St. Ephrem School

Cliques, not only with children, but with the parents as well, silent bullying and bullying, some very mean spirited kids, highly unaccepting of kids who may be quiet, shy or a little different. Went to the school (teachers and principal) with genuine, real issues, never received any follow up calls regarding any them nor were they addressed. There is absolutely no accountabilty. Spoke with other parents, bullying within the school is not handled with authority and there are no absolutely no consequences in place at all. Upper grades especially. Seems the school is more concerned with money and what they do (academics, extra curricular) and how they are perceived then they are about the kids once they are in the school. My child has nothing but bad memories and is adament about not returning. I will not be returning my child to this unhealthy, uncaring environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children go to St. Ephrem and love it. I have found the teachers to be great and the school has a wonderful warm environment to learn in. In addition the school has the many extras that I was looking for such as, an after school program, a comprehensive sports program and niceties like the Spring and Christmas student concerts that enrich the student's experience. I believe that my children are getting a first class education and the friendships that they have developed, shows me that they are developing academically as well as socially. I have no hesitation in referring other parents to this top Catholic Elementary school in Brooklyn.
—Submitted by a parent

My siblings and I attended St. Ephrem, along with many cousins. We all made lifelong friendships. It offers an excellent, well-rounded education with a focus on not only academics, but athletics, art, health, spiritual growth, leadership and community involvement as well. A wonderful experience. Our parents all worked, but they were involved in our schooling through volunteering to be a monitor in the lunchroom. Teacher quality was high. If you got called to the Principal's office, it was for a good reason. Discipline was effective. Parents gave teachers permission to hold students accountable for their behavior.

St. Ephrem has been a second home to our family since the first graduating class nearly 90 years ago. It has weathered many demographic changes in the neighborhood without compromising its academic standards. I credit St. Ephrem School with helping make both of our children into high school honor students and star athletes, with a drive toward community service. It is a wonderful community, where our whole family has found warm, long-lasting friendships with the other students and parents. St. Ephrem is the sort of classic, high quality, ethically-driven Catholic education that our neighborhood sorely needs.
—Submitted by a parent

My sisters and I went to St. Ephrems and we have so many great memories of old friends and teachers. It was a wonderful time in our lives.
—Submitted by a parent

It's like a big family. A very safe and friendly environment where everyone knows your name.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has everything: a caring, approachable principal, great teachers who really care about the children, and a comprehensive extracurricular activity calendar, which has something for everyone! My 2 daughters have settled in so nicely, and they love their classes. The parent involvement is fabulous; these families really care about this school, and want to do everything possible to make it a top notch place for their children. I have been welcomed with open arms by the other mothers; you will usually find a lot of 'cliques' in some private schools, but I have not found any of that here! My husband and I cannot say enough good things about it. We highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

With regards to academics and extracurricular activities -- you can't ask for anything more, the school is great! There have been several questionable years, but since we have a new principal the school is back on track. The wonderful principal, the dedicated teachers and staff and our pastor are all working as a team to teach our children in a safe, loving and caring environment. There will always be bumps in the road no matter where you are - you get over the bump and move forward. Along with acadmics and activities, religion is a major part of the schools success. My oldest child has graduated from St. Ephrem's and my youngest child is still attending the school. I recommend this school to any parent who wants the best for their child/children.
—Submitted by a parent

The extracurricular activities should be held later than usual, for the working parents that are gone from 9-5pm.Racism also plays a part amongst children,maybe a course should be given on that.
—Submitted by a parent