Academy of St. Dorothy

Academy of St. Dorothy is a top notch school that provides a community to both students and parents. I have been a parent in this school for 10 years and I must say that the children are REALLY prepared for High School. It's amazing the reaction you get from educators from other schools when they hear that the student is a graduate of Academy of Sty. Dorothy. They immeditely know that the student is well rounded and very skilled. If you are looking for a GREAT education as well as a safe healthy spiritual environment for your children, look no further.
—Submitted by a parent

My suggestion to all parents is all though these school reviews are helpful, you should schedule an appointment and view the school for yourself. My personal experience with ASD is if you are interested in your child receiving a superior well-rounded education, enhancing their spiritual growth, nurturing the competitive side through a plethora of sporting activities and having an extended family consisting of 392 fellow students and their families, then this school is for you. The principle is a very dedicated educator and her facility; follow by her example. Your child s mind will be challenged to perform at its full potential. Sometimes that will need the assistance of the parents with their homework and studies. Therefore, if your educational philosophy is that learning should only take place in the actual educational institution, this school is not for you.
—Submitted by a parent

the school is great, my child loves the school we see his progress every day his teacher mr's hepwoth is the best
—Submitted by a parent

To the parent that said put your kids in Hill. I say maybe you should read their reviews first! It is funny that anyone who has ASD ends up in Public schools which leads me to believe that Catholic school was not the right place for their children
—Submitted by a parent

ASD provides a safe, secure, friendly school environment. The Principal is actively involved in the school and knows each child and family. It can be a good choice for some, especially in the early grades. However, the teachers, with the exception of a few, are very average. They give too much homework, and too little help to struggling students. If your child is doing poorly, it is because they 'do not try hard enough'. They never look to their methods of teaching. They don't acknowledge learning differences.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children graduated from ASD and they both received a wonderful education. They did terrific in high school, both in scholars programs. I found the work challenging, the teachers, for the most part, were very good, and the principal very hands on. I think it is a great bargain, tuition wise, compared to other private schools. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone who wants a family atmosphere as there are many extra treats for the children such as Halloween fairs, christmas fairs, special person day, etc, that brings school spirit. I feel you really get a bang for your buck.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the Academy of St. Dorothy has some of the best educators on Staten Island. My child has been to public school prior to St. Dorothy and there is no comparison. The teachers care for the students and surpass their job roles to help.
—Submitted by a parent

I think ASD is a wonderful school my daughter is in her first year there. And she absolutley loves it. My daughter is learning so much , and she is only in pre-k.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have young children and want a good education, stay away from this school. The teachers are getting to old to teach the kids and there are quite a few unhappy families. They are surviving on there name from years ago. It goes from to many tests in one class to no tests in other classes. Teachers that talk about Quija boards and ghosts to teachers that eat all day in class. It makes no sense. Go to Hill and you will get you dollars worth.

ASD is a fantastic school for those who want their children to learn well and who want their children to be challenged academically. It is also great for those who want their children to grow in the Catholic faith. There are plenty of extracurricular activities with more being added every year such as an Art program, many sports, and a Drama program. Being a former student at ASD I found nothing at all difficult about the homework or teachers or the lessons being taught in the classroom. The lessons were well prepared and very well conveyed. I had no trouble at all. The curriculum was well covered and very well devised. Overall, it is a fantastic school (one of the best) with a great parent involvement and great academics and extracurricular activities. Definitely one of the best elementary schools for young children.
—Submitted by a former student

I do not know of any class with only 26 kids. Less than enchanted with math scores, teachers and lack of instruction. As a matter of fact a high percentage of students have or need a math tutor. Homework load is abnormal and makes you wonder how much of the cirriculum is not being covered in class. As for supervision, there is none on the property during AM or PM drop off and dismissal. It does however offer a safer learning enviormnent than the area public schools and has an awesome lunch menu.
—Submitted by a parent

I would recommend this school to parents who are interested in a well-rounded education for their child. It can be challenging academically but it tries to take into account individual needs. There is a sports program for students in Kindergarten through Gr. 8 which is coached by parent volunteers. Drama is offered as an activity in Grades 5-8. Parental involvement is strongly encouraged and welcomed.
—Submitted by a teacher

Good School. Not enough extra curricular activities, though.
—Submitted by a parent

ASD is a wonderful school and I miss it so much. I wish I could go back in time and relive grammer school once again.
—Submitted by a former student