St. Patrick's School

St. Patrick's School is everything a parent looks for in a private school-very strong academics, highly structured, promotes self-discipline- but it is fully parochial- Catholic values and spirituality are an integral part of the picture. We have three children who attend, and our experience has been an excellent one. The enrollment is stable, and teacher turnover is low. With few exceptions, teacher quality is quite good. The physical plant is in mint condition, and the interior is immaculate. As to comments about test scores, the administration at St. Pat's is very forthcoming about theirs. Then look on the Times website at 4 or 5 neighboring districts' scores. You will see for yourself how St. Pat's stacks up to the rest! Also, all St. Pat's students' scores are included in their stats, regardless of whether the student has an IEP or gets academic intervention. This is not true of the statistics published by local school districts. Also, there's sports, enrichment, after school care, full day pre-K, 2 and 3 year old nursery- the kinds of bells and whistles you usually do not find in Catholic elementary schools. This school is a gem!
--Submitted by a parent

For the people who think there are no children at St. Patricks who come from low income families or who are ESL think again. Through the Diocese there is a scholarship program that helps those with financial difficulties send their children to St. Pat's. For the parents who complain that 'all the teaching is left up to the parents' teaching a child never stops and of course parents have to help educate their children. It is a task that can not be done in a mere 6 hours a day. FInally , for those who complain about first and second year teachers , what do you expect ? In every profession people have to start somewhere and like every profession people are allowed to make mistakes. St. Patricks is a wonderful school and a great place for any child to learn and meet friends.

My daughter is in Third grade and has had a wonderful experience. Saint Patricks provides a loving, safe environment for children while nurturing their faith. In regards to some of the 'bad' reviews on here....ALL schools have their own set of problems. Just because you are paying extra money does not mean people in the front office etc are not allowed to have bad days. Grow up! Again, every school has its share of 'cranky' office workers and teachers. All my nephews and nieces that have gone through Saint Patricks have had VERY successful high school and college careers!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has gone to St. Patrick's School since pre-K, and is now in the upper grades there. Overall, the experience has been good, and the school's shortcomings (a small number of incompetent teachers, scant intervention for below average and above average students, a dedicated principal who unilaterally decides policies) have been balanced out by its strengths (strong identiy with Christian values, children are disciplined and safe, many fantastic and dedicated teachers, a principal with whom I rarely agree but admire greatly). One myth that keeps getting restated about this school is that the students score higher than the public school district on the standardized tests. St. Patrick's has no socioeconomically or culturally disadvantaged students or ESL (English as a Second Language) students in attendance, as does the school district in which it is located, and therefore comparing the standardized test scores is not a valid comparision.
--Submitted by a parent

St Pat's students scrore higher than all the other public schools in Huntington. Some parents just cannot handle the demand, and those who cannot obviously become intimidated and pull their kids out rather than working through the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

i sent my child there and had the worst expierence. the class size was 31 children in athe class. the teachers are first second year teacher out of school. most of the teaching is left up to the parents. the atomosphere is based on fear. i did pull my child out and it has beeen a wondeul move.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Patrick's school is at most,average in regards to acedemics. The staff in the front office is totally unapproachable and extremely rude to the parents. I sent my child there and remained too long because I was scared of making a change. That is now a huge regret of mine. St . Patricks school leaves it mosly to the parents to teach their own kids when they arrive home. St Patricks school needs very much to focus on treating the children who attend , as well as the parents who pay them , with alot more respect. For a school claiming to teach the principles of catholicism , maybe they need to relearn what that really means. Of course there are some good teachers at the school but mostly not great.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Patrick's provides superior academic programs on all levels. Its state test scores are quite high (competitive with CSH) and its faculty is fabulous (all NYS certified). Students get the best of both worlds - a strong academic background and reinforcement of values taught at home. The curriculum is set by New York State and the Diocese of RVC, and it is enhanced by the creative and energetic faculty. There are wonderful music and art programs, as well as cultural arts, theatre arts, an expanded sports program, and a varied enrichment program. The school stays current in terms of computers and other technology (many classrooms are equiped with smart boards as well as computers). Parents have opportunities to get involved through the Parents Resource Group and fundraising events. Most parents have a moderate to high innvolvement level. I am so very happy that I made this choice for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Patrciks School gives children a great academic experience, and great memories. The teachers and staff are great and always willing to help! Chidren go to school with smiles on their faces, and come home with even bigger ones. There is always extra help given when needed. The art, music, and Physical education programs are wonderful! There are many programs for parents to get involved in and the children have fun as well. The other good thing, is that the children are allowed to study about Christ and attend mass with the rest of the school. St. Patrcik's School is WONDERFUL!
--Submitted by a student