St. Paul Education Center

If you are looking for a school with strong academics and a close-knit, loving environment, then you have found THE place! We have loved our experience at this school and are very sad to be leaving it after just one year. (Military and moving out of state...) The staff are just incredible. The school is small enough so they all know every child. The teachers are very motivated and care a great deal about bringing out the best in your child. The staff love the children and it shows--this is a family environment. I really can't imagine a safer, more supportive place! I appreciate that the school requires parental involvement. I like the fact that families are heavily involved in the school and made to feel welcome! All the families are so friendly and incredible. The children are all just good kids. It is so sweet to see the big kids treat the little guys with kindness! No cliques here--everyone is respected. The school itself is beautiful--recently remodeled and the classrooms are big and bright. The school is always decorated beautifully. Strong academics and a solid moral environment! Highly, highly recommended--will be our standard for future schools!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the PreK class at St Pauls and the quality of instruction he has received has far exceeded my expectations. The teacher is a retired kindergarten teacher who was well known as being one of the best at her prior school. The curriculum and pace is advanced, and this has proven to be an excellent fit for my child who just missed the kindergarten cut-off. The staff are also warm and welcoming . Best of all, my child is happy and looks forward to going to school. What more could you ask for?
--Submitted by a parent

My child is currently enrolled at St. Paul in the Kindergarten class. We have been beyond happy in every category. He is an advanced learner and has every opportunity to work at the highest level he is capable of. The teachers are very caring and friendly and there are many fun events to participate in. I see the uniforms as a positive aspect of the school, it saves money on clothing and we don't have fights over what to wear. There is a new principal this year who has been highly involved, accessible, and shown good leadership in the direction of the school. Please disregard the older negative reviews. Every parent I know would choose St. Paul again.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Pauls is a wonderful school that I have been involved with for the last 11 years. My son graduated from St Pauls 2 years ago, my older daughter is in the 8th grade at St Pauls and my younger daughter is in the 4 year pre-school program. These children get great educations while being taught Christian values, morals and the spirit of community service. School is not a place to showcase the latest fashions, hairstyles and makeup. School should be a safe place to learn and build relationships which is exactly what St Pauls provides. Parents are required to volunteer their time but what better way to know exactly who your children, their friends and teachers are? And what's wrong with walking in lines??? I did that in public school for years!
--Submitted by a parent

I will honestly say that when I my daughter started at St. Paul in preschool, I was very pleased with the school and its academics. For many years I volunteered, went to school events, etc. However, my daughter and many of her friends were experiencing problems and had complaints about the school. My daughter definitely does not like uniforms or being restricted of wearing make-up, nail polish, all things that girls should be able to do. The school made all students be kept 'in line' from assigned seats (in the classroom and even during lunch), no talking or socialization during any time except a brief recess, and had to walk in lines in the hallways. The academics are also horrible. When my daughter was in 5th grade she and 7 friends decided on transferring to a different school. She has been attending there for 3 years, with little problem.
--Submitted by a parent

The school offers a great enviroment for your children, they learn a high standard academics and morals. I've had 2 children at St. Paul, one already in High School and succeding because of the great preparation and study habits offered by St. Paul. My other child is in the string program and basketball. The school offers clubs, Chinese and Spanish, art, a string program and a band program, Science Olympiad team,participates in the National Geographic bee and Spelling bee. If I had to do it all over again I will choose St. Paul over the other schools, because I want my children to be the leaders of tomorrow, prepared as a whole where each individual counts. This is a school where my children are also expose to the beauty of the diversity and learn to respect each other.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Paul's is a fantastic school. Not only has band and strings been added but our school offers Chinese!!! - The only one in New Bern!! Our children are being taught to be able to adapt for the future. In the past schools taught what we knew. In the future, our children as adults will need to be able to learn to information and use it on the spot. St. Paul helps our children to know their gifts and learn!!! Thank you for a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disheartened to read the negative comments; of course, no school is going to appeal to all, but I wonder if that poster really tried or if they're just looking for an excuse to justify their decision. We have been quite pleased with SPEC -- I've taken my toddlers to volunteer many times, as do several others. While a small private school can't offer everything a large public school can, SPEC offers an excellent education and extracurricular activites including advanced math classes (and advancement to higher grade levels if warranted), a state-award winning Science Olympiad team, history/geography clubs (National Geographic competition), band (new this year) and strings programs, a new step-dance team, and possibly some new sports. We've found caring teachers willing to go the extra mile and a principal that is genuinely concerned about the kids, not her own ego or political agenda.
--Submitted by a parent

My family is very involved in SPEC. I imagine that those who posted the two previous were not involved and expected to drop off and pick up their kids and have no other duties. Make yourself a known commodity, take ownership in the school. My experience has been involved parents(never enough) Happy children who love to goto school and a staff that knows and cares about each child. If you expect lots of extracurricular stuff, you wont find it here, but children here are made ready to succeed where ever they go. They are prepared and know how to be a student. They are safe and a majority will be highly educated. We, though many, are one body in Christ. These kids learn it and live it and the previous posters just didn't get it. God bless St Paul Education Center, her teachers, principal, students and parents. Catholic Education Rocks!
--Submitted by a parent

I can't believe that the previous posts are from the school my family went to last year and will be attending this year. This is a small school where parents are expected to take part.Penalties are not expected,but are there to make a point. It is about having the parents in the school. I spent well over 100 hrs with my 4 yr old in tow. Hot lunch twice/wk served by parent volunteers. Milk, every day. Fundraisers are a part of any school and those parents that are motivated will make it happen.Parent involvment is above & beyond.To volunteer is a joy, not the burden the previous poster says.After 16 yrs with 1 principal, a fabulous man took over and family issues in another state took him away. But God gave us him for only 1 year because Mrs Mahoney wasn't available til this year. Good things are more to come.
--Submitted by a parent