St. Mel School

If you are not one of "their" families, you are an outsider. The school is not welcoming, unless you are in the click. A whole school year can go by and wondered - who/where is the principal? With the scandal that was uncovered in January, only specific classes were informed. While the offender may not have had direct contact with entire school, information and updates should have been distributed to everyone. Parents shouldn't be informed through the news or only in the parish bulletin (again, their parishioners). In my eyes, the school is nothing special, compared to other parochial schools. I'm not saying it is a terrible school, but there is nothing especially great to boast about. I will end it this review on a good note - St. Mel School is financially more sound than other Catholic Schools and will stay in business for "their" students.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just recently graduated from this school. He is now a freshman at Holy Cross. St. Mel did not do their job in properly preparing him for high school. Instead of telling the boys what kind of socks to wear or how to do their hair, or telling the girls that they cannot wear any nailpolish or make-up in highschool ( which is'nt true), they should be more focused on academics and PE. This school does not have a gym. Our children are going to be worked beyond words in a high school gym class. They are not doing their job!

I have 2 children in St Mel's and as I do like the school, I am disappointed that they don't offer any help if a child is struggling a little academically.The first thing they say is 'get you child evaluated'. What is that going to do if the school is not equipped to give your child the extra help. You're better off in public schools where they have these resources to help your child. Not only do I have to pay tuition, I also have to pay for tutoring. It's ridiculous!! The catholic schools want the money, but they don't help your child what so ever. Plus it has no gym and no extra activities. My children have to eat where they paly gym. That's unsanitary.
—Submitted by a parent

I am going to disagree with some of the comments made that the St. Mel school lacks in education...first of all if you want to start comparing St. Mel with the public schools you should send your children to public school. I have 3 children, my son who is an '08 graduate, and now my son is entering the 8th grade and my daughter in the 6th grade. We have been part of St. Mel school for 11 years and I have to say that all my children excel academically...The school also provides a safe environment that I feel most public schools do not. I feel that there is no such thing as a peferct school, every school has issues..We came a long way and the school is now updated with smartboards, teachers have worked hard to help the children with whatever help they need. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am going to disagree with the posting on 4/18/08. I see that many private schools inflate grades to make their schools look better. I have removed my children from this school because I felt that their education was subpar as compared to public grade schools in the area. The academics here leave alot to be desired. Why am I doing the teachers job after school with a 2nd grader, 3 hours of homework? That is the teachers job to teach. Not mine at home. Take a look at the ratings for the public schools in the area. All high. What are the credentials of the teachers? I felt my child deserved an honest & straightforward education. One he earned and was not given. You know what? My oldest child was accepted into Holy Cross also. He did it honestly and with hard work and actual great grades he truly earned.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have one graduate son (graduated with honors and with a scholorship to Holy Cross, Prep and offerings to Malloy) and another son in 2nd grade. I feel that BOTH my boys have greatly benefited from attending St. Mel's. The main reason why I sent my children to Catholic schools were for the MORALES that they would learn. I feel that a high ratio of students that come out of that school go onto wonderful things in life. Of course every school has things that need to be worked on, but for the most part I highly recommend this school!.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a little disheartened with this school. It seems the teachers expect the parents to do the work after school. There are no extra curricular activities on an academic level. Do they not beleive in Arts and Sciences? But there is soccer. (sarcasm) The children are learning, but not at the same pace as other students in public schools in the area. Besides these obious drawbacks, everyone in the school I have met is friendly and helpful. I just wish the academics were just as important to the school as handwriting and religion.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at St Mel's, and have been nothing but pleased. Small, safe, nurturing environment where teachers in all grades (and principal!) know the names of nearly every child. Two classes per grade. Afterschool program. A few drawbacks - no foreign language is taught. No accelerated program.
—Submitted by a parent