St. Valentine School

This school has provided our children with opportunity and experiences that they could not have gotten anywhere else, not to mention personal attention. Our children were also able to take advantage of the athletic programs offered there. As far as faith based, this Catholic school stands out and lives out its belief of community service from preschool through grade 8. Catholic tradition is evident with weekly adoration, mass, prayers, celebration of feast days, rosary as a school community, and observance of lent and advent seasons. The school students meet daily at the end of the day for ending prayer together before they leave for the day. They have a dedicated staff of teachers, principal, as well as parents that make this school close knit and family oriented. Our eldest graduated from this school and was well prepared for high school. We're pleased with our children's education; academically, spiritually, and physically.
--Submitted by a parent

The best combination of faith and knowledge right in the heart of Bethel Park. My kids know all their prayers, including the Angelus, and pray regularly w/their classes throughout the day. Plus, they attend weekly Mass on Wednesdays and weekly Adoration on Thursdays. Of course, they also learn their reading, writing, and arithmatic! We love the family involvement, too.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics are great. Ask local recruiters for Catholic High Schools. St Vals students excel at the high school level. The CATHOLIC education the children receive here is far superior to any other 'Catholic' school in the area. With weekly mass, weekly adoration, and rosary recital, there is no other school locally that can compare to this traditional orthodox Catholic education. Tuition is the 2nd lowest in the south hills area of Pittsburgh. The new pastor is unbelievably involved in the continuing parish support of the school. The school does not have a large enrollment and that is what appeals to us. The student to teacher ratio is phenomenal. It is funny how a school with a low enrollment always has top achievers in both academics and athletics. These are loving, caring children that have many groups and activities to participate in. This is a family oriented school with big results.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children seem happy there but we as parents question the future quality of education. Thus far the education has been adequate, but as Catholic schools go, there are limited resources. The resources are directly related to the enrollment and the dedication of the parish pastor. That dedication is questionable. Most students needs are met, but it is true that in the early elementary grades, a child is not necessarily taught to his/her potential. Parent involvement is a must, both monetarily and volunteer hours to keep operation of the institution. Catholic education is basic. Surely a Christian education, but not necessarily specific teachings of the Catholic traditions. Music is available but limited. Art is run by volunteer knowledgable parents and extracurricular activities schoolwide are limited. All sports are supported through independent fundraising efforts of the families involved. Be ready to work, sell, and have cash reserve to support fundraising.
--Submitted by a parent