the 'inner sanctum'. Something has changed in the last 3-4 years-outdated teaching methods and curriculum, overcrowded classrooms (30+ in kindergarten? Who's learning anything?) are beginning to reveal the school as a thing of the past. Safe ,though. May work for some but very harsh, bitter personal criticisms for my two boys made forego the $$$ for public. Oh, well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud mother of two, who attend St. Michael's School. Both of my children have been honor students and average an A grade in their studies. I support this school 100%!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is by far what children need to prepare them for the demanding future that lies ahead. The no nonsense guidelines provides the structure that a lot of kids unfortunately are not used to receiving at home. The curriculum forces parents to assume an active role in their child s educational development or watch them struggle and fail. The children of this school where God is still recognized are blessed to have a real Principal and Staff that live up to the statement we care about your kids. Keep up the good work
—Submitted by a parent

I do not like this school and I am currently looking for a new school for my son. This school is not all they made it out to be. If my son's last school did not close he would not have been at this school anyway but putting him at this school was the worst decision I made.
—Submitted by a parent

I rate this school as excellent. My son graduated this year and was there since Kindergarten. The education and discipline is wonderful and the staff is helpful and caring. The color of the uniform should not be above an education or discipline. It's all about what you teach your child on what's important. I highly recommend St. Michael's for your child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

In comparison to other catholic schools I would rate it above average as far as atmoshpere and food is concerened but I pulled my child out because of the uniform. I do not believe in boys wearing pink under any circumstance.I could't find a schoool to accept my son because his birthday is october 22, but St. Michael would. I paid the full tuition and even bought the uniforms from the store on route 46. I just took the loss of over a thousand dollars. Some things are worth paying for.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in St. Michael's since Kindergarten. I've never had any problems. I believe children now a days need the discipline they give there. They care so much about the children. It's not all about how big the classes are. The children learn to respect, help and care about eachother and they learn that their education is important. One of my children graduates this year and I am sad that my child will not be there anymore. I wish St. Michael's had a high school! You are never going to find a school like St. Michael. I highly recommend this school for any child.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Proud former student from St. Michael's. I have recommended all friends and family to send their children to St. Michael's. They are given the best chance to succeed in life and High School when they graduate. Yes the principal is strict, but she is also a caring person to all her students. In Newark she needs to be this way to succeed at getting your children well educated. St. Michaels will give your child an incredible advantage in life, as long as the Student and Parents give a maximum effort. Proud to be a St. Michael's Graduate
—Submitted by a former student

I think this is an excellent school. It is one of only 2 remaining in the north ward. They must be doing something correct. They maintain a low tuition, therefore we must accept the larger class size. This is a great place to learn.
—Submitted by a former student

I have been in Saint Michael since the third grade,and now i'm a sophmore in high school. My advice for parents who are thinking for puting there children in this school really should. many people think the princple is very strict, but it is reasonable. She does what is best for the students and push them to be there best. When i entered High school i was fully prepared for it and I am doing a A-B advange in all my classess. they prepared me very well and they taught me on a high school level. so when i went to high school, i did very well. So i really recommand this school.
—Submitted by a student

As of May of 2006 I've had my 2 children at this school my oldest is doing great here and my youngest just failed 3rd grade and has never really done well here. Academically I feel the school is great for children who don't need help and don't have special a special need because the classroom are too crowded and the some of the teachers show that they are overwhelmed by this problem, when you can barely walk in a classroom because of all the desks, I think that is a problem. The principal is a bit extreme but she does pay special attention to this school, and the children she actually knows every single student by name.
—Submitted by a parent

My Son went to St. Micheals for Two Years, I loved it until I stop working and started being more envolved in my son's school. The principal has been there for 15 yrs and acts like she cares about the children but all there are doing in hording the parents money. there are rarely school trips or even if there is they don't really give an opportunity for the parents to go! My Suggestion is RUN far away from St. Michael the teachers are great and lovable but the Pricipal is Horrible...
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

My son will be graduating in June 2006. He started from Kindergarten and has come a long way. The Principal has very strong views on following rules and discipline. St. Michael's School is a very good learning place for children. The children are taught respect, sharing, team playing, and giving to others. They are taught to prayer which is very, very important. I recommend to parents who want to raise a well-rounded child, start with St. Michael's School, Newark, N.J.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent in this school for 25 years. My three children are 10 to 7 years apart. I rate this school 'A+
—Submitted by a parent

Class size is too large. With the amount of homework given, there has to be more individual attention to reinforce daily lessons. Parents are not allowed to observe children while in class. Appointments must be made, which are not always convenient for parents that work 8-5. The school could do more to motivate the younger children. Before care should be looked into. Provide more structure & learning activities during the aftercare program. Hire more polite / professional administrative office staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the September 2003 post. I believe the school is great but the class size is way too big. I had a son and a daughter there. My daughter did wonderful but my son did not. Class size for teacher is big but teacher did not put enough effort in helping my son either. I would also like to see a summer school program. My son was kept back twice in this school with no chance of going to summer school. It's either pass or fail and I don't want to keep holding him back.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in this school for the past four years. As far as academics and discipline, I rate the school an A+. However, being that there is a large hispanic population in the school, I think the school needs to hire more experienced teachers. It is difficult for children who are struggling to learn the language to learn from accented English. I have encountered several teachers with very heavy accents in which I, myself, have difficulty understanding. I also think that more extracurricular activities should take place, especially for the lower grades. It seems that all extracurricular activities are aimed at the higher grades. I also believe that the teachers have too many children assigned to them, not giving the opportunity for more personal teaching. I feel that assistant teachers should be hired to give the children room for one-on-one learning.
—Submitted by a parent