St. Cecilia Elementary School

Wonderful school--teachers, principal, parents. Our kids love getting up and going to school each day. St. Cecilia holds the bar high academically, but also takes great care in building self-esteem and confidence in the students. Nothing but positive things to say.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor academics that move at a snail's pace. The reviewer who posted that the school has "rich academics" must have very low standards.The school offers a lot of assistance to student's who are below average academically. This is not a school for high academic achievers - they will be bored. We found the principal, Mrs. Harris, to be full of a lot of hot air. Publicly she comes across well,but behind closed doors her "true colors" shine and it isn't a pretty site. There are several in the area that have much higher academic standards with better curriculum. For parents, that want an excellent education look very carefully before selecting this school.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Cecilia not only provides children with a rich academic environment with extraordinary caring instructors but it also gives children the essential tools for living as contributing members of society who are caring for their community and environment. Mrs. Harris, the school principal, instills such a healthy energy in the school that the children become eager to engage in activities like who can collect the most boxes of mac n cheese for an outreach organization. We have been simply amazed at watching our daughter grow and transform into a well-rounded little member of society and highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child was bullied regularly over a period of several months at St. Cecilia's School. Principal Sue Harris refused to take action after being informed and even when told that other children also were being bullied. The principal stated she felt "nothing abnormal" had happened, though we told her our son had been hit, kicked, pushed and threatened again and again and that there were witnesses to this behavior.. We were told by Principal Harris that if our son responded to these attacks, he would be considered equally at fault. The St. Cecilia's Student Handbook clearly defines the behavior in question as bullying. Our child rightfully has lost trust in those who were supposed to educate him and protect him. He has lost trust in an institution which espouses Christian values, but then sweeps inconvenient truths under the proverbial rug. We had no choice but to wtihdraw him from St. Cecilia's school. The administration at St Cecilia s seems to put their own political concerns above the well-being of a child. We are deeply disappointed and hope that by sharing this story, other children at St. Cecilia s might be spared such uncaring treatment in the future.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are simply amazing. They are dedicated to educating the kids and to helping them become good people with sound moral values. I like the emphasis on building strong character and respect.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Cecilia's provides the best combination of a sound Catholic education with an involved Catholic community anywhere in the state. There are many great schools in the Beaverton area, but St. Cecilia won us over with its curriculum and the wonderful staff and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent