St. Mary's School

My son attended St Mary's for 2 years before going to Public school.We noticed the student teacher ratio had no benefits for him.He had a student teacher ratio of 14:1 with no added instruction. The last 3 weeks he attended was goofing off because the required curriculum had been presented. The money you pay would be better spent on tutors and a 529 plan.
—Submitted by a parent

We liked St Mary's because my son was able to practices his faith in a school setting. However, the school staff and the administration make feel unwelcome and that its you should feel lucky to be at that school, and parents do't have any say on goes on with your child at that school. We pay good money for our child to attend to not have a say so or question any behaviors of the teachers is nonsense. My son had an accident in his pants in class because the teacher did not allow him to go to the restroom and we did not get apology from his teacher outrageous and now we are struggling to help my son trust again.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's has been a great school. My child reads extremely above grade level and continues to excel in all areas. He enjoys attending school and is very involved. Sister has always been warm, approachable, and professional. My child has made wonderful friendships with fellow students and parental involvement is ever present. The school is solid in its leadership and academics. We are very pleased. Their uniforms could use a little upgrade.

Our five children attended St. Mary's from pre-school/kindergarten to eighth grade which if you count each year individually amounts to approximately 46-48 years. It was the best financial investment we ever made as all five of our children went on to excel at St. Pius X High School and found college to be "easy" in comparison. The three oldest are college graduates and are pursuing medical degrees. The two youngest are finishing their last year of high school. Thank you, thank you to the teachers at St. Mary's. They set the stage for success. The teachers pushed our children and expected them to succeed, thereby teaching them that hard work was important and very rewarding. Thank you to Sister Marianella for her life long devotion to her "love doves". I hope one day to see my grandchildren wearing the plaid jumpers and skirts worn by St. Mary's students.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been at St. Marys for 12 years now. Sister needs to step down, she is getting too old to run a school. The office staff is rude and needs a class in respect and customer service. There are quite a bit of teachers that really care, however, there are some that do not belong there. I believe they are just placed in positions they shouldnt be. Even though there are some issues, I would pick this school over APS anyday.
—Submitted by a parent

St Marys teaches values that include community, service, stewardship and making a difference. I know the teachers care about the kids.Plus they installed Low-E windows this summer.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending St. Mary's. I believe that the school and administration are excellent. Traditional values are taught and faith is reinforced. I recommend this school to all parents looking for a good school that values education, discipline and faith. The principal is caring and compassionate, but does not accept excuses for poor behavior or grades. Children receive a solid education and more importantly learn responsibility and faith.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a good Catholic education, but lacks the ability to teach skills that will help in high school. Most of the handbook rules are old fashioned and just plain stupid (such as the no jackets in slass rule). The middle school has better education in general. I would not reccommend this school to anyone who won't put up with the rules. They actually have a uniform violation slip that can go home! The principal and vice-principal do not regard any parent complaints and are too harsh on the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The middle school has really stepped up in challenging and teaching appropritely according to level.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, I was please with the discipline and safety St. Mary's implements, and they have some awesome teachers. I have seen some improvement in St. Mary''s Cirriculum, but I must say I have three children that attended there, and two of them were not prepared for an APS High School curriculum after 8th Grade. They were 'A/B'' students at St. Mary's and were not able to pass the Honors Math and English tests for their freshman year. They struggled through their freshman year of high school, then were able to get back into track their sophomore year. Administration needs to be a bit more customer friendly and listen to the needs of the families attending. The principal is to controlling and needs to listen to the needs of the teachers also.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending for the past 2 years and now my youngest has begun as well. I have to say I wouldn't want my children anywhere else. Academically and spiritually the school is solid. The principle has always been available to talk and is very responsive to us as parents. St. Mary's is a great school-
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's, while there are some dedicated instructors, offers much the same academics as the public schools. The administration is weak, with very little consistency. The site is in adequate condition but could use a more committed custodial staff. The security of the school is good, with a dedicated, on-site security officer. The Art,Sports/PE programs are a strength. The office staff would benefit from a course on customer service.
—Submitted by a parent

My younger son attended St Marys for 4 years, and with out the religion class this school really did not offer anything more for my child that he can get at a public school. I was very disappointed in its academics. If you are not giving money the Principle does not communicate with you. I feel this school is more about status and what click your in then education. My son no longer goes there and I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no consistency on policies and parental complaints are not regarded. Discipline standards although stated in handbook, are not adhered to. The cleanliness of the school is poor! Student restrooms are filthy and are not cleaned on a regular basis as is the overall cleanliness of the school. Parental concerns and/or requests are disregarded by the principal. Time for new administration to step in with fresh,innovative ideas; administrators who are not afraid of change who are willing to bring this school to a higher level of excellence!
—Submitted by a parent

Saint Mary,s is a gerat school that carries on traditional Catholic values. My children have learned a great deal about thier faith and have a strong moral value that will help them make moral choices in their futures. In adittion my children have recieved a top notch education from all of their teachers throughout the years. The principal and vice principal have been very supportive during ome of the more difficult times in my childrens' lives. The teachers have always looked out for what is best for my children and are always willing to spend extra time with them when needed. I am also aware that the teachers have been undergoing training in new and inovative teaching methods that also track my childrens' academic successes and failures. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone that wants a quality Catholic education.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is poor, both at principal and vice principal levels. Academics are adequate, but nothing special. There is no internet access to student academic work. School philisophy appears to be very much of the old Catholic attitudes with a strong emphasis on being punative and judgemental with very limited insight into progressive educational strategies. There are some exellent teachers among the staff, but it is not pervasive. After our experience here will not place any of the additional four children in this school.
—Submitted by Art m, a parent

Academic programs are weak and administration is very poor.
—Submitted by a parent

St Marys is a spectacular school. Children not only receive top notch academic instruction, but are schooled in Christian values and discipline. Teachers and parents are highly involved.
—Submitted by a parent