St. Peter's By-The-Sea Day School

My child attends St.Peters by the sea day school. I am writing this with only good intentions. I have to agree with the older posts, its very hard to say this but the school has changed for the worse. This use to be a wonderful place but as the years went on something toxic happened. The teachers,principal and families are wonderful. They are professional and warm and give 110% to the children. The person who is at the very top making poor decisions and rules is the one who destroying this school. The tuition is extremly high and is no longer worth it because of all the programs that were cut. I feel the tuition is being misused and not properly allocated. The person at the top who is making these decision ,I feel no longer has the childrens best interest at heart.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been in St. Peter's since nursery school. It offers an academically accelerated program that is based on the individual student. Each year students take the Iowa tests and are individually tracked from grade to grade. My children have tested annually way above the national standards. Programs like French starting in nursery school set the school apart. It offers diversity in the student body and the teachers and families are incredibly dedicated to the school. The school has experienced a lot of changes in the last couple of years but the education continues to be superior to other schools on the South Shore of Long Island.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended St. Peter's for 5 years and will continue through 8th grade. As working parents, words cannot adequately express the joy we feel in our hearts when our children get on that bus in the morning. Our kids wake up happy and ready to roll. They cannot wait to get to school. They are doing so well in their studies and just love their teachers and friends. Our children are also involved in supporting many community outreach programs - a joint effort between parish and school. What a relief to know our little ones are spending their days in such a safe, caring and loving environment. Another bonus - great parents who have become our dear friends - like family. Frank Fallon - our Headmaster is amazing. He is kind, caring and introducing so many innovative and ground breaking educational programs. As for the Parent's Association - simply amazing. so many supportive individuals who care so deeply for St. Peter's. We're in for the long haul. xo
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been in St. Peter's By the Sea since kindergarten. There has been a lot of change in the school led by Mr. Fallon. Initially, the plan for educational improvements seemed scary to many parents. However, the school has improved so much and some of the new teachers are just fabulous. This is a place where children are safe. The hallways and activities are well organized. The approach to religion is age appropriate and fun for the kids. Mr. Fallon has done a terrific job of turning this school around. My child has been committed to her school work more than ever and the new fresh ideas that her teacher has brought to the classroom have been implemented at home, which is so important. While I respect all points of view of previous reviews, I do believe that there is a night and day difference in the school curriculum, after school activities and their accepting and welcoming approach to diversity. We are glad we stayed committed to the school. They most certainly are committed to the children. It's an expensive school, but it is money well spent when you have relief as you are heading off to work knowing you left your child in the right place. Don't miss it!
--Submitted by a parent

I too removed my children from this hoax of a school. As a physician, I was fooled into thinking this was a quality school. Many years ago in the 1990's this school was considered prestigious and academically excellent. In recent years, financial problems, and misrepresentation has caused a dramatic decrease in enrollment. I removed my children after doing some research and finding many untruths that were being advertised about this school. Phony test score results, and the promise of an honor's program are among a few of the lies that were told. They claimed to have 100% of their students above average in standardizes tests, only to learn they WERE NOT EVEN TESTING at all! The school is so small now, there is little room for socialization, and growth. My children are thriving in their new school. I soon realized i wasn't getting anything exceptional from St. Peters. Infact, the school we're at now offers much, much more. Look around before you commit to this school. Ask alot of questions, and if they don't give you answers, run don't walk. Many of my friends and colleagues have been highly disappointed with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't agree more with the last two posts.This school is a tremendous disappointment to say the least.As a parent I was mislead.There is no honors program and there never was such a program.Many of the children at this school are in need of extra resources and have known behavioral problems.For parents of children with such special needs the ridiculously small class sizes are beneficial.However, as a parent of twonormal children this has been a huge disservice.The pretentious attitude of the parents is sickening.These parents may have a little bit of money but it is far from a class act.Having placed my child at a north shore school it is so sad to say that this school lives up to the "south shore" stigma!They attempt to compare this school to Friends Academy and The Knox School, but there is absolutly no comparison!The deceit and lack of communication between the head priest and the principal in regards to monies spent is concerning.Please don't make the same mistake I did.Protect your children and yourself from this place of dishonesty and misrepresentation.There are much better schools out there for a fraction of the cost with a great staff and student body.
--Submitted by a parent

Beware!This school isoverpriced and a scam!It is not an honors program as they claim. The curriculum is no different than any public school, except they claim to teach French, but the French teacher is not certified and doesn't speak fluent French.In fact, many of the teachers are not certified.The Parents Assosciation is unpopular,and cannot retain board members because of a disliked Parent association President.The parents assoc. does not hold open meetings during the year.On top of the $9000 tuition you are constantly asked for more money.However, you never know how much fundraising money is raised or where it goes to.The teachers refuse to host after-school clubs, so if you want your child involved, you again must open your wallet to pay for after school activities.The head priest is unpopular and secretive.The school is money hungry,and more expensive than any other private school in the area, but you get less than any of the other schools.Look elsewhere before you waste your money here.I learned the hard way,and wish someone would have warned me.I took my kids out last year after learning of the tremendous financial deficit the school was in.They are much happier now.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Peter's is currently under new leadership. My child attended there up until third grade and his years there were wonderful. However, I am very happy that I decided to send him to another school because St. Peter's lacked diversity. It did not represent our diverse world. The new school is larger and warmer. It was "stuffy" there. Hopefully, the new leadership will do better. They lost a great deal of students due to the tuition hikes and the management. He acted as if he were growing a business which is different than managing a school.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children are in the 2nd and 4th grade. Both children are very different, yet St. Peter's has managed to accomodate both their needs. The school and the faculty encourage the children to speak publicly. This has taught my child to overcome shyness and become comfortable with expressing herself in front of 10-100 people. One child has received the extra attention she needed to develop her phonetic skills and to make her a better reader. The teachers and the administrative staff treat you like family. I applaude the diversity. My children are sharing costumes and traditions from Christianity, Judiasm, Hindi, Pharsi, etc. The French language adds depth to the curiculum. After graduating from St. Peter's in 8th grade, I believe my children will be prepared to take on the challenges of high school both academically and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel the school is excellent. My children have attended starting with the nursery. My children have excellent grades. The new school head only cares about the children that attend. The school starts at the nursery level and goes on through 8th grade. You need to check it out yourself. The teachers are wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent