St. Patrick School

Please do all of your research before going to St Pats. I am so disappointed in this school and the administration. The school use to offer lots of diversity in the curriculum. However, they cut spanish class last year, the computer instructor and music instructor put in resignation at the end of this year, with no replacement secured. The school no longer has the use of the gym (family life center) for next year. PE will be held in a small classroom or outside. This will also not allow the school to have sports teams that normally would use the gym, i.e. basketball, volleyball, tumbling club, etc. There is a lot of bullying going on by students and staff and the adm. has taken a hands off approach, not their problem. Tuition increased over $500 dollars for this school year and another $400 for next year. My child will not be returning because of increased tuition, loss of potential classes (we were notified 1 week before school started this year about spanish cancellation), loss of gym, loss of sports, and the bullying by other students and some of the staff that administration refuses to address. This is not a caring, nurturing Catholic environment. Don't throw your money away.
--Submitted by a parent

We had an absolutely awful experience here. The administration supports teachers no matter how unprofessional their behavior is. There is no acceptance whatsoever of children's different levels of abilities and temperaments. There are so many students in each class, and teachers are allowed to be so lazy that there is literally no reason to spend your money here instead of public school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is just OK. The new principal is not organized and has made several significant changes this school year but did not notify parents of the changes until the first day of school. The tuition rate and fees keep climbing but programs are being dropped. We are getting less for our money. Some of the teachers need to be more compassionate with the students. The education is top-notch for this area when you compare it to public schools but lacking when you compare it to other private schools. There are no "elective courses" for middle school students, there is no band, there are limited sports and there is no foreign language. I would recommend doing research on other private schools before choosing St. Pats.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended St. Patrick School since kindergarten and will be in the 4th and 5th grade this year. The academics are challenging, and the school is committed to each student's success. It has become like a family to us, and we look forward to the next several years there.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at St. Patrick's for two years and are very happy. My child is learning at an amazing rate and doing so with a smile on his face. I think that anyone wishing a parochial education for their child should consider this school. The staff is open and friendly. It is a great place and we look forward to many more years at St. Pat's.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school! My husband is in the military and having had some bad experiences in the last several schools my children attended, we researched both public and private schools in Fayetteville. We had children going into 2nd, 5th, and 8th grade, and unfortunately our choice of public schools did not pan out. St. Pat's was recommended to us by a new neighbor, and after our tour we felt so at home that we didn't look anywhere else! Yes, my children have complained of "mean" teachers, but after lots of discussion I'm confident in saying the better interpretation is "strict" teachers who don't tolerate bad behavior and don't accept excuses. It s not perfect, and my kids have stories of minor bullying, and there are some teachers I don't love, but overall, we couldn't be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

In response to one of the reviews concerning the lack of special needs being addressed at St. Patrick's, private schools do not receive tax dollars for such programs and usually are not equipped to teach such children. Government schools are equipped and have plenty of dollars to cover those needs.

WOW!!!!! I can't believe the negative comments from parents. This is the only school in Fayetteville that I would send my three children. They are receiving a wonderful education, that is faith based. My children are challenged, and love to go to school everyday. That speaks volumes to me. My children have been exposed to every teacher at St Patrick and I cannot speak more highly about a school.
--Submitted by a parent

St Patrick School has been a wonderful, nurturing place for my children. I am sorry that some of the other reviewers have not had the same experience our family has had. The preschool teacher was warm and welcoming and extremely patient when teaching her students and interacting with parents. We have had a child in every grade at some time or other and have been happy with every one. Our kids have been challenged academically and pushed to be the best students and people they can be. St Patrick School was absolutely the right fit for our family and I would recommed it without reservation to anyone in the Fayetteville/Ft Bragg area.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very happy at St. Patricks and I have read some of the other reviews and I agree slightly and disagree more-so. We have only had one teacher so far, the 2nd grade, and they do not have the best interpersonal social personalitles, but they are very nice, they get things done and will talk with you if you have a problem. Especially because the academic structure in the surrounding Fayetteville area is greatly lacking, I think this is a far better option than the alternatives. I continuously ask my daughter if the teachers are mean and at her age she has no problems expressing these observations and she continuously says " no mom , just strict" and this is ok by me. They definitely have high expectations and strive for students to meet them and they will let you know if your child is not meeting them, but will work with you if you are willing, rather than you getting offended by it.
--Submitted by a parent