Sts. Cyril and Methodius School

I have two (2) children. My son attended SSCM from Kindergarten through 8th grade. He graduated in June, 2010 and is currently a Sophomore at St. John the Baptist HS. He is an Honor student and taking a few AP courses as well. My daughter is currently in 5th grade at SSCM and also began in Kindergarten. She is a bright, energetic student and has been given many opportunities to expand her education in recent years. The school includes many programs formulated for both the advanced student as well as the creative student. I am grateful every day for choosing this school. True, there is tuition to be paid, but my husband and I find it a sacrifice worth making. The kids are happy, intelligent, articulate and aware of the people and community around them. I can't ask for better than that in this lifetime and I truly believe that they now have the strong foundation they will need in the world of today.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children all attended SSCM for a time, I transfered my older two into SSCM after spending years in public elementary schools, and my youngest has been there since Pre-K. There is such a difference between public elementary and Private, Catholic school. My daughter, who was so tiny, was being bullied in public school. They do not stand for that type of treatment at SSCM. My daughter is about to graduate from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, and will be off to College in the Fall. My oldest son is currently attending Chaminade High School, in Mineola, and is a sophomore. SSCM prepared them both well for the rigorous standards at these Catholic High Schools. My youngest is now in 6th grade, and has known his teachers bascially all his life. He is involved in the music program, and was selected for Senior Honor Band this year. This school is family centered, and the Parish is wonderful as well.
—Submitted by Joanne Silbert, a parent

My son graduates d in 2006 with honors. He faced the turmoil of 5 principles in the 8 years he attended. He learned to deal with all kinds of teacher personalities. He was not coddled along, but had to work for all that he attained. The music and arts programs rounded out a strong academic program. He was well prepared for the rigorous curriculum at Chaminade High School and graduated from there in 2010 rankng in the top 5% of his class. SSCM gave him the solid foundation to become the man he his today. I have confidence that he is prepared to take on the world as I send him off to college. I can't think of a higher recommendation than that!
—Submitted by a parent

My child just graduated SSCM with academic honors and is attending Chaminade HS in Mineola. He also received academic incentitve scholarships to attend the competing Catholic HS's in the area, as did a number of his classmates. My second child will be attending Catholic HS in the future and is doing well academically. I credit SSCM for preparing my children for high school. Our principal is wonderful who has implemented structure and discipline, rules and regulations. Unfortunately blogs like this are a haven for the disgruntled.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children who graduated and one left in the school. It is expensive, that is true, but it has been worth every penny and all the sacrifice. My older children were well prepared for catholic high school and had no problem transitioning to the academic environment of the catholic high schools. They are in Honors classes and have seen multiple semesters on Honor Roll. As someone who did not attend catholic elementary school, I wanted my children to grow up in environment where they would be exposed to the catholic traditions I did not experience. SSCM accomplished that while giving them a good education. This year, we have a new principal (a nun) who I feel is 100% committed to our school, our children and their education. Some people may not like the new rules, but discipline is back! Fundraising (not $1000??) helps keep tuition down and is crucial.
—Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't send my children here. It is a huge waste of money --- very expensive tuition, $1000 in 'mandatory donations', uniforms that constantly change, etc. For all the money you spend, you would think your child would get a stellar education, right? Wrong. Uncertified teachers, teachers who send home letters rife with spelling and grammatical errors, no extra help when a child needs it, absolutely no discpline. If you think this is a Catholic school like in 'the old days', you're wrong. This school is a joke. You would do much better putting your child in a public school and saving your money toward their college education.
—Submitted by a parent

unfortunatly if i didn't have one year left i would pull my son out. I wish i would have never enrolled him in nursery ... now hes heading into 8th. the school went down hill. the teachers are insulting, rude degrading etc. Shame on you SS Cyril staff
—Submitted by a parent

Three out of 5 stars is not an overwhelming endorsement for SSM and sad to say, but I too would give it the same grade. For those of us who went to 'catholic' school back in the day, it isn't like that any longer. Yes there is structure and some discipline (sometimes badly administered), some teachers go the 'extra' mile, some should consider retiring. It is VERY expensive and 'mandatory' fundraisers increase yearly. They love to change the uniforms every few years...more expense. Enrollment is down, instead of two classes per grade, down to one. Adaquet and expensive. Sad to say, but true, in our experience. 2 graduates, one still there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a very close knit community feel to it. The faculty & staff all truly care about each child as an individual. I had two children who grew spiritually from SSCM. That being said, I did pull both of my children out of SSCM. I found that with enrollment levels down, a few bad seeds can ruin a classroom. My son's teacher was so busy working with the 'problem' children that they neglected the more quiet children. It was sad to see my son's esteem be crushed by a teacher who never had any time or attention to give him. Had their been another class to transfer him to, both my children would still be students there. Or if the school had a stricter policy for removing trouble children from a classroom. I refuse to pay money to have my children be emotionally crushed.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is a wonderful learning enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at this school, and i love it so much. I am in the recently added student council, drama, 'Friends of Rachel', and on the staff for Literary magazine. The teachers prepare me very well for upcoming years of high school, and it is a close-knit environment. All the people in my grade are close friends -- no one gets left out and there is no unreasonable drama. Those who have given the school a bad grade havent looked passed the fact that there may have been 1 or 2 , lets just say, unhelpful teachers. The principal for this year is a wonderful man, always smiling and checking on how the classes are going. He helps out with student council ideas and is very informed.
—Submitted by a student

Overall not a good school at all. They need to get more resources for the students. There is no discipline with the students. Some of the teachers are good, but not many.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic programs, including partnerships with SUNY Stony Brook medical school. Drama club, music, dance offered throughout the school year. Parental involvement is above the norm for a school this size.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is very good. The people and the staff are wonderful. It is a very friendly and family oriented atmosphere. But, I feel that the students who need the extra help should be focused on much more, and it needs a better Special Education Program.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 1 child presently in Ss. Cyril and Methodius and 1 recent graduate now a sophomore at St. John the Baptist in all honors classes. SSCM prepared my son beautifully for high school in all areas: academically, socially, spiritually by providing him with a diverse education.
—Submitted by nancy kennedy, a parent